Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
ASSISTANCE:
WHERE DO I GO TO HANG-OUT WITH OTHER VETS THAT HAS NO DUES OR DEMANDS,
BECAUSE SOMETIMES I DON'T FEEL LIKE I BELONG OR FIT IN.
HOW DO I GET COUNSELING & ADDICTION HELP AND FIND OUT WHATS WRONG
WHAT SHOULD I DO & WHERE SHOULD I GO TO HELP WITH SUICIDE
I NEED TRANSPORTATION TO MY VA AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SPOUSE HAS PTSD AND HOW DO WE HANDLE IT
I CAN'T AFFORD LEGAL HELP ON BENEFITS & CIVIL MATTERS, WHERE CAN I GO?
DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR MY RENT, UTILITIES AND FOOD
NEED MONEY FOR CAR REPAIRS, GAS AND OIL
MY HOUSE NEEDS REPAIRS AND PAINTING AND OVERALL MAINTENANCE
CAN'T AFFORD TO SEND MY SPOUSE AND/OR KIDS TO COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL
NEED TO FIND SOMEONE TO VISIT & CHECK-ON MY DISABLED VETERAN RELATIVE
I CANNOT FIND AFFORDABLE 'IN-HOME HELP AND ASSISTANCE'
AS A SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A VET WHAT DO I DO AND ARE THERE BENEFITS
AND LISTED BELOW ARE OUR PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS TO HELP IN ADDRESSING THESE MAIN CONCERNS:
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.
January 2023 By Courtney Kube, NBC News
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible for the free emergency mental health care.
Beginning Tuesday, U.S. military veterans who find themselves in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free emergency medical care at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or any private facility.
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible. More than 18 million veterans in the U.S. could be eligible.
The new policy, which the VA will announce Friday, will include up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care and up to 90 days of follow-on outpatient care.
The VA already provides emergency suicide care, but with the new benefit, veterans will not have to pay any copays or fees for their care. If the veterans receive care at a private facility rather than at a VA facility, the government will cover the costs. The VA will also reimburse veterans for ambulance rides to hospitals.
“Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the free, world-class emergency health care they deserve — no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. “This expansion of care will save Veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.”
The VA has about 9 million veterans enrolled in medical care and an estimated 9 million more who are not enrolled and are potentially eligible for care. Under the new policy they will be eligible for the same care at no cost.
The VA reported that 6,146 veterans died by suicide in 2020, or an average of 16.8 per day. While that number was 343 fewer than in 2019, suicide and veterans in crisis remain the VA’s top clinical priority.....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All Vet Centers are currently open and operational, providing face to face and virtual counseling and outreach. Vet Centers will continue to assess the community impact of COVID-19 at a local level and may begin to restrict access or limit foot traffic, transitioning services to virtual care if needed. This would be assessed on a case by case basis and as a last measure. It is VA’s goal of keeping Vet Centers open and operational for Veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Those looking to seek Vet Center services may call their nearest Vet Center or the Vet Center Call Center at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Please check back regularly as this situation may change.
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.
What is readjustment counseling?
Readjustment counseling is a wide range of psycho social services offered to eligible Veterans, Service members, and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. They include:
Does VA have readjustment counseling for family members?
Family members of combat Veterans and Service members have been eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling services for military related issues since 1979.
Am I eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling?
If you, or a family member, served in any combat zone and received a military campaign ribbon (Vietnam, Southwest Asia, OEF, OIF, etc.) then both you and your family are eligible for Vet Center services.
Where is counseling offered?
VA's readjustment counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located in easily accessable neighborhoods near Veterans, Service members, and their families, yet separate from VA organizational sites to ensure confidential counseling and reduce barriers to care. All Vet Center services are prepaid through military service. Contact your nearest Vet Center through information provided in the Vet Center Directory or listings in your local blue pages. Vet Center staff are available toll free and around the clock at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387).
Their Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s) are trained and accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. This includes not only applying for federal and state benefits but also providing resources related to the following:
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2H3QjidYou are here: Home / State Veterans Affairs Offices
State Veterans Affairs offices available by each state. Learn about the state and federal benefits you are entitled to receive and how to claim them. State Veterans Offices help veterans file claims for education, care for your health, find employment, get a veteran home loan, with compensation/pensions and much more.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2GQpxuZ
The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NADSVA) can also be accessed for eligible US veterans
benefits, service and long term health care. The organization ensures that no veteran is in need or distress and that the level of care and services provided by state veterans
homes meets or exceeds the highest standards available.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2HoFxDd
The NRD is a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers...
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
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. See above MAP for all US VSO's.
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.
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
Oregon State:
Sen.Lynn Findley- 503-986-1730
Rep.Mark Owens-503-986-1460
Federal:
Sen. Ron Wyden- 202-224-5244
Sen. Jeff Merkley-202-224-3753
Rep. Cliff Bentz-202-225-6730
Rep.Peter DeFazio-202-225-6416
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
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.
Learn about your eBenefits, Health Care, Non-Health Care Benefits, Burial and Memorial Benefits and more...
Members of this Committee that you can contact with an inquiry or a comment. Use this simple link to make your concern known.
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...
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.
Here is your link for the VA, to request your military service records including your DD214.
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.
The Congressional Veterans Caucus provides an in-depth look at every member of Congress who has served in the military. These men and women are key influencers when it comes to legislation that impacts service members, their families, DoD civilians and defense companies. Navigate the Congressional Veterans Caucus to learn more about these leaders, and highlight veteran politicians by state, political party, war era and more.
R-PENNSYLVANIA, NATIONAL GUARD
D-HAWAII, NATIONAL GUARD
D-MARYLAND, ARMY
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) is a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), located in Washington, D.C. The Board’s mission is to conduct hearings and decide appeals properly before the Board in a timely manner.
The Board Appeals Metrics page is now available with additional details. The link is also available in the Resources links to the right.
If a Veteran is affected by any natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, he/she may request that his/her appeal be advanced on the docket. Veterans are strongly encouraged to submit their request in writing, and can include evidence such as newspaper clippings, pictures, FEMA declarations etc., in order to support their request. Requests can be sent directly to the Board’s fax line: 844-678-8979 (Toll Free). Veterans are instructed to include their name, VSO’s name (if applicable), and their claim number. For more information on advancement on the docket, please visit our customer service page.
Here is a list of Hearing Team coordinator points of contact by region. If Veterans, Veteran Service Organizations or Regional Offices have questions about their hearings these are the appropriate people to contact. For general inquiries, please access Appeals Status on VA.gov (information below) or phone 1-800-827-1000.
Hearing Coordinators
Video overview of the new VA Appeals Modernization Act (AMA): Appeals Modernization Act Brief Explanation.
Anyone who is not satisfied with the results of a claim for Veterans benefits (determined by a VA RO, VHA medical center, or other local VA office) should read the pamphlet above. It is intended to explain the current steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process. Updates to this process as a result of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 are forthcoming.
For best results please log on to the BVA site by clicking the 'Red Bar' link below.
Greetings,
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is providing information about utilizing alternatives to in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic to support social distancing and the safety and health of Veterans and clinicians. VBA will continue to complete as many examinations as possible using virtual means that do not involve a face-to-face examination. This message is intended to advise you about the change and provide guidance and resources.
You can start and continue to file claims with no delay.
How to start or continue a claim
For individuals who need more assistance, VBA offers robust resources through the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000.
Intent to file a claim
Note: Intent to file a claim will preserve a potential effective date and allow the Veteran up to one year to submit a completed claim form. Veterans can also work with a local VSO to submit claims electronically or by mail.
A grateful nation thanks you for your service.
Sincerely,
-Veterans Benefits Administration
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.
August 2021, Military Times, Leo Shane III
The VR&E program had about one-fifth the enrollment and about one-tenth the price tag of the GI Bill last year. To be eligible, veterans must be at least 10-percent disabled with a service-connected injury.
GAO officials said it may be more beneficial for many disabled veterans because of the flexibility of the program, and the focus not just on degree completion but also job training and independent living.
“Unlike the GI Bill, VR&E participants work with an assigned vocational rehabilitation counselor, who helps the veteran identify a suitable employment goal and draft an employment plan,” the report states.
“To develop the plan, the counselor and veteran review labor market information for jobs, taking into consideration the veteran’s identified abilities, aptitudes, and interests.”
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Copyright © 2023 Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder