Cheryl Seal RESOURCE GUIDE: The US Active Duty Soldier/Veteran/Reservist Sat Feb 7 13:20:56 2004 64.140.159.92 The US Active Duty Soldier/Veteran/Reservist/Guardsman RESOURCE GUIDE (Guide Only) http://baltimore.indymedia.org/newswire/display/6200/index.php Note: resources just for Reservists and Guardsmen make up the last section of this guide) This page will grow as more resources can be added. Please contact us if any of the info leads to a dead end in any way. We have doublechecked the stuff, but we're talking bureaucracy here with some of the material, so ya never know. If you are not a veteran or solider but know someone who might need this, please pass it on. BE WELL ARMED WITH VA FACTS: Part of the Rumsfeld plan is keeping soldier/veterans so uninformed about VA benefits and services so that they don't even know what questions to ask. Here's how to "counterattack" that assault on your rights: BE INFORMED. It is highly recommended that you start lining up your options BEFORE you have even been processed out of active duty. It is also HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that if you shipped home for health reasons, you get a DAV rep as soon as possible and let them be your "guides" and voice. DIRECTORY OF VETERANS ASSISTANCE: ***Veterans Benefits News i-monthly newsletter written for VVA Service Reps and other advocates; one-year subscription is $25; to order, call: (800) VVA -1316. ***Veterans Benefits Manual and Supplementwritten for representative; details on filing, presenting claims for full range of VA benefits; offered by National Veterans Legal Services Program; to order, call 202 -265-8305. ***Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations the official set of VA regulations; available from the Government Printing Office; to order, call 202-512-1800. ***Veterans Appeals Reportercontains decisions of Court of Veterans Appeals; published by West Publishing Co.; available at nearest VARO. (this info courtesy Vietnam Veterans Association) A one-stop guide to Veterans benefits is offered by the National Veterans Legal Services Program: VETERANS BENEFITS MANUAL http://www.nvlsp.org/vbm_pubstxt.htm This guide, written for veterans lawyers and reps, costs $125 so would be a good choice for a bunch of guys to go in on to have as a "group resource." Here's a description: "User-friendly, well-indexed, and packed with practical information, it includes sample forms and briefs, flowcharts, checklists, citations to legal authorities, and other documents designed to streamline the claims process and save you and your veteran client valuable time." DISABLED AVMERICAN VETERANS web page: http://www.dav.org Main National Number for DAV (they will hook you up with your local reps) 877-426-2838 These folks are GREAT. But they are human and stretched thin right now so be patient. If you don't like your rep, ask if someone else can handle your case. This isn't the military! You have a choice. To write to the DAV: DAV 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41078 DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS website: http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/ National number: 1-877-222-VETS Be patient and BE PERSISTENT! Demand your right to speak to a rep, get their name, record the date and time of the call, and write down the info they give you. It is often WRONG, so keep a paper trail. READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICE (202) 273-9116 email vet.center@hq.med.va.gov Bereavement counseling for family members is now being offered VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY http://www.appc1.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?divisionId=1 The above is a VERY COMPLETE listing of VA hospitals, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers for every region of the country. If you don't have a computer, log on at a library or recreation center as soon as you get the chance. GULF WAR II "Mystery Diseases" Resources If you believe you may be suffering from the effects of the vaccine cocktail you received, here are some resources: Gulf War Vets http://www.gulfwarvets.com/index.html In 10 years of tracking vaccine and toxic-exposure-related illnesses, these folks have a huge database of info Gulf War Veterans Resource Pages http://www.gulfweb.org/ Here's a link to "Gulf War II Mystery Disease": http://www.gulfwarvets.com/news13.htm RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON GULF WAR ILLNESSES http://www1.va.gov/RAC-GWVI/page.cfm?pg=18 These folks are collecting info from vets and physicans on conditions that may fall under the heading of Gulf War illnesses. Also provide info on treatments and ongoing research. Contact: RAC-Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (T-GW) U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2200 S.W. Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66622 E-mail address is: RAC@med.va.gov HOW TO CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSON HOUSE OF REPS http://www.house.gov/ SENATE http://www.senate.gov/ BRAIN INJURIES Doctors report that a disproportionately high percentage of soldiers in Irag and Afghanistan are receiving head injuries (now referred to as brain injury, including concussions). Some of the effects of head injury may not show up for years, as dozens of studies of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam vets have shown. So if you have had even a concussion that did not result in your being shipped home, record the time, circumstances and everything you can recall about the incident for future reference. There is much research evidence now to suggest that even non-life-threatening head injuries can cause an increase in depression. So, if you have had a head injury you may have found yourself experiencing periods of unusually strong depression (being somewhat depressed whilst being stuck in Iraq() or Afghanistan is not unusual!). The first stop contact if you have had a head injury is the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center They have a program going on right now that is focused on head injury of any and all kinds among vets. So if you think you are having any head-injury related problems contact them: Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program at Walter Reed 1-800-870-9244 or (202) 782-6345. Here is a GREAT resource put together by a caring guy at Walter Reed name David Wulick: http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/departments/surgery/neuro/links.htm It contains a very complete listing of head injury/neurological resources. Know someone who was blinded? BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION: 477 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001-2694 Phone: 202-371-8880 email:bva@bva.org VETERANS WITH SPINAL INJURIES : United Spinal Association (formerly Eastern Paralyzed Vets) these folks are very dedicated and can help point you in the right direction for help 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, New York 11370 Phone: (718) 803-3782 Fax: (718) 803-0414 E-mail: info@unitedspinal.org POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) : Vietnam Veterans Association (they will talk to any veteran of any war about the issue of PTSD) http://www.vva.org/Benefits/ptsd.htm NOTE: This page has GREAT info not just on PTSD benefits, but on working your way through the VA maze in general. RAPE National Sexual Assault Hotline PHONE: 1-800-656-HOPE web site: http://www.rainn.org/counseling.html My advice is to locate the center in your home state. This will be be "grounding" and you will be able to touch base personally with the people later, when you are back in the States. The only military resource I could find was the Air Force Rape Crisis Center in Nevada. These people would probably be very helpful, however, and could help you with the specific issues that are involved with the military. THE RAPE CRISIS CENTER (Air Force) http://www.therapecrisiscenter.org/military_victims.htm HOTLINE: 1-702-366-1640 DEPRESSION The most reassuring thing I can say is that if you are in Iraq and are depressed, that probably just means you are NORMAL. It is a depressing situation, physically and mentally draining, and you are reacting to it as just about anyone in their right mind would. The second most reassuring thing I can say is that it won't last forever. The odds are very much in your favor (about 200 to 1 or better), as horrific as things can get, that you will come home safely to your loved ones and life will go on. This too, as the saying goes, will pass. Don't do something stupid like klling yourself and make the problem permanent! Here's an excerpt from "Depression in the Military" put out by Homeland Security, with my comments in brackets: "As a military member [and thus as a "federal employee"] there is a vast selection of resources available to you. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to active duty, reserve, retired members and their dependents. The EAP is a confidential assessment and short-term counseling and referral service that can be used without a referral. By law all information you share with EAP, psychologists and psychiatrists is confidential unless suicide, imminent harm to another, or child abuse is indicated. [in the firest two cases, you will not be penalized, just placed under medical care - probably shipped to Walter Reed, which beats Iraq even on a bad day. In the case of child abuse, you will probably be required to undergo counseling]. Your command, District Chaplain and medical provider can also assist you in getting help [I'd go with the chaplain, if I were you, but avoid the frothing-at-the-mouth hellfire types!]. EAP has a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year hotline number which employees and their families can call, 800-222-0364. The Samaritans Hotline- (800) 852-8336 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- (888) 333-2377 National Foundation for Depressive Illness- (888) 248-4344 Have you already been through the system and think you may have gotten a raw deal or believe you need outside help with your situation? Get a lawyer! NATIONAL VETERANS LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM, INC. : http://www.nvlsp.org/ They do a great deal of pro bono (as in free) work SUPPORT FOR SOLDIER'S FAMILIES DURING ACTIVE DUTY The American Legion are the folks to contact if your family is struggling while you are on active duty: Help for Your Family: http://www.legion.org/?section=veterans&subsection=ad_fsn&content=ad_fsn This is a quote from this page: "What kind of help can be available? Grocery shopping, childcare, lawn care, fixing the family car and countless other challenges to a military spouse. Family members simply call toll-free: 1. Provide details of the need and then let Legion family volunteers take over." phone: -1-800-504-4098 email: familysupport@legion.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IF YOU ARE A DISABLED VET American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance Program: http://www.legion.org/?section=community&subsection=com_tfa&content=com_tfa See also the Red Cross Resource below THE AMERICAN RED CROSS: These folks don't just help out in disasters - they are there for soldiers/vets and their families under many circumstances, including emergency financial help: Reservists and National Guard are covered under their kindly umbrella, too. Emergency Communications Program: http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_476_,00.html Emergency Financial Assistance http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_477_,00.html Family counseling Services http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_478_,00.html How to Utilize the American Red Cross during Family Emergencies While a National Guard or Reserve Member is Absent http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont1514_lang0_690.pdf Locate the Red Cross office nearest to your family: http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html Red Cross website directory: http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.html American Red Cross National Headquarters 2025 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 303-4498 FOR HOMELESS VETERANS: This is an outrageously huge problem, one, alas, that some new vets may also face in the future. US VETS (name of the organization) Quote from US Vets website: "If you are a veteran in need of assistance [or know of one] we are the largest provider of housing, counseling, employment and training assistance in the country. Our locations and assistance request form are listed below. If we cannot help you we will refer you to someone who can. Your information will be held in the strictest confidence. " Call Toll Free 1-877-527-8387 ALSO: VA Medical Center Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans: Martinsburg, WV: Homeless Coordinator, (304) 263-0811, Ext. 3469 Admissions Processing, Ext. 3067 Outreach Worker, Ext. 3084 US Vets AmeriCorps Members: James Brooks, Ext. 3849 Solomon Watts, Ext. 3994 Perry Point, MD: US Vets AmeriCorps Member: Stephanie Miller, (410) 642-1073, 642-2411 VA Medical Center Homeless Assistance: Baltimore, MD: (410) 605-7592 Washington, DC: (202) 745-8338 U.S. Vets AmeriCorps Member: Coco Green, (202)745-8000, Ext.5086 For information on VA Homeless Assistance Programs: http://www.va.gov/health/homeless/AssistProg.htm Other US Vets sites: Houston, Texas: Anthony Love, Director (713) 791-1414, Ext. 6989 http://www.neosoft.com/~lavetstx/ Ventura, CA: Carolyn Briggs, Director (805) 658-6131, 658-0180 Long Beach: Los Angeles, CA: Susan Lux, Director (310) 348-7600, Ext. 3110 From anyplace in the country, call 800 VET HELP or 888 233-8582! This direct lines are operated by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and is manned daily. There is also a message service if the office is closed. NCHV director Linda Boone and her staff are knowledgable about veterans programs across the country and are eager to help. You might also visit NCHV's web site (www.nchv.org) for information on stand downs, conferences and current legislative issues. For additional sites, visit out Veterans Links page http://www.lavetsdc.org/VetLinks.html SUBSTANCE ABUSE Got a Substance Abuse Problem? You are NOT Alone. It unfortunately seems to go with the territory - the territory being a war zone. IN WAR ZONE: To start an AA or Narcotics Anonymous meeting wherever you may be stationed: Contact A.A. World Services, Inc., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 Tel. (212) 870-3400. www.aa.org AA also gives their support to "AA loners" who need help, no matter where in the world they may be. Same numbers, etc. as above Also (for European troops in war zone): WSO-Europe 48 Rue de l'Été/Zomerstraat B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Telephone 32-2-646-6012 Fax 32-2-649-9239 NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS CONTACT NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS World Service Office in Los Angeles PO Box 9999 Van Nuys, California 91409 USA Telephone (818) 773-9999 Fax (818) 700-0700 website: http://www.na.org/contact.htm It can be assumed they also support "loners." AA and NA will send you all you need (books, literature, etc.) to get you started. BACK HOME: Find the VA Outpatient Clinic Nearest to you: Got to this site: http://www.appc1.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?divisionId=1 Click on your area, then find link to "Outpatient Clinics" Call the Clinic and ask if they have an SATP (substance abuse treatment program). Also/or: Call Alcoholics Anonymous: Find your local contact info in this directory: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/default/en_contact.cfm?contype=central slso see AA and Narcotics A. contact info listed RESERVISTS/NATIONAL GUARD RESOURCES FOR RESERVISTS: EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS "Your Rights When Called Up for Active Reserve or National Guard Duty" http://www.aflcio.org/yourjobeconomy/rights/rightsatwork/reservists.cfm RETURNING TO WORK (Reservists and Guardsmen) The National Mental Health Ass. is offering a support service to help returnees make the transition more easily - apparently some problems can emerge, and having someone in your corner with help and reassurance can help a great deal. National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone 703/684-7722 Fax 703/684-5968 Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA TTY Line 800/433-5959 http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/cominghome/returningtowork.cfm GUARD/RESERVE: What Happens to Your Healthcare Plan http://www.nmfa.org/nefe/c5/c5a2.html quote fro UPDATE TO ACTIVE SOLDIER/VET RESOURCE GUIDE — Cheryl, Sat Feb 7 13:56 Sometimes it is a soldier’s duty to tell the truth, — Jay Shaft, Sat Feb 7 13:27 (Cont'd) The communication problem was the most frustrating — Jay Shaft, Sat Feb 7 13:30
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