Veterans Affairs To Offer Special programs for returning Veterans
Thousands of America’s newest veterans should be receiving their benefits. Those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have special programs to benefit them at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For two years after discharge, these veterans have special access to VA health care, even those who have no service-connected illness. Veterans, not only regular active-duty but also Reserve or National Guard members should enroll with VA during this two year period. Hospital care, outpatient treatment and nursing home services are offered at 1,400 locations nationwide.
VA has launched an ambitions outreach initiative to ensure that combat veterans know about the VA benefits. Because of the large number of reservists and Guard members mobilized in the last four years, VA has made a special effort to work with their units to reach all veterans involved. VA and the Department of Defense have improved collaboration and communication. VA employees are based at military treatment facilities to brief service members about VA health benefits, disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation and employment.
Read the rest at the Nobles County Review.
What, if any, life and/or career management programs are available for returning veterans?
Well, the government’s VA website does have some information along those lines. There are also educational benefits if they want to go back to school or get a degree/certification (GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, etc.).
Also, most states should have a veteran’s rep in their local unemployment office who is equipped to plug them into career training programs, TAP (Transitional Assistance Programs), as well as direct them to resources that will help improve their competitiveness (i.e. counseling for PTSD).
Does that answer your question sufficiently? There are lots of programs out there, but can be very difficult to process through without help. My first peice of advice is to visit your local unemployment office and get more info and one-on-one help.
Thanks for stopping by and asking!