ARMED SERVICES CORNER
NEWS & EVENTS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949. The theme of the National Alliance for Mental Health is “More than Enough.” The goal of this month is to fight the stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for the millions of people affected in the U.S. Know that no matter the diagnosis, appearance, background, status…you are more than enough. The General Mental Health Clinic at the VA is moving to a BHIP Model (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program). Veterans enrolled with them will be assigned to a team, rather than just one provider to help promote continuity of care and collaboration. Besides the clinic, the VA offers other mental health services:
Intensive Care Management Program to help veterans recovering from serious mental illness
ALL VETERANS whether you are enrolled with the VA or not, are eligible for emergency mental health care. You can go to a Mental Health Clinic, the VA Emergency Dept, or a Walk-In Clinic. There is also On Call Mental Health where you can get help through your crisis any time, any day. To contact Mental Health Services, call 928-445-4860 ext. 7500 
The Arizona Dept. of Veteran Services assists veterans and their family members in qualifying and applying for benefits. They help with service-connected disabilities to non-service-connected pensions, assists with burial claims, and runs an Arizona State Veterans Home, among other services. They can help you determine your benefits and submit claims, including those with the PACT Act and COMPACT Act. They also help with appeals because laws change, diagnoses change, and people get new evidence. They are at the VA in Building 15 twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but you can also meet with them virtually or on the phone. Call 602-535-1215 for questions and appointments. PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins) Act
If you have questions about the PACT Act go to va.gov/PACT. or call 602-535-1215. This act is for service members and their survivors who had environmental exposures during their military service. This coverage is extended to veterans of the Viet Nam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 eras. The burden of proof is no longer on the veteran. There are presumptive conditions such as cancers, Parkinson's Disease, Hypertension, etc. If you’re not enrolled, please do so even if just for this coverage here: VA.gov/healthcare/apply/application/introduction or call 877-222-8387, M-F, 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you’ve been turned down before, apply again. The rules for eligibility change. The benefits are being paid out now and will be back-dated to August 2022, when the act was signed. The VA warns all Veterans about SCAMS. You do not need a third-party company to fill out the application for you. Often these companies will give you a blank form to sign and say they will fill it out and mail it, or they will have you sign a contract giving them a percentage of your benefits. If you need assistance, go to an accredited group by the VA such as DAV, VFW, or other local Veteran Service Organizations. This Act provides Veterans and their survivors with the benefits and care they have earned and deserve. Remember the COMPACT Act (Comprehensive Prevention Access to Care Treatment)
As of January 17, 2023 Veterans in Acute Suicidal Crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA healthcare facility for emergency healthcare at no cost including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system. You can call 988 (then press 1) to quickly connect with qualified crisis support 24/7. The VA thanks the American Legion Post 6 for their generous donations valued at
$1,000 to the Domiciliary. VA Benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy and more. You can join an event for conversation and information by going to www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/to peruse their online events. You can also call the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000.
VA Eligibility
If you get a letter of denial from the VA because of your income, please read it completely. At the bottom of the letter is a waiver that you can sign agreeing to pay co-pays. The National Hotline for Eligibility and Enrollment is 877-222-8387. Register even if you don’t use it. Every person increases the Federal money that goes to the local Prescott VA. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
DAV (Disabled America Veterans) Needs Drivers!
Among the services that DAV provides is transportation. They shuttle veterans to and from their medical appointments in Northern Arizona, which is 40,000 square miles. Volunteers are needed to drive as well as maintain the vehicles. Volunteers get a physical and a background check at no cost to them. Training will be provided. If interested, call the VA Volunteer Services at 928-776-6013. DAV has found a terrific Transportation/Hospital Service Coordinator in Prescott! They should be up and running in June! VA DESPERATELY NEEDS Ambassadors, Greenhouse, Wheelchair Assistants, etc. If you have time to help, call Volunteer Services at 928-776-6013.They can use Ambassadors at the information desk, Wheelchair Assistants, help in the ER room with lab work, Greenhouse, and many other opportunities. There is a process of getting fingerprinted and a background check, but they make it fast and easy, and the work is very rewarding. Quilts of Valor Quilts of Valor is a nationwide organization started in 2003 by the mother of a soldier deployed in Iraq. These are top quality quilts awarded to Veterans who are nominated. The quilts are one way of saying, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.” There are specific patterns and sizes to follow. For more information about this organization, go to www.qovf.org/. If you like to cut or sew, this group meets the 3 rd Saturday of each month at the Elks Lodge in Prescott Valley. If you have questions, contact Angela Smith, an RWOP member, at lovespets3@gmail.com. AMERICAN LEGION HONOR GUARD POST 6 PRESCOTT NEEDS MORE MEMBERS – Military Background not Required The American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard performs services to recognize Veterans at their burials. They have had several members who have aged out so they are actively seeking individuals, military or not, to become part of their team. They will train you! In the past 2 months, members have donated 550 hours of service to the VA for 61 veterans and 5 Color Guard events. If you want to become part of this prestigious group, contact Dan Tillman at 928-273-5146. ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Another volunteer opportunity is with the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve). These volunteers work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve. Contact is Larry Jacobs, Regional Director at 602-380-3829. 
Homeless Veterans Program
The VA has a Homeless program in Building 151, lower C. Walk-ins are welcome between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There are free showers and laundry facilities and sometimes clothing is available as well. If you are interested in renting to a homeless vet, click on www.va.gov/homeless. HUD pays 2/3 of the rent for low income veterans and the veteran pays 1/3. There is a National Homeless Hotline where you can find local resources by calling 1-877-424-3838. Veterans Mentor Program The Veterans Treatment Court is looking for veterans in the community to provide support, encouragement and assistance to veterans involved in the justice system. The Veterans Treatment Court, which is part of the Yavapai County Superior Court, is tapping into the unique aspects of military and veteran culture and using them to the benefit of veterans. To serve as a mentor you need to complete a short application and have current or prior military service. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by the mentor coordinator. The participants are involved in the treatment court process with their fellow veterans, re-instilling the sense of camaraderie they felt while in the military. Those interested in participating in the Veterans Mentor Program or that have questions regarding the commitment of a mentor, can contact Kathy Ryder at 928-777-7996. VA Pays for Travel to VA appointments:
The VA will pay for your travel if you need to go to a different VA facility for an appointment, for example, to Phoenix. However, note that the time allotted to submit those claims has changed. VA National now requires you to submit your claims within 30 days or they will not be reimbursed. Women’s Health Call Center
Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women. Women Services at the VA specifically addresses that. If you have questions about benefits, enrollment, disability, etc. you can contact the Women’s Health Call Center at 855-829=6636 between the hours of M-F 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET or visit www.womenshealth.va.gov. FREE OUTDOOR RETREATS FOR PURPLE HEART VETERANS-The Warrior Bonfire Program
The goal of the Warrior Bonfire Program is to support post-9/11 Purple Heart Veterans. They organize outdoor retreats to build friendships and camaraderie at events such as golfing, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The Warrior Bonfire Program’s tagline is “pain shared is pain divided; joy shared is joy multiplied.” The Warrior Bonfire Program also organizes an initiative called Bonfire Leaders. That program consists of Purple Heart Veterans who have gone through the program and decided they want to give back in various ways. They are trained to be leaders for retreats, speakers, and mentors, and to serve as peer support for Veterans during stressful times. Veterans can register at https://warriorbonfireprogram.org. Disposal of American Flags
If you have a damaged American flag that you need to dispose of properly, bring it to the monthly RWOP luncheons where we will have a drop box. Judi Williams, Hospitality and RWOP singer, will take them to the American Legion Post 6 or VFW Post 541 which handles that process. |
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ For more info, please contact: Armed Services Chairwoman Deb Robbins phxlass@cox.net ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
Mesothelioma Hope offers free resources that are reviewed by certified oncologists and provide detailed information about mesothelioma and its impact on veterans. 1 out of 3 mesothelioma patients are veterans so our mission is to raise awareness about this cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
1 out of 3 Mesothelioma Patients is a Veteran.
Upcoming Events:
PTSD Awareness Walk June 3rd 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Peavine Trail, 1624 Sundog Ranch Rd., located in Prescott (across from the Humane Society) Second annual community walk to raise awareness and show support for Veterans who are experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Contact: Jennifer A. Sigler, PhD 928-445-4860 x4834 jennifer.sigler@va.gov Tour of U.S. VETS – Prescott June 6th 9:30 a.m.
Join Deb Robbins, Armed Services Chair, for this enlightening one-hour tour of the U.S. VETS – Prescott campus at 1040 Whipple St. in Prescott. Their mission is to end Veteran homelessness in their community. They provide housing, workforce development, counseling and individualized assistance. If you would like to see what your donations do, contact Deb Robbins at 602-402-7069 or phxlass@cox.net to register by June 1.
With this card you can get discounts in many places. Veterans Discounts
Papa Murphys - get 25% off your order! Location: 3298 N. Glassford Hill Rd. Ste 105 in Prescott Valley. Ben, the manager, has been doing this for years and welcomes veterans.
As a Veteran you can get a free complimentary pass to Sea World San Diego for you and up to 3 guests! For Active Military, the offer is good for the service member as well as 3 dependents until 12/31/2023. Click the image above to be taken to the offer, DRIVE-THROUGH FLU CLINIC – NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
FREE CAREER GUIDANCE FOR VETERANS FROM FORTUNE 500 MENTORS
CORPORATE PARTNERS HELP VETS GET JOBS American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping military post-9/11 Veterans get civilian jobs. ACP provides quick career advice and networking, with an unlimited amount of business leaders in its free online question-and-answer community. ACP also has a weekly LinkedIn Live series that connects Veterans directly to partner companies and hiring managers every Wednesday. To get started visit ACP’s website and fill out a brief application where you can answer questions about your career goals, military experience, and mentoring preferences. LIFE INSURANCE FOR VETERANS VA Insurance Service is highlighting its mission to provide our Nation’s Veterans, service members, and military families with life insurance products and services. There are several life insurance programs available for service-connected Veterans and upcoming changes will expand the benefit to even more Veterans in honor of their service. Currently, Veterans with service-connected disabilities have Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI). New enrollment for this ended on December 31, 2022. On January 1, 2023, VA Life, began. For more information about these insurance programs visit https://www.va.gov/life-insurance. Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 541
If you’re a veteran who has been in combat or a battle zone, VFW Post 541 welcomes new members. Their mission is to be a voice for veterans, deployed military, and their families to secure rights and benefits. They meet the first Thursday of every month. The address is 202 N. Arizona Avenue in Prescott. For questions call 928-776-1125; email info@vfwpost541.org or visit vfw541.org.
Veteran Death Benefits
Veterans can download a free guide, “Veteran Death Benefits and Memorialization for Service Members and Their Families.” If you have questions either visit www.neptunesociety.com or call 800-637-8883. 
My Healthy Vet
This is a great tool for veterans to see their medical appointments, prescriptions, and medical records, order prescriptions, and even send messages to their medical team. They often get back to you the same day but will reply in 2 days at most. You can enroll at www.myhealth.va.gov/ and click the REGISTER button. For questions contact Destiny Sanchez, the My Healthy Vet Coordinator. She will be happy to assist you. You can call 928-445-4860 x6488 to make an appointment.. You can also do a video appointment. They need to see you first for visual authentication. Telehealth medicine is especially important in Northern Arizona where NAVAHCS covers an area bigger than the state of Rhode Island with 33, 000 veterans. There are Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to help, but often a tele visit is easier for veterans and families. The VA wants to make it easier to have veterans to connect with their providers over smartphones, computers, or iPads. If you don't have any of these, you can utilize a computer at the public library, but also the VA will give veterans an iPad. The veteran just needs to provide internet access. If you would like to change your care team, contact your primary care department and make a Team Transfer Request. As of April 21st, there will be a new Veterans Health Resource Center (VHRC) where you can sit down with a local person to get help downloading apps to track your appointments, etc. You just need to bring your iPad or smartphone, and they will help you get set up. More information will be forthcoming as it is available. CLAIMS CLINIC FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AND NOW EVERY WEDNESDAY! If you want to file a claim or check on the status of a claim, the Claims Clinic is the perfect place to do that. Sherry Le Mountain holds one on the first Wednesday of every month . She is in Building 154 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mr. Castro from the Arizona Dept of Veteran Services is also holding a Claims Clinic every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Theatre, Building 15. |
VFW’s Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship Applications for Fall Semester The VFW offers scholarships up to $5,000 and you can apply between August 1 and November 15. Scholarships will be awarded in August for the Fall Semester (deadline was 4/30/23) and in January for the Spring semester. There are qualifications such as: U.S. Citizen; Retired, Honorably Discharged, or Active Military or a member of the National Guard or Reserve; Have completed Basic and Advanced Training; E5 or below rank; Show the need for assistance. Go to vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans- support for details and to apply. CAREGIVER BENEFITS TO EXPAND TO ALL VETERANS
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2022! Veterans of all eras were eligible for caregiver benefits on Oct. 1, 2022, an expansion that is expected to add thousands of families to the program in 2023. It is designed to support and compensate full-time caregivers providing at-home assistance to severely wounded veterans. The caregiver support line (855-260-3274) is ready and has double the number of staff on board in case anyone has any issues or concerns. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/ to apply and complete VA form 10-10CG. |
MILLION VETERANS PROGRAM (MVP)
VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a research program working to improve the health and wellness of Veterans. They want to enroll one million Veterans in 2023 and want women to have more representation in their research. If more women join MVP, then MVP can strengthen its research findings for Women Veterans of all backgrounds. Women who have served in the military have additional factors that affect breast cancer, depression, PTSD (women are twice as likely to experience this as men), and military sexual trauma, to name a few. Visit https://www.research.va.gov/mvp/ for more information. The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is sharing information about recently published research related to women Veterans on a monthly basis. Go to: https://va.gov/womenvet/reseach. Women Veterans, if you are receiving health care in a non-VA facility, it is important to let your provider know about your military service and how that can impact your health care needs. Let your non-VA healthcare teams know about this free, one-hour, accredited training course they may take to learn ways to provide women Veterans with the best care possible. Use this link to the training module: “Caring for Women Veterans” https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/non-va-clinicians.asp |
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Donations:
DAV accepts clothing, housewares, furniture etc. DAV has trucks to pick up large items.
US VETS accepts food donations for their food pantry. They also need NEW sheets and pillows for the transitional housing. Take items to the U.S. VETS Outreach Center at 1040 Whipple Street, front building
US VETS accepts food donations for their food pantry. They also need NEW sheets and pillows for the transitional housing. Take items to the U.S. VETS Outreach Center at 1040 Whipple Street, front building
The National Crisis Line is now easier to remember! Simply Dial 988 then Press 1.
Toll Free: 800-949-1005
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Toll Free: 800-273-8255 Press 1
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