VETERANS CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 2023
Inside:
Honor Flight recognizes locals who have served Remember to do your buddy checks The Top 50 VA disabilities
Honoring Veterans Day Why we celebrate the national holiday. MORE INSIDE
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Sunday, November 5, 2023
The Spokesman-Review
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Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Sunday, November 5, 2023
VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW NOV. 5, 2023
VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle each quarter in an effort to increase awareness about veteran issues
and to help veterans find hope and help. To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com, call (509) 655-9266 or visit www. VeteransHelpNet.com. For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
FOR BEING OUR HEROES WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER A VETERANS DISCOUNT
IN THIS ISSUE Why we celebrate Veterans Day...................................................................4 50 conditions can lead to benefits...............................................................5 How to find help................................................................................................5 Spokane-area veterans visit D.C. through Honor Flight........................6 Advocates available in legal system............................................................8 Spokane VA hospital recognized for in-patient care..............................10 Veterans Chronicle marks 5 years................................................................11
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Sunday, November 5, 2023
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VETERANS DAY?
The sky’s the limit on buddy checks
(Editor’s note: This article was the result of asking the ChatGBT mobile app the question: “What is the most important thing to remember on Veterans Day?”) On Veterans Day, it is crucial to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. This day holds immense significance as it serves as a reminder of the selflessness, courage, and dedication displayed by those who have served or are currently serving in the military. The most important thing to remember on Veterans Day is the profound gratitude we owe to these individuals. They have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, uphold justice, and ensure our safety. It is a day to express our appreciation for their unwavering commitment and acknowledge the immense sacrifices they have made. Another crucial aspect of Veterans Day is to educate ourselves and others about the experiences and challenges faced by veterans. By understanding their stories and struggles, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. It is important to recognize the physical and emotional toll that military service can have on individuals and their families. Moreover, Veterans Day provides an opportunity to support and assist veterans in various ways. This could involve volunteering at veterans' organizations, donating to charities that support veterans, or simply reaching out to a veteran in your community to express gratitude and offer assistance if needed. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have served. Lastly, it is essential to reflect on the importance of peace and strive for a world free from conflict. Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the need to work towards peaceful resolutions. By promoting peace and understanding, we can honor the sacrifices made by veterans and create a better future for generations to come. In summary, the most important thing to remember on Veterans Day is to express gratitude, educate ourselves, support veterans, and strive for peace. By doing so, we can honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and ensure that their service is never forgotten.
American Legion program encourages looking out for each other The Department of Veterans Affairs conducted the first National Buddy Check Week Oct. 16-20. The VA encouraged the participation of all American Legion members in this and future events, along with National Commander Dan Seehafer, who recently issued a Commander’s Message that underscored the importance of the initiative. The American Legion actually began its Buddy Check program in 2019 after its National Executive Committee passed a resolution calling for the twice-annual wellness checks on fellow veterans. Since that time, the Legion’s Buddy Checks have expanded so that posts and members can conduct them at any time. To date, at least 1 million veterans have been reached through the Legion’s Buddy Checks. For resource material on how to conduct a Buddy Check, download a kit at www.legion.org/publications/252001/ buddy-check-toolkit Recently VA Secretary Denis McDonough spoke with the American Legion about Buddy Checks, their relationship and more. Question: As we talk, VA’s first National Buddy Check Week just wrapped up. Tell me about what your expectations were for the week, and how American
Legion post and members can be supportive in future measures. Answer: The idea is as simple as it is profound. I'm a non-veteran, but I see this in vets all the time. In every interesting corner of the country, every interesting thing that is happening, there's a vet involved. Vets are unbelievably generous. And they're constantly looking out for each other, but sometimes they won't ask for a little help if they need it. So what the Buddy Check says is, "You know what? I'm not going to wait for you to ask. I'm going to just check in on you." So our expectation for and our hope out of Buddy Check Week is that simple act of connectivity among veterans reminds vets of that thing that so many of our vets feel that is missing since they took off the uniform, which is their connection to a larger mission. Question: What would you like veterans to take away from it and apply in the future going forward? Answer: VA has a program called Peer Support. That’s where vets who have come through recovery, substance use disorder, are looking out for other vets who might be in a different stage of recovery. And that's based on a simple concept that's really powerful from all sorts of
well-established precedent and clinical trials about managing substance use disorder. That connection to a mentor is a really important opportunity for truthful relationships and watching out for one another. So what the Legion has shown us here is that from Buddy Check, there are going to be certain organic connections that continue no matter what. Because what we've seen with the American Legion doing it the last several years is that rekindles connections, and those connections are very meaningful for our vets. But then also, I'm confident we're going to see is the follow-on effect, which is the buddy who gets a call is going to think to himself then, "OK, I hadn't thought of this. I'm going to call my buddy." And so there's a virtuous cycle then that comes out of it, too. This has been true at VA since our founding — we're watching and learning from vets. We're watching and learning from our partners like the American Legion, and just emulating what you're doing. The sky's the limit on what we're going to learn from this. Interested in the American Legion? Visit www.legion.org/join to find a local post. mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/ Find-a-Post
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
THE TOP 50 VA DISABILITIES Having any of these can start path to receiving benefits
Sunday, November 5, 2023
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
By Don Walker
VETERANS HELP NET
If you ever wondered what issues other veterans have claimed and are receiving disability benefits for, see the list below. Do you or some veteran you know have one or more of these issues? It is time to see if you qualify for VA Disability Benefits? It is not complicated or difficult to find out. See “How can I get help?” at right and contact them and learn how to get started. It is important. You earned these benefits with your service. Ask the questions! 1. Tinnitus 2. Hearing Loss 3. Limitation of flexion of the knee 4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain 6. Scars, general 7. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica) 8. Limitation of range of motion of the ankle 9. Migraines (Headaches) 10. Limitation of motion of the arm 11. Degenerative Arthritis of the spine 12. Sleep apnea 13. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 14. Major Depressive Disorder 15. Asthma 16. Diabetes Type 2 17. Cancer 18. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 19. Pes Planus (Flat Feet) 20. Radiculopathy 21. Adjustment Disorder 22. Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome) 23. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD) 24. Irritable Bowel Syn-
GO ONLINE VA.gov
drome (IBS) 26. Plantar Fasciitis 27. Arthritis 28. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) 29. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 30. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) 31. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) 32. Fibromyalgia 33. Eczema 34. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) 35. Sinusitis 36. Meniere’s Syndrome 37. Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) 38. Chronic Conjunctivitis 39. Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder) 40. Hiatal Hernia 41. Hemorrhoids 42. Varicose veins 43. Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) 44. Hypothyroidism 45. Anemia 46. Peripheral Neuropathy 47. Prostate Gland Injuries 48. Ischemic Heart Disease 49. Vertigo 50. Urinary Incontinence After looking at this list, what are your first steps to get your VA benefits or VA medical help? Many deserving veterans or their families believe they may qualify for some earned veteran benefits or medical help but don’t know where or how to start the process. Below you
will find three steps to get started on the path to hope and help. Find your DD 214 (Discharge Papers). It certifies your service, your service time and your status. You will need it before you can file any claim or get any benefits. If you can’t find it, you can order it by going to one of the Veteran Service providers listed in the “Resource Directory” section of this edition. Make an appointment with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). These are the experts that can walk you through the process and help you find out what you need to make a claim or start receiving your earned benefits. You can find a VSO at many different Veteran Service organizations (They can also help you get your DD214.). Veteran Service Officer help never costs you anything. The service is free. (See “How Can I Find Help” in this edition). Call, visit, or go online. Tip: Talk to a VSO before you try to apply online. It will save you some time and reduce your frustration. Start today. Don’t wait any longer. It’s your life, health, and money. Spokane Regional Veterans Service Center (509) 477-3690 Kootenai County Veterans Service Benefits Office (208) 446-1092
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide
covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service 1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
BY PHONE
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service (509) 477-3690
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line 1 (800) 273-8255, press 1
North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals.
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) 504 E. Second Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 435-2019
Provides healthcare and outreach for housing, job opportunities and counseling.
If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
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The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
VETERANS HONORED WITH FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME LOCAL WOMEN VETERANS RECOGNIZED By Ruth Aresvik
VETERANS HELPNET CORRESPONDENT
Early morning, on October 9, the skies above Spokane International Airport were crisp and clear. Inside the terminal, 107 local veterans, along with about 80 guardians, enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and coffee. Lots of coffee. Then the boarding began for another Inland Northwest Honor Flight, which included four Korean War era veterans, over 100 Vietnam War era veterans, and two female veterans, including yours truly. I spent my Navy duty working at the Pentagon and this was my first return visit in 53 years. Lots of emotions running through my body – and all the others aboard. We arrived at Dulles International Airport late afternoon to a warm welcome of locals waving flags and posters. Our first stop of the trip was the Air Force Memorial overlooking the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. This 402-foot memorial of three stainless steel spires, which opened in October 2006, represents the Air Force Thunderbirds peeling back in a “bomb burst” maneuver. Evening lights began to show the beauty of the Washington Monument across the Potomac River. I could hear the bugle sound of retreat and could picture the flag being lowered across the way on Fort Myer where I had lived in the Tri-Service Women’s Barracks. A banquet and lights out at our hotel in Crystal City quickly turned into a 6 a.m. breakfast call. We loaded the buses and traveled into the cemetery for a 9 a.m.
The Iwa Jima Memorial is shown in Washington, D.C. changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1937, there has always been a guard on watch, marching 21 steps down the mat with a 21-second pause facing the tomb, turning to shift their weapon, and waiting another 21 seconds before marching back. This is their routine. This is their job. The guard is relieved every hour; on occasion every half-hour depending on the weather. As we turned to leave, I remembered a photo from January 1970 as I sat in the big marble chair in the connecting Amphitheater. Thanks to my guardian Jeannine, we recreated that moment. Quite the blast from the past! Our next stop was the Military Women’s Memorial located at the Memorial Bridge gateway entrance to the Arling-
ton National Cemetery. Dedicated and opened in October 1997, it contains stories and the history of women who have served with over 300,000 women registered. My veteran friend Marilyn and I, being the only female veterans on this Honor Flight, were surprised with a short ceremony and presentation of a certificate. We crossed the river, blessed with beautiful fall weather, to spend time on what’s considered the National Mall – nicknamed America’s front yard. The World War II Memorial, established in May 2004, is an impressive plaza that forms a ring surrounded by 56 pillars and 2 towers. The pillars represent the 48 states and 8 territories, while the towers stand as tribute to the victories in the Pacific and Atlantic fronts. Sadly, more than 400,000 service members
COURTESY PHOTOS
The Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. lost their lives in the deadliest conflict for the United States. Moving east, we parked near the Reflecting Pool to take in more memorials. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 with Abe’s son Robert Todd Lincoln, age 78, in attendance. Flanking this mighty statue
and carved into the limestone is the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Perhaps the most profound and emotional visit was the Vietnam Wall. With many of our group having experienced boots on the ground and losing buddies, this somber
shiny black granite wall contains etched names of the 58,318 men and women who died in combat or are listed missing in action (MIA). The declared dead are marked by a diamond, those MIA are marked with a cross. If a person See FLIGHT, PAGE 7
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE FLIGHT
Continued from 6 currently marked as MIA returns alive, a circle is placed around the cross. If his remains are identified, a diamond is superimposed over the cross. Names of the first deaths (in 1959) and the last (in 1975) meet in the middle. Isaac, the trusty comfort dog who traveled with our Honor Flight, was a special and needed presence. Many walked over to view the Korean War Veterans Memorial depicting a squad on patrol in rugged terrain and harsh weather. These 19 stainless steel statues with haunting hollow eyes, were dedicated in 1995 to honor the 36,574 soldiers killed during this Forgotten War. We made a quick trip to the United States Navy Memorial off Pennsylvania Avenue to tour the interactive exhibits and displays. Overlooking the plaza is the original Lone Sailor, an iconic representative of all American sailors. Our final stop was the Iwo Jima Memorial dedicated in 1954 to all Marines who have given their lives in service and defense. This war memorial was inspired by the famous 1945 photograph, taken by Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal, of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Walking back to the raised steps, one has a spectacular view of the memorial, with the Washington Monument and United States Capitol in the distance. My mind flashed back to watching many Fourth of July fireworks displays from this location. What an extraordinary experience then and now. The four-hour flight home was interrupted by
COURTESY PHOTOS
The Vietnam Memorial is seen in Washington, D.C. Mail Call! Cards, letters and drawings from friends, family and assorted school children gave us the boost we needed to stay awake for the traditional welcome home. The corridor at the airport was lined with a grateful community, news crew, flags, loved ones complete with music and cheers. The Inland Northwest Honor Flight, active since May 2009, is one of about 124 “hubs” across the country that transports anyone who served in the U.S. military in active duty or reserve capacity to Washington D.C. In 2022, about 21,800 veterans and 18,709 guardians (who pay
their own way) took an Honor Flight. This dedicated organization and all who serve and volunteer make these once in a lifetime trips possible. Many thanks to them. For more information, and to find out how to donate, go to inwhonorflight.org. On this Veterans Day, it is fitting to remember the quote from President Harry S. Truman on a wall at the World War II Memorial which reads: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Ruth Aresvik and Marilyn Fisher are honored at Military Women’s Memorial.
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The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Giving help and hope to Spokane veterans
Spokane Veterans Forum: No one stands alone In a recent presentation to the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club, Tim Fitzgerald, the Spokane County Clerk and a longtime volunteer and board member of the Spokane Veterans Forum, explained to the club the impact and important work the Veterans Forum has been doing in Spokane since 2010. He told us some stories of veterans being given a different and life-changing option to the normal judicial system and how the Spokane Veteran Forum has helped hundreds back on the path to leading productive and law-abiding lives. The information in this article tells how the SVF works and outlines their process and programs working within the Spokane County legal system. The statistics of success are staggering for one of the finest Veteran Forum organizations in the nation. The statistic that jumps out deals with the recidivism – the measure of percentage of repeat offenders. Nationally, the rate of recidivism is 73.5%. Vet courts nationally have a 68% recidivism and in the Spo-
kane VET Court the rate is only 6%. Incredible numbers and the program also has an impact on the veterans that extend beyond the numbers and into the hearts and souls of the veteran participants. Here is one of many positive written comments from program graduates: SVF Graduate: “I know that the veteran court had to be a blessing in disguise but didn’t know the potential of opportunity it had behind it. With the support and resources that I have acquired from the forums and my mentor, I have gone back to school and re-established my relationship with my wife and family. So again, I say thank you for everything that you have done for me. I will never forget it.” Note: Among the many hundreds of graduates, 60 SVF graduates commented that they were so hopeless that they had considered suicide before the program helped them and gave them hope. Spokane and the nation are proud of the commitment, dedication and life-changing impacts of the Spokane Veterans Forum. God Bless all and all you do.
What is the VET Court?
VET Court is a therapeutic court program designed to provide a nonadversarial resolution process for all veterans who have served in the military and have committed misdemeanor offenses. Veterans from all branches and theaters of service are included. Some have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
What is the connection?
The SVF is a separate entity from the VET Courts, designed to assemble and focus services in support of the veterans during their court ordered resolution process.
The VET Court-referred veteran is matched with a mentor, also a veteran, who provides them support as they participate in the SVF program. To have a strong, immediate and lasting effect for each veteran, it is important that they be in the company of other veterans as early and as often possible. This is the role of SVF. The SVF matches and trains volunteer mentors. Veteran defendants are required to be in contact with their mentors on a weekly basis at a minimum and to attend the formal SVF meetings held monthly. A celebration ceremony is also held to acknowledge graduates of the program. Through successful participation in the SVF program and their individual respective treatment services, nearly all participating defendant veterans will have their offense dismissed or substantially reduced-all done with other veterans at their side. SVF currently supports approximately 60 mentors and over one hundred and ten (110) Veteran Defendants. The SVF is an all-volunteer organization and there is no cost to the veterans. Looking to help or want to volunteer? Contact Tracy Fitzgerald at the Spokane Veterans Forum at (509) 477-3901 or go to the website www. Spokaneveteransforum.org or Facebook @Spokane Veterans Forum (SVF)
The Spokane Veterans Forum (SVF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that provides mentoring, educational, therapeutic, and life enhancing services to military veterans
referred from regional Veterans Enhanced Therapeutic Courts (VET Court). The SVF was established in 2010.The SVF Program prepares veteran defendants to take their place as upstanding citizens in society and saves the community the cost of incarcerations.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Spokane VA Med Center earns Reopening of acute psychiatric highest inpatient experience award unit at Spokane VA Hospital
VA’s national Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning has announced that during fiscal year 2022, Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center achieved the highest improvement in overall rating of the hospital inpatient experience throughout the Veterans Health Administration and its 171 VA medical centers nationwide. Dr. Brian Gavron, Chief, Acute Care Services, accepted the award earlier this month at VA Central Office in Washington, D.C. “The greatest honor we can get is to be recognized by the veterans we serve,” smiled Dr. Gavron. “This award is a reflection of our team’s passion to serve our veterans and vigilance for attending to every detail of patient care.” Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center has more than 45,000 veterans enrolled in VA care. At the end of each medical appointment or upon discharge from their inpatient care, veterans can complete a patient experience questionnaire. The positive feedback from veterans is what propelled Spokane VA to this great honor. Considering the recognition follows the world’s concern over the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing demand for more health care workers, Dr. Gavron explained the award is a true reflection of the care team’s “Veteran-centric” focus and “can-do” spirit VA has for our nation’s military veterans seeking care through VA. “This is a result of a complete team effort for everybody involved with inpatient care, including: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social
By Bret Bowers
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
COURTESY PHOTOS
At center, Dr. Brian Gavron, Chief of Acute Care, and Jenny Calkins, RN, Nursing Manager-ACU/ICU/MedSurge, and associate Inpatient Care Team members display the VHA’s Most Improved (Inpatient) Experience Award – 2022. work, providers, nutrition, environmental services, lab, radiology, consultants, and of course, discharge planning.” Dr. Gavron added. “The award also shows the quality of care veterans are getting from our team in our outpatient clinics after their inpatient experience. And so, it’s a complete team effort and team approach. We’re extremely proud to see our veterans complete their surveys. We work hard to address any concerns and we are proud when they appreciate the sincere and professional care we provide.” Jenny Calkins, RN, Nurse Manager ACU-ICU-Med Surge, shared why the recognition is so special. To her, the award is, “truly the voice of the veteran and for nurses, that means more than anything when our patients say we’re doing an amazing job.” Calkins, a 17-year employee at Spokane VA, and a Kamiah, Idaho, native, also noted how health care has changed after the pandemic, for not only VA, but throughout the health care industry. Still, she indicates the outcome of the pandemic is an even stronger
Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center has reopened its Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU), after a multi-year renovation to the inpatient unit. At Spokane VA, Veterans can receive personalized mental health care and treatment to help the veteran and their family. Mann-Grandstaff VAMC leadership recognized VA’s regional and local leaders for supporting the APU’s remodel. The project added additional safety and comfort features for the patients, as well as electronic and other capi-
COURTESY
The APU ribbon-cutting is shown at the Spokane Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. tal upgrades for clinicians and APU staff. A private re-opening celebration also allowed VA’s local and regional leaders, including Dr. Robert J. Fischer, Medical Center Director to personally thank VA Com-
munity Partners, including Inland Northwest Behavioral Health and Frontier Behavioral Health officials for their support of VA and our veteran patients while the APU was under construction.
The Most Improved (Inpatient) Experience Award in 2022. commitment by the team at Spokane VA. “The surveys show that veterans know we’re doing our best and everything in our power to help them get better and to make their stay and recovery as best as possible, even when patients aren’t feeling well, or even worse, at their lowest low,” she said. “Their strength and service inspire us at VA to find our own inner-strength and persevere in our mission to serve our nation’s heroes with the quality health care they’ve earned. I am so proud of our entire team and our veterans at VA.”
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Sunday, November 5, 2023
VETERANS CHRONICLE
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
Veterans Help Net continues to offer those in need help, hope By Don Walker
• •
In December 2020, we published an article about our volunteer organization Veterans Help Net. We stated who we were, why we started and what we did in the first two years to help provide “Help and Hope” for our veterans and their families. This Veteran’s Day Special Edition of the Veterans Chronicle is published on the five-year anniversary of Veterans Help Net. In the last 60 months we have provided most of the information and content for 58 monthly Veterans Chronicles (The Spokesman-Review) and 43 Veteran Press editions (CDA/Post Falls Press). We have a vibrant and informative webpage (veteranshelpnet.com) and an active and impacting Facebook page (Veterans Help Net). We’ve visited dozens of Veterans Service Organizations and groups. We’ve interviewed many veterans and their family members and published hundreds of articles and stories, all with the objective of increasing awareness in our communities to the benefits and services available to our veterans. All of this was done to provide “Hope and Help” through information and awareness. As we evaluated the past years, we thought it might be important to let you know what we’ve learned: We will divide this into four sections: • Perceptions
•
VETERANS HELP NET
Observations Obstacles to Success Conclusions
Perceptions
(Note: these are not our perceptions, but what we’ve heard from others) a) Most veterans and families were not aware of many of the benefits and services they have earned with their service. b) Many veterans think the process is too hard so many never tried. c) Many veterans found it difficult to get started so they quit trying to get help d) Most did not know how to start the process of getting their benefits or obtaining VA medical help. e) Many veterans did not seek help because they thought other veterans needed or deserved it more and thought that they would be “taking someone’s place in line.” f ) In general, we found a large amount of negative perception from the public and many veterans about the VA’s treatment and accessibility to services. Many have experienced or heard about the horror stories associated with some past VA treatment or handling of veterans who tried to get help and were turned down or treated poorly.
Observations
a) The VA today is not the VA of 10 years ago. b) We also found that most veterans that are currently in the VA system had a significantly
more positive perception and thought they were getting great help. c) Veterans currently using the VA medical programs stated clearly that they thought their help and services were not just good, but great. d) Help is there if you have patience and are willing to do your part to complete the forms and provide the required documentation. e) The process is hard: Without the help of a local Veteran Service Officer (see “How can I find Help” section) many veterans struggle with the online application process on VA.gov and became frustrated and confused about what to do next or even how to get started. f ) You have earned the right to get help. The VA has the desire and the capacity to help all veterans that have earned the benefits through their service.
Obstacles
a) The Veteran Service Officers are busy and are sometimes overloaded, so it will take some time for them to get to you and start the process. But you must start the process and be patient as they will get to you and help you move through the system. b) You may not be aware of all the benefits available to you and your family. • Ask your VSO for a benefits review. • There are lots of resources to read (including our website VeteransHelpNet. com) • Most states and counties have Vet-
erans Service Centers and websites to help you discover and understand your benefits. c) Find or order your DD 214 or certificate of service as you can’t start without it. Here is a link to order yours. https:// www.va.gov/records/getmilitary-service-records/ (See “How can I get help? in this section.) If you can’t use the online process or struggle with it, you could ask a friend or family member to help you. You can contact a local VSO or go to the local VA hospital and make application for your records.
Conclusions
It is worth it!
You do deserve it! You can get through the process! Look, Soldier… You Served.” Because you served, you owe it to yourself and your family to seek the benefits or services that you earned with your service. If you quit ... try again. If you never started ... start now. They won’t do it for you. You have to do your part. Make your application, gather your information or documents they ask you to provide. Ask for help: You will never know unless you ask. Don’t wait ... Don’t be
the veteran that says “ I should have done this 10 years ago!” Make your life better. Find out your options. Apply for the benefits or services you have earned. How to start? See the “How can I get help?” on page 5 of this publication for sources in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Look online at VeteransHelpNet.com, call or email me at (509) 998-6484 or don@ Vethelpnet.com or find us on Facebook @veterans help net.
Refueling Our Heroes
Support fellow Veterans and be a part of Operation Fly Together.
Buy your flight gear or donate today! A portion of all merchandise proceeds go into a Veterans Fund.
Operation FlyTogether.com
Page 12
Sunday, November 5, 2023
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
GET TO KNOW THE SPOKANE VET CENTER Life isn't always easy after a deployment. That's where Vet Centers can help. Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a veteran returns from combat. Services for a veteran may include individual and group counseling in areas such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential.
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many
of whom are veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. All veterans are encouraged to seek Vet Center services. Any veterans and active duty service members, to include members of the National Guard and Reserve components, are eligible. Vet Center services are also provided to family members of veterans and service members for military-related issues when they aid in the readjustment of those who have served. This includes bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death.
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