Benefits of VA care

Why I get my health care at the VA

Veterans speak on value of vet centers

By Bronwyn Emmet

NATIONAL VETERANS OUTREACH OFFICE

Where do you go when you return from combat and need help readjusting to civilian life? These veterans found that Vet Centers – VA’s storefront centers staffed by combat veterans who understand what it’s like to transition – helped them the most. There, they got connected to community resources, VA benefits and services, and found someone to listen to their experiences. Here are some of their thoughts:

Candace

What I was really experiencing was just a hard time readjusting. I really just needed to talk to somebody, I think.

Jason

I definitely ended up going through a lot of bouts of depression and PTSD. And I definitely had a hard time.

Karl

When I Google-searched “Veterans services” near Los Angeles, the first thing that came up was the Vet Center.

Jeffrey

What I like the most about going to the Vet Center is that I was with like-minded people. I was with people that I know have been through similar things that I’ve been through. Going in and getting counseling from VA…and realizing that you can get help is the most important thing.

Karl

Vet Centers are really the best-kept secret within VA. It’s just one of those community resources that don’t get publicized as much as other programs.

Candace

They’re small. They’re community based. Most of the counselors have also served in a combat zone. When you call, you talk to a live person. You can get in right away. It’s help with no hassle. (Eligibility for Vet Centers has expanded greatly since the interview was recorded. To find out whether you are eligible, go to www.vetcenter. va.gov and click on eligibility.)

Jeffrey

You can have group counseling. If you’re married or you have a significant other, you can have your significant other come in there for free counseling. There’s financial management aid there. They have representatives from different organizations come down there and help you with your claims, or compensation and pension, or any other issues that you’re having.

Candace

Eligibility for a Vet Center is any Veteran who has served in a combat zone as well as their family members, as well as any Veteran – male or female – who has experienced military sexual trauma (or) bereavement, which is the family members of Veterans who have died on active duty. (Eligibility for Vet Centers has expanded greatly since the interview was recorded. To find out whether you are eligible, go to www.vetcenter. va.gov and click on eligibility.)

CANDACE JASON JEFFREY

Peter

The Vet Center is there to serve you. They tell you about your benefits. They provide both physical and sociological guidance.

Jason

It was another Veteran talking to me, so I felt like he understood a lot – where I came from and the combat experience. We had a brotherhood there, being with another Veteran talking to you instead of a therapist that really doesn’t know anything about war and combat.

Candace

Vet Center counselors know what it’s like to adjust and transition back to the civilian world, so they can relate. And sometimes people just need somebody to relate to them.

Dave

I’m taking action for my well-being.

Jeffrey

You walk into the Vet Center. There’s going to be someone right there. They’re going to ask you what’s going on and they’re going to help you out. Period.

Apply for VA health care

Enrolling for VA health care is easier than ever before. Explore your eligibility today at www. choose.va.gov/health.

The Spokane Vet Center is at 13109 Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley. The center can be reached at (509) 444-8387 or online at www.va.gov/spokanevet-center/. Bronwyn Emmet is a public affairs specialist for the National Veterans Outreach Office.

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