WHATS ON OUR MIND & HOW CAN WE HELP

Here are the main concerns our area veterans bring to us:

ASSISTANCE:


Where can I go to hang-out with other veterans, that has no dues or strings attached?

Because sometimes I don't feel like I belong or fit in.


I need transportation to VA and Doctor appointments


Can't afford legal help on Benefits and/or Civil matters


Don't have enough money for my rent, utilities and food


Need money for car repairs and gas & oil


My house needs to be repaired and fixed up


I can't find a job


How do I get counseling and addiction help


what can I do about PTSD, and how do I know if my spouse has it


Can't afford to send my spouse and/or kids to college


How can I find someone to visit and check on my disabled veteran spouse and/or relative


I can't find affordable 'in home help and assistance'


As a surviving spouse of a veteran, how do I make arrangements and what are the benefits



AND LISTED BELOW ARE OUR PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS TO ADDRESS THESE MAIN CONCERNS:




Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida PROGRAMS

Assistance to Veterans & Dependents

Assistance and/or direction for Health & Benefits questions for the veteran and their dependents.

In house Food Bank

Assisting Homeless Vets & Dependents

Resources with Community Partners

Oregon and Idaho Resource connections

No-Interest Financial help with Utilities, Rent and transportation, when funds are available.


VAOI Dependent Scholarship Program

When 'Funds' are available, we assist military dependents with a Financial Scholarship to improve their education and income to assist the Family. This is available only for local area schools.

Youth & Community Education

This program reaches from Day Care through Colleges, from Weblo through Eagle & Girl Scouts, Chambers of Commerce, Civic & Social Groups, by offering 'Hands-On'  Military education on our Constitution & Freedoms, Flag Etiquette and retiring, Community Color Guards, Letter writing to the Troops, and with area schools, a "Living History Day", where vets and active military share their stories and experiences in school classrooms with the students.

Our "USO" Daily Activities

USO type Fellowship daily in our Office, where we have 'coffee/tea etc and Conversation' and all at no dues or cost. Sometimes community members bring in 'home baked' goodies or lunch or snacks, also at no-cost. Some of the vets bring in their guitars or harmonicas and play music and as you can tell, the atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxing! Card games are also bring a lot of Fun and relaxation.



Veteran & Dependent Support

Due to the continuing increase of Vet/Military and Family problems with TBI & PTSD, we are building 'resource & education systems' to channel these situations. We are host to the VA Counseling Vet Van on Tuesdays of every other week, providing valuable assistance for Combat Vets and Family . We are also pleased to have had an intregal role in establishing a Veterans Court for Malheur County, Oregon.

Veteran Visitation Program

Throughout the year we visit our Veterans in area Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, in the Hospital or even in their Homes (for those who do not get out). On these visits we take along Afghans, slippers, hats, scarves etc, that are made by local folks, and present them to the vets. Of course at Christmas 'Father Christmas' makes an appearance with gifts and Stockings.

Veteran Small Business Management

Through our local Treasure Valley Community College and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) managed by Ms. Andrea Testi, the Veteran Small Business Management Group (VSBM), facilitated by SBDC Advisor Michael Braden, offers Veterans  assistance (at no charge) in either starting a small business or guidance in managing your small business. There is also a 'social' group of Veteran Business Owners that meet on a monthly basis to share updates and information on their ongoing business process. A great program to get involved with.

ADDITIONAL VETERAN ASSISTANCE LINKS

Combat Veteran Assistance

The VA Mobile Vet Van Counsels Combat Vets & their Families, they come to our Ontario,Or. location twice a month, to make an appointment call us at 541-889-1978 or call the Vet Van directly at 208-342-3612

National Veteran Service Offices

Every State has a Department of Veteran Affairs, just look up that telephone number for your State and call to ask where in your area or County you can talk to a Veteran Service Officer for any questions you have regarding your benefits.

Food Bank for Veterans

We maintain a modest 'Food Bank' for our area Veterans which is located at our office at 180 W. Idaho Ave. Ontario, Or, and is open during our business hours M/F 10am thru 3pm.

Important Help Lines

Suicide Prevention-1-800-273-8255

War Vets 24hr Line-1-877-927-8387

Boise VA Center- 208-422-1000

Portland,Or VA- 503-220-8262

Walla Walla, Wa VA- 509-525-5200

Spokane,Wa VA- 509-434-7000

Reno,Nv VA- 775-323-1294

State & National Representatives

Oregon State:

Sen.Cliff Bentz- 503-986-1730

Rep.Lynn Findley- 503-986-1460

Federal:

Sen. Ron Wyden- 202-224-5244

Sen. Jeff Merkley-202-224-3753

Rep.Greg Walden-202-225-6730

Rep.Peter DeFazio-202-225-6416

Eastern Oregon, Western Idaho

Veteran Service Offices:

Malheur Co.Ore.-541-889-6649

Baker Co.Ore.-541-523-8223

Harney Co.Ore.,541-573-1342

Grant Co.Ore.,541-620-8057

Idaho Veterans Advocate Office:

208-780-1380

Oregon Dept. Veteran Affairs:

503-373-2085 or 800-692-9666

LINKS TO GET YOU CONNECTED

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Members of this Committee that you can contact with an inquiry or a comment. Use this simple link to make your concern known.

Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Contact US Senators on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, about your concerns and comments as a Veteran and a Citizen. This simple link connects you with their website and contact.

Senate Armed Forces Committee

Connect with Committee members about any of your questions regarding the budgets for all our Armed Forces. Just click on the picture and it gets you to their website.

US Dept. of Veteran Affairs (VA)

Here is your link for the VA, just click on the picture and it takes you right there. This web page has all the info on VA Benefits and Services.

Veterans Crisis Line

Click on this image and it brings you right to 'start a confidential live chat', or to start a 'text' conversation or to call for help and info.

US Department of Defense

Click on the picture and get all the latest developments within all the Military Services of our Great Country. Gives you news, photos, videos, and special reports. Good way to keep informed about our Military.

LIVE 24 hr War Vets Call Center

1-877-927-8387 - 1-877-WAR-VETS

This is a 24 hr Live' Confidential' call center for War Vets and their Families.

You can talk about your Military Experience or any other issue that you and your family is facing during your readjustment to civilian life.

US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Additional Information

The United States Court of Appeals is a National Court of record established under Article 1 of the Constitution. It has exclusive jurisdiction of Judicial Review on final decisions by the Board of Veterans Appeals within the Department of Veteran Affairs.


The Court provides an impartial review of administrative decisions that were adverse to the veteran-appellant's claim of entitlement to benefits service connected disabilities, survivor benefits and other benefits such as education payments and waiver of indebtedness. 


You must have had a final decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals before appealing to this Court. note: the VA Regional Office is not the Board of Veterans Appeals.


Click on the Seal to the right to get to the Webpage.

Tom's Army buddy was going through the same thing

Tom, an Army Veteran, came home from Vietnam to hostility, so he hid his service. For years, he felt on edge and tried to cope by drinking. When Tom reconnected with a battle buddy, he found they had the same challenges, prompting him to get help at a Vet Center. Now he’s living a happier life. You can connect to our local VA Vet Van, that Tom was referring to below on this page = 208-342-3612 and other counseling resources.

A 'Veterans Court' Judge addresses the Senate Committee

March 2018 - Judge Lamas speaks to the Senators about how very important the funding & program continuance for Veterans Courts, and the additional treatment Courts.

Overcoming Moral Injuries

Veteran Joshua Mantz, speaking of his own experiences and outcomes with catastrophic Moral injury on the battlefield. This is an excellent TEDx presentation...........

It's Important for me to share my story

Ricardos' transition to civilian life led to hopelessness, he attempted suicide but finally found some programs that set him on a good path to recovery

"You come back and you just don't feel the same"

A Marine vet shares his story about being deployed in Afghanistan.

HEARTBREAKING - American Soldier breaks down

Politics aside, if you don't feel anything watching this man cry, you should probably check your pulse.  It's unimaginable what these guys go through.   Hat's off to Sgt Louis J. Loftus.  Nothing but respect.

Vietnam Vets Fight to get Rare form of Cancer to be covered

It took decades to get some acknowledgement from the VA that Agent Orange caused the Illnesses and Cancer it has, this one is finally getting some attention.

Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida Interview by Eagle Live

Check out this great video

Our Board of Directors & Management

Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini

Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini

Upon returning from Vietnam, Ron wanted to have a friendly place for Vets to go and feel comfortable and have no financial obligation. He Co-founded the Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida in 2006.

Vice Chairman Phil Jacques

Phil walked into the first Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida office one day, found out what we were doing, liked it and has been volunteering since then. He has been a champion for helping us with 'fundraising'. Phil served in the Special Forces in Vietnam, and has been our Vice-Chairman for many years.

Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland

VAOI Secy/Treas. Charlene Pelland

Upon moving to Ontario, Oregon, Charlene, whose Brothers all served in the Air Force, wanted to 'Honor' all our Veterans and became our first Office Manager, and quickly became our Secretary/Treasurer.

John Breidenback, Board Member

John also serves the Community as the Ex. Director of the Greater Ontario Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been a contributing/Active Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida Board member for many years, and served our Country in the US Army.John is on left.

Vince Schwartz, Board Member

Vince has been a very active Board Member now for many years, since he dropped by the office one day asking for some assistance, and has been involved every week since his first visit. Vince also served in Vietnam.

Tammy Bigelow, Ex. Director

Tammy first came to us as a volunteer through a Workforce Oregon Program, and has been with us for three years now as an Independent Ex. Director. She works so well with our Veterans & Military. Tammy's Dad is a Vietnam Vet.

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