GrizzlyRay

Category: Veteran Resources

  • Veteran Service Organizations: Your Support System After Service

    Transitioning back to civilian life after serving in the military can be challenging, but veterans don’t have to go it alone. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) are dedicated to providing support, resources, and a sense of community to help veterans navigate this new chapter.

    What are Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)?

    VSOs are non-profit organizations that offer a wide range of assistance to veterans and their families. They are often founded and run by veterans themselves, so they have firsthand experience with the unique challenges that come with transitioning back to civilian life. From help with filing claims to finding employment and connecting with fellow veterans, VSOs are a vital resource for those who have served our country.

    Who are some well known VSO’s?

    There are many different VSOs, each with its own focus and areas of expertise. Some of the most well-known include:

    • The American Legion: With a focus on rehabilitation, employment, and financial assistance, the American Legion offers programs to help veterans find jobs, access healthcare, and receive support for disabilities. They also provide scholarships for veterans’ children and actively advocate for veterans’ rights on Capitol Hill.
    • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): The VFW is dedicated to advocating for veterans’ rights, providing financial aid, and supporting veterans with disabilities. They offer resources for veterans seeking employment, housing, and healthcare, and they play a crucial role in ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
    • Disabled American Veterans (DAV): The DAV focuses on assisting disabled veterans with claims processing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They provide free assistance with filing disability claims, connecting veterans with healthcare providers, and helping them find meaningful employment.
    • Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): IAVA supports veterans of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan with resources and advocacy. They offer programs to help veterans cope with the challenges of war, transition back into civilian life, and connect with fellow veterans who understand their experiences.
    • Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA): The VVA provides support and advocacy for Vietnam veterans and their families. They offer resources for veterans dealing with the long-term effects of Agent Orange exposure, PTSD, and other health issues related to their service.

    Why are VSOs important for veterans?

    VSOs are a lifeline for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. They offer a variety of services, including:

    • Claims Assistance: VSOs can help veterans navigate the complex process of filing claims for disability benefits, healthcare, and other entitlements. They have trained professionals who can assist with gathering the necessary documentation, understanding eligibility requirements, and appealing denied claims.
    • Financial Assistance: VSOs may provide financial aid to veterans facing financial hardship, such as grants for housing, education, or emergency expenses. They can also help veterans access government programs and benefits that can provide financial support.
    • Employment Support: Many VSOs offer employment support services, such as job searching assistance, resume writing workshops, and career counseling. They may also connect veterans with employers who are actively seeking to hire veterans.
    • Healthcare: VSOs can help veterans access healthcare services, including mental health support and substance abuse treatment. They can also provide information about VA healthcare benefits and assist with enrollment.
    • Community and Camaraderie: One of the most valuable things VSOs offer is a sense of community and camaraderie. They provide opportunities for veterans to connect with others who share similar experiences, build friendships, and support each other through the challenges of civilian life. Many VSOs host social events, support groups, and recreational activities where veterans can come together and build a strong support network.
    • Advocacy: VSOs are strong advocates for veterans’ rights and benefits. They lobby for legislation and policies that benefit veterans and their families, ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

    How can veterans get involved with VSOs?

    Veterans can join VSOs as members, volunteer their time, or simply seek assistance when needed. To find local VSOs, veterans can search online directories, contact their county Veteran Service Officer, or visit the websites of national organizations like the American Legion or VFW.

    Remember: You are not alone. VSOs are here to support you on your journey after service. Whether you need help with a claim, are looking for a job, or simply want to connect with fellow veterans, VSOs are a valuable resource.

  • Navigating Life After Service: Building a Community of Support for Veterans

    There are challenges in life that can impact us in ways we don’t understand in the moment and only realize a bit later. Case in point, this very newsletter/website.

    Allow me a moment to introduce myself. My name is Jacob Warren, and I am a disabled veteran who has been trying to navigate the complexities of life after service since 2008. All I can say is that the road has been rough, to say the least. I’ve struggled and stumbled many times throughout the years. (I’m not telling you this for sympathy but rather as a disclosure that I am still a work in progress.)

    The Importance of Community

    It wasn’t until the most recent events (and associated stumbling) that I came to the realization that there are other veterans trying to make it on their own and facing very similar struggles. To some, this might be one of the most obvious things that someone should have realized from the very beginning. However, when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to realize the importance of community.

    True community wasn’t something I understood until very recently. Over time, I will work on sharing more details about the recent events that took place in my life. But, for now, I will try to summarize the key moment.

    A Turning Point

    I encountered someone within the Veterans Affairs health care community that treated me with a level of care that missed the most fundamental tenets of the word “care.” I’m not talking about a lack of bedside manner. I am talking about being treated as though I was the most worthless bag of meat sitting in this person’s office.

    After leaving the appointment, I started replaying every doctor visit and experience I’ve had over the years. How did I go so terribly wrong that my medical history was completely disregarded in a single visit? And for the doctor to explain in the appointment that consideration of your documented medical history was discretionary? Keep in mind that I was transferring my care from one VA care region to another, meaning this was supposed to be a continuing care appointment.

    During the next few days that followed, I began researching whether other veterans had similar experiences. To my surprise, my experiences were very similar to others. It’s at this point that I turned to social media and voiced my experience publicly. In sharing my experience, I had a few people comment with suggestions. It was in reading the comments that the  mission for this project was conceived.

    TheSimple (Yet Complex) Mission

    We have to do better for our veterans. Regardless of the long or short-term experiences for me personally, my thoughts turned to the veterans we lose to self-deletion each and every year. If someone who is actively trying to navigate the policies and programs is met with this kind of treatment, it’s no surprise that we lose so many of our brothers and sisters who try to reach out for help, only to be met with similar experiences.

    Looking Forward

    My hope is that by sharing not only my experiences but also seeking out other veterans, service organizations (VSOs), online resources, influencers, entrepreneurs, and those who support the veteran community as a whole that we possibly can help decrease the numbers of lost members of our community.