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FEBRUARY 2024
The Benefit Black Hole
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IN FLANDERS FIELDS
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In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
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Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved and now we lie, In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe. To you, from falling hands, we throw, The torch, be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us, who die,
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Steve Roderick Steve@FireWatchMagazine.com • 813-489-4748 MANAGING EDITOR Toni Hedstrom Editor@FireWatchMagazine.com • 813-489-4792
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ASST. MANAGING EDITOR E.J. Christy
FITNESS
MIND & BODY
EDITOR Colonie Martin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ken Smits Rich Corson Chris Gay KeishaMarie Douglas Brett Roderick Steve Roderick Kristy Verdi Stephen Del Castillo
A Conversation with Beau Higgins
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Experience
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FEBRUARY 2024
This month, FireWatch Magazine focuses on veteran benefits. Our feature, The Benefit Black Hole, investigates veterans’ challenges and frustrations when filing disability claims. This is followed by an in-depth interview with Ben Bowman on behalf of the ForTheVeteran Organization, where we discuss the benefits of partnering with a specialist when filing disability claims, including those who are compensated and those who are free to veterans. We spoke with Martin J. Mazurek, Lead Veterans Services Officer of Pasco County, to learn the importance of establishing a relationship with your local VSO. FireWatch dug deep to find some incredible benefits veterans may not know about in our article, “Lost in the Sauce.” FireWatch is proud to introduce Keisha Marie Douglas, an Air Force veteran, who will contribute her new segment, “The Veteran Woman.” We also hear from veteran Elaine Stoots about her military and integration experiences in this month’s “Veteran Voices.” Our pages are full of valuable insight from Rich Corson in our “Veteran Health & Wellness” segment and Dr. T.C. Copper in our “Suicide Prevention” segment. Much more awaits, and we hope you enjoy it!
CONTENTS
From the Editor
The Benefit Black Hole Why is it so damn hard? The Buddy Poppy Turns 100 VFW Celebrates 100 Years of the Buddy Poppy Suicide Prevention A Moral Responsibility The Veteran Woman You’re Out. Now What? Battle Briefs & War Stories Passing the Torch Without Glory Ways to Kill a Man FIREWATCH LIVE! Mission BBQ Lutz, Here We Come! Ben Bowman For The Veteran Empath Health Concurrent Care with Dr. Jerez-Marte Pasco County Veterans Services At Your Service Veteran Voices It’s Up To Us by Elaine Stoots, Veteran The PACT ACT How You Likely Qualify
Sincerely,
Toni Hedstrom, Managing Editor FireWatch Magazine
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THE HOMELESS VETERAN
6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 22 24 26 28
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THE BENEFIT BLACK HOLE The Homeless Veteran How Do We Reach Them? Veteran Health & Wellness by Richard Corson Vet Tips Lost in the Sauce Four Chaplains Day How We Remember Them
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The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. If you have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion. The Auxiliary and The Sons provide an opportunity for children, grandchildren and spouse of veterans to honor their family members that served our country, and keep their legacy alive for years to come. SERVICES AND PROGRAMS: BENEFITS CENTER CAREER CENTER EDUCATION CENTER HEALTH CENTER TROOP AND FAMILY SUPPORT USAA FINANCIAL CENTER WOMEN VETERANS BASEBALL BOY STATE/NATION NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND OPERATION COMFORT WARRIORS ORATORICAL CONTEST SCHOLARSHIPS MEMBER DISCOUNTS E-NEWSLETTER PUBLICATIONS CAREERS Join Veterans and our families 4th Monday of each month 5pm Auxiliary • 6pm Sons • 7pm Legion Plantation Palms 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd. Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 www.americanlegionpost108.org February 2024
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THE BENEFIT BLACK HOLE
Why is it so damn hard? 6
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The application process for U.S. Government benefits takes work. It seems intentionally complicated. The challenging process doesn’t only pertain to veteran benefits; most people you speak with seeking government funding, assistance, or benefits believe the claim procedures are complicated. Is the process purposefully difficult? To deter many of us from even bothering to file a claim? Perhaps. Those who work on the receiving end of those claims suggest it is simply checks and balances to promote a fair and honest system. Both may be true. The current collective environment we all live in doesn’t help matters. The American border is more like the gates to Disneyland on a complimentary ticket day. Citizens observe the expediency afforded to illegal immigrants for federal benefits and become even more discouraged. Soapbox: We asked a Florida law enforcement officer, who was dispatched multiple times to assist with border control in Texas, how many illegals were blocked from coming into Texas at his post. His answer was startling. “None.” They pass through the border guards and go straight to Border Patrol Officers, where they are fingerprinted, handed debit cards, bus tickets, and a cell phone, and then sent away on buses to wherever they choose. In an article by New York Post contributor Betsy McCaughey, dated April 15, 2022, she describes the new government policies regarding illegal immigrants as a “Catch and Concierge Experience.” 1 For veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, the experience is much different. Obtaining Benefits Benefits do exist for veterans, a lot of them. However, the road to accessing them is lined with bureaucracy and obstacles, to the detriment of the service members who need them. While the application process for these benefits is daunting, you, the veteran, hold the first level of responsibility. You have to ask for what you have earned. You will only receive it if you ask, so you must take the first step, but you don’t have to do it alone. Special departments within Florida county governments have been stood up especially to help veterans navigate the benefits bureaucracy. The Veterans Services Officer, or VSO, at your County Veterans Services Office has been trained and accredited by the VA to aid veterans, their dependents, and survivors. They can help with applying for benefits and identifying benefit eligibility, and there is no cost for their services. A VSO can help you avoid the application errors that can delay the receipt of your benefits. Am I Worth It? Hell, yes, you are. It is all too common to come across a Veteran who says, “I don’t need anything; others deserve it more,” which couldn’t be further from the truth. Getting beyond the barrier of pride to ask for help is a big but necessary step in ensuring you get the best help and information for your situation. For example, Vietnam Veterans who served in Vietnam between January
9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to highly toxic herbicides, as specified in the Agent Orange Act of 1991. The symptoms associated with Agent Orange exposure can be anything from bladder cancer to hypertension or diabetes. A complete list of the 17 diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure can be found on the VA public health website.2 Working with a VSO could help you discover if your current health could be an effect of your previous military service rather than ailments commonly associated with aging. In addition to gaining access to information and resources that could be vital to your health and well-being, it is vitally important to understand that the VA calculates the disability back pay they distribute based on the effective date of the disability, not the date you apply for or are approved for benefits. Per the Veterans Disability Info site, “Retroactive disability pay is a lump sum, tax-free payment to cover the gap in time from effective date to award date.” The VA’s website includes a calculator to help you understand what you may be entitled to.3 Retroactive benefit back pay could result in a payment that would undeniably change the veteran’s life and could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. This well-deserved compensation could turn into freedom from years of health-related expenses or a home for any one of the thousands of homeless veterans in this country. First, though, you must accept that you deserve it. In the words of Ryan Pavel, Marine, “I think, though I can’t quite be sure, that had I been shot in the kneecap and collected compensation for loss of the full use of my leg, I would feel less guilty about compensation. The event in service would be completely clear – a bullet entered, served its wicked purpose, and continues to impact my quality of life to this day. Case closed. But to collect a monthly compensation for a cluster of symptoms feels like a gross abuse of the system.” 4 Just Another Number We understand that going through the process of obtaining VA benefits is daunting. Per a Veterans Benefits Administration report, there are almost 300,000 backlogged benefits claims as of October 28, 2023.5 Without someone knowledgeable to guide you, your claim could become a backlogged file on an overflowing desk somewhere. Do not go down this road alone. Seek the help provided to you at no cost through your local VSO. Or receive a free veteran claim evaluation from FortheVets.com. Your service to your country has more than earned you the support and benefits available from the government to help you live your best life in your retirement, and you deserve all
the assistance you are eligible for. Let your County Veterans Services Office help you navigate the black hole of benefits to the brighter future waiting on the other side. **Read, Pasco County Veterans Services is At Your Service on page 24
1
ource: https://nypost.com/2022/04/12/bidens-welcomeS program-for-illegal-immigrants/
2
ource: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ S agentorange/conditions/
3
ource: https://www.veteransdisabilityinfo.com/disabilityS back-pay-calculator/
4
xcerpt from A Presumption of Guilt: The Uncomfortable E Identity of a ‘Disabled’ Veteran Who Feels Like an Imposter, Ryan Pavel, Marine, The War Horse, https://thewarhorse.org/ disabled-military-veterans-feel-guilt-of-imposter-syndrome/
5
ource: https://www.benefits.va.gov/reports/characteristics_ S of_claims.asp
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February 2024
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The Buddy Poppy Turns 100 IN FEBRUARY 1924, THE VFW REGISTERED THE NAME “BUDDY POPPY” WITH THE U.S. PATENT OFFICE. A CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED ON MAY 20, 1924, GRANTING THE VFW ALL TRADEMARK RIGHTS UNDER THE CLASSIFICATION OF ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS IN THE NAME OF BUDDY. A poem by John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields,” catalyzed the poppy as a flower that symbolizes the bloodshed in World War I by millions of Allied soldiers in defense of freedom. The poppy story begins in France, where volunteers sold poppies to provide financial relief to the people of war-torn France. The poppy story made its way to America by devoted Madame Guerin, later known as the “Poppy Lady,” who proclaimed, “Be it resolved that every member, if possible, and his or her family shall wear a silk red poppy.” Her mission was inspired by the fear of those “forgetting too soon those sleeping in Flanders Fields.” The Poppy Lady turned to the VFW to support the poppy program, and they readily agreed. In May 1922, the VFW conducted the first nationwide distribution of poppies in the United States. Later that year, the organization formally adopted the poppy as the official memorial flower of the VFW at its National Encampment in Seattle, Washington. A shortage of poppies plagued the VFW mission in 1923. Thus, a plan was developed to have disabled and needy American veterans make the poppies. A VFW poppy factory was set up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where veterans manufacturing the poppies for 1924 were sent to a training workshop by the U.S. Veterans Bureau regional manager in Pittsburgh. It was from these early disabled poppy makers that the name, which would be the flower’s trademark, came. “The name just grew out of the poppy makers’ remembrances of their buddies who never came back from war,” a VFW spokesperson said. For the full story of the Buddy Poppy, please refer to this article published by VFW Post 4103: tinyurl.com/5b4e3pnb
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SUICIDE
PREVENTION By: Dr. T.C. Copper, Suicide Prevention Training Institute
SUICIDE. “The word caught your attention, didn’t it? The truth is suicide catches everyone’s attention. It’s the action leading up to suicide that goes unnoticed.” — Author unknown
R E S P O N S I B I LT Y Veteran suicide is an epidemic. And just like it is vital to know first aid and CPR, it is crucial to learn how to keep someone alive and away from suicide, even for just that moment. As a community, we can arm ourselves with the tools to help save a life by becoming ASIST Certified (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). If you would like to participate in a training course to earn your ASIST certification, please get in touch with the editors at FireWatch Magazine by emailing editor@ FireWatchMagazine.com The most current 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states: • Veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2005 to 2020. The average number of suicides per day rose from 15.9 per day in 2005 to 16.8 in 2020. • In 2020, suicide was the 13th leading cause of death among veterans overall, and it was the second leading cause of death among veterans under age 45. • In 2020, adjusting for population age and sex differences, the suicide rate for veterans was 57.3 percent greater than for non-veteran adults in the U.S. Everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline suggest five steps to help safeguard people from the risk of suicide and support them when in crisis: 1. Ask: Asking and talking about suicide may, in fact, reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
2. H elp keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means is an essential part of suicide prevention. 3. Be there: Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has shown to be a protective factor against suicide. 4. H elp them connect: Individuals who called the 988 Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls. 5. Follow up: After you’ve connected a person experiencing thoughts of suicide with the immediate support systems that they need, following up with them to see how they’re doing can help increase their feelings of connectedness and support. There’s evidence that even a simple form of reaching out can potentially reduce that person’s risk for suicide. Someone you care about may be considering suicide – your friend, your child, your spouse – and you may not know it. You can step up, sign up, and get involved to help prevent that suicide. The Suicide Prevention Training Institute offers the LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshop, a two-day interactive workshop in suicide intervention skills. Participants learn to identify people at risk of suicide and intervene to help them stay safe. Providing Veterans and their gatekeepers life-saving suicide prevention “firstaid” tools to recognize thoughts of suicide, to have a conversation with a person having thoughts of suicide, and to keep that person safe for now will increase help-seeking behaviors, thus decreasing suicide attempts and deaths. For more information, visit: www.educatingtosavelives.org.
February 2024
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THE VETERAN WOMAN: AN INTRODUCTION
FireWatch Magazine proudly announces a new monthly column focused on the veteran woman. Each month, Air Force veteran KeishaMarie Douglas will discuss issues, ideas, and events focused on the betterment of the female American veteran. We encourage veteran women to join KeishaMarie’s Facebook Group, “Veteran Wing Women - Women Veteran’s Group” where the group supports sister veterans as they transition into the civilian community through networking, meet & greets, workshops, and more.
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The
Veteran WOMAN You’re out. Now what?
By KeishaMarie Douglas
My entire life, I knew I was destined to get out of my hometown and see the world. Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, there wasn’t much to do or see on the other side of the railroad tracks, but I knew I was destined for more. The military allowed me to get immersed in and learn about different cultures, make new friends, try new delicious foods, and travel. My military experience may be similar to yours, from basic training to the formation, marching, and carrying the Lackland laser in the left hand, to arrival at the first duty station with all the on-the-job training and CDCs (Career Development Courses) to teach us how to do our jobs, the recalls, mandatory fun runs, and lots of training exercises. Sure, there were some not-so-fun times, but in my experience, there were more good times than bad. You just can’t put a price tag on the people, the experiences, and the relationships built into my military experience. Reality hits hard when you realize how much you will miss that old life once you get your DD214 and complete that final out-processing appointment. Leaving the gate that last time and seeing the entrance
in my rearview will be a memory forever imprinted in my heart. Getting out was such a bittersweet moment. I delighted in the ability to be free and make my own choices, but there was also a fear of the unknown. Why is it so hard to fit in? Where do I find friends? Why do I feel so awkward? What do I do for work? Where are all the veteran women hanging out? There were a plethora of questions that needed answers. It wasn’t until I found a community within a network marketing company and the opportunity to serve others through the local church that I found my identity and the things I liked. Most importantly, being surrounded by a positive community helped me on my journey to re-acclimate back into civilian life. If you are looking for a positive community of your own, thankfully, with the help of social media, numerous groups are bringing like-minded people together. Start there to find your tribe, and if push comes to shove, you can always call me.
February 2024
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BATTLE BRIEFS & War Stories Passing the Torch
After serving in Vietnam, I worked at Edward’s Air Force Base. My friend and battle buddy, Doug, was living with us at the time. We decided one day to go to the local VFW. It was 1972 or 1973, as I recall. We walked into the building and sat down, and everyone there was looking at us, like, “Who are you guys?” We introduced ourselves as Vietnam veterans. They didn’t really embrace us, the World War II guys. “Awe, Vietnam wasn’t even a war,” they said. They said this to us as I sat down next to Doug—the man got hit eight times in Vietnam! I thought to myself, They better not get ole’ Doug riled up. He’s six foot three! “Well, I was in a real war,” Doug replied. “I got shot here, here, and here.” “You weren’t very squared away then, were you?” The old World War II veteran replies. We left angry that day, saying we would never join one of these organizations if that is how they would treat us. Years later, in 1996, I was on the phone trying to acquire a flag for my father-in-law’s funeral; he was an Air Force veteran. A guy from work overheard me on the phone and said, “I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but are you having a hard time getting a flag for your father-inlaw?” I told him, “Yes.” “I’ll take care of the flag,” he says. “I will do a few other things, too, if you don’t mind. I will get a full honor guard team to the funeral,” I asked him how he could pull all of this off, and he shared that he was a member of the local VFW and a Vietnam Veteran.
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That man and I are still friends to this day. I remember thinking, Wow, maybe they’ve had a change of heart at the VFW. I decided to join because of that one simple act of kindness. I have been a member of VFW since 1997. I never wanted to see any other veteran treated the way we had been treated that day. Now, when a young person comes into my Post, I make sure they are embraced and honored. — Larry Pratt
A Point of View
Having been blessed to be a part of the American Legion and VFW, I can attest that both organizations are working hard to embrace post-9/11 veterans and their families. Larry’s story is one of many attributed to the organization’s reputation as an old guy club in a smoky bar with cheap drinks. Larry’s story is proof that this reputation is founded on actual experience. However, just like in Larry’s story, there is redemption. We ask you not to judge these organizations based on old stories. Embrace them and create new stories. Make them what they need to be to remain relevant to veterans and their families nationwide. That is what Larry has done. He joined VFW and made a lasting impact through faith and service. The Vietnam Veteran is now the one sitting in the room, the old guys, just like their predecessors from World War II back then. Our World War II heroes are mostly gone now, and the torch of leadership has been passed to the Vietnam-era veteran. Don’t let these great organizations die. Yes, it is
up to you, the Gulf War and post-9/11 veteran, to take the torch being passed to you. Please take a moment to learn the history of your VFW and American Legion and the reasons they were founded. These organizations are becoming more family-oriented and inclusive through innovation, but they need you. Your local American Legion Post 108 has many opportunities to share in camaraderie and service to the veteran community. Post 108 has the Auxiliary for spouses, daughters, and granddaughters of service members. The Sons of the American Legion is for sons and grandsons of service members. The Post also offers American Legion Baseball and the American Legion Riders. Reach out your hand and take the torch. Help to make these organizations relevant to younger veterans. Remember, these organizations are the most prominent advocacy groups in the country for veterans, and they speak on behalf of every veteran. — Toni Hedstrom, Auxiliary Member American Legion Post 108 and VFW Post 4412
America Depends on its Veterans
“Without a strong membership, the Legion wouldn’t be able to organize town hall meetings, survey VA medical centers, sponsor job fairs, or help veterans start a business. Without a strong membership, the Legion wouldn’t have the funds to assist wounded warriors, children of U.S. servicemembers killed on active duty, and victims of natural disasters. “In short, the American Legion—and by extension, America—depend on wartime veterans uniting in great numbers under our banner.” — 2 014 American Legion National Commander, Daniel M. Dellinger
Your Friendly Legion
Jacksonville boasts the “friendliest Post in Florida,” American Legion Post 137, with over 700 members including the regular Legion, the Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, and a “Rod & Reel” club. Post 137 offers a full calendar of daily events including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, dances, parties, and live music. 137 also boasts a tiki bar, a “moon room,” and an Olympic-size swimming pool! It is the members, however, that make Post 137 such a special place of fellowship. The men and women veterans and their families of Post 137 are a richly diverse cross section of America, from many backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. They come together in shared experiences and brother/sisterhood to enjoy each other’s stories and friendship. For more information about American Legion Post 137, Jacksonville, Florida, visit www.post137.com. — E .J. Christy, U.S. Navy veteran; member, American Legion Post 137
February 2024
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WITHOUT GLORY The men of the A-Team sit around the makeshift classroom/supply room. Half of us had our heads on the tables when the door swung open, and Billings and a green beret soldier walked in. He speaks without any intro from Billings, “Gentlemen, my name is Staff Sergeant McMillian. I’m attached to the Army’s Fifth Special Forces. This morning, you’re going to learn quiet ways to kill a man.” I sit up a little straighter. There’s something about the Green Beret that sparks my interest. I think of the song about the Green Beret a few years back. Something about “Fearless men who jumped and died.” Most of the other members of A-Team continue to wipe sleep from their eyes. “Fu****’ aye,” Stoney whispers to himself. “That’s just what I need. A little peace and quiet, Mate.” “Shut up, dang it.” Tex pokes Stoney. “This is important stuff.” “Is this the A-Team?” the staff sergeant asks. “Or is it the god forsaken ‘Z’ team?” The men still half-asleep wake up at his jibe. “Now, let’s get down to business. You have an hour
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before breakfast, so stay awake, BY: KEN SMITS gentlemen. This information can save your asses someday.” There’s more stirring from the A-Team as the men become alert, dragging on their cigarettes. “There are several ways to effectively kill the enemy without using a noisy gun. Now that you’re involved in guerrilla warfare, there will be times when the use of a gun will bring the whole f***ing enemy army down on your sweet little asses. And that, Gentlemen, can mess up your whole day. “Now, unless you want your day f***ed up, listen and learn what I’m going to show you. Practice it amongst yourselves, but for God’s sake, don’t kill each other. Kill them yellow f***ers out there,” The Staff Sergeant says, pointing out the window toward the mountains. I stir in my seat. “You must learn how to kill the enemy as quickly and silently as humanly possible. You must become so familiar with the human nervous system and pressure points that you know them without thinking. “On your table is a copy of the human anatomy showing the areas you must memorize. Work with each other until you dream these in your sleep. Make it second nature. A blow exerting the proper force to an enemy’s temple, neck, groin, or nose area will fully incapacitate your enemy.” The Staff Sergeant drives his fist into his hand with a loud thump. “If the blow is done correctly, it will kill or at least disable the enemy in most cases.” “Hey, mate,” Stoney whispers to me. “You ever give a bloke a blow?” He then snickers like a schoolboy, tears forming in his eyes.
WAYS TO KILL A MAN “Airman!” The Staff Sergeant barks. “If you’ve got something to say, say it so we can all enjoy your simpleminded little joke. That way, when the time comes, and one of you guys forgets what you learned here today, you’ll still have your little joke to say over the dead body of your friend!” Stoney dips his head downward, looking up at the instructor with sick puppy dog eyes. “Sorry mate … er, Sarge.” “Listen, Gentlemen,” the Staff Sergeant says, studying each member of the A-Team before continuing, “I know you just came in from the range a few hours ago and are tired, but this information is important. It may just save your life one of these days. If you’re not interested, I have other things I could be doing!” After a pause, “Let’s move on then,” the Staff Sergeant says, glaring at Stoney. “Incapacitating the enemy need only take a few seconds and should be silent and neat. You must learn to take every opportunity you have available. Remember, you must stay one step ahead of your enemy at all times. “The most important of all rules to remember when sensing the enemy is near is to use diversionary tactics to lull him into your trap. Now I said, ‘sense the enemy is near,’ because that’s very, very important. Know your surroundings. Always know what’s out there. Know or sense when something is different or appears out of place. “The VC are experts at guerrilla tactics. You’ll have to do better or never leave Nam alive. I’ll give you a few tricks I’ve used that work well. Put your mind to work and make your own lists. Gentlemen, you’re in the deep shit now. You must think death is yours or theirs all of the time because, believe me, they want to kill you! “Carry pebbles in your pocket. Throw a handful in the opposite direction of your hiding position. Nearly every
YOU MUST LEARN HOW TO KILL THE ENEMY AS QUICKLY AND SILENTLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE
time I’ve tried it, the enemy gave away his position by reacting to my trickery, thinking he had found me and had an easy kill.” The Staff Sergeant grins like he’s remembering something from his past, “But in fact, it was I who had the easy kill.” “Make traps, but keep them simple. Try your basic rabbit snare trap. Tie a tight piece of rope or, better yet, some natural-looking vines to a tree. Loop to the other end, then pull the tree down and lay the loop on the path or in an area of likely enemy approach. Then wait. Bingo!” the Staff Sergeant snaps his fingers. “You can try digging a hole and covering it with leaves and small branches. The enemy will never realize he’s walking into a trap. Then Smack!” The Staff Sergeant slaps his hands together, making a loud noise. I notice a few guys jerk, startled by the dramatic effect. He then told us that camouflaging ourselves in our surroundings is the most critical thing. “This is essential if you’re going to be any good at guerilla warfare. If you’re not better than Mr. Charles…” the Staff Sergeant stops in the middle of the room and smirks, “then the simple fact is you’re dead. You must be able to blend in with the environment wherever you find yourself fighting. “Ok, Gentlemen, this concludes the first part of this training,” the Staff Sergeant waves his hand in dismissal. “Go eat your breakfast. I’ll be back at 1000 hours. We’ll spend the rest of the day making traps and learning the human anatomy. “Gentlemen, keep this in mind: Victor Charlie already has these skills and is damn good at it. You’ll be entering his world. So learn it well, or you’ll be going home in a body bag while he parties. After a pause, the Staff Sergeant concluded, “Just keep this in the back of your heads: Victor Charlie has the home-field advantage, but it’s yours to take away!”
February 2024
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Mission BBQ 18707 SR 54 Lutz, FL 33558
February 15, 2024 • 5:30 pm
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! FIREWATCH LIVE! Is proud to announce its February location at Mission Barbeque in Lutz! JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE VETERANS ALONGSIDE OUR FRIENDS AT THE VETERANS ADVENTURE NETWORK (VAN) WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS.
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
MARCH 21, 2024
We are LIVE at Mission BBQ in Lutz, Florida! 18707 State Road 54, Lutz, Florida 33558 The event begins at 5:30 PM. Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, the two founders of Mission BBQ, proudly serve those who serve in over 134 locations nationwide. “Every day, we strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made our Country great, given to us by the people who earned them. Stop by at lunchtime; you might catch us during our daily salute to the Stars and Stripes.” Come to watch the live taping of FireWatch Live! Hang out with friends and listen to great music. Veterans get a FREE BBQ Sandwich!
LIVE at Mulligan’s Irish Pub in Land O’Lakes, Florida! Plantation Palms Golf Club 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd. Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 The event begins at 5:30 PM. It’s March, and we celebrate St. Patrick and local veterans at Mulligan’s Irish Pub in Land O’Lakes! Our event starts at 5:30 PM, right in the middle of the Pub’s daily Happy Hour! All veterans will enjoy camaraderie and free appetizers.
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H FIREWATCrews B ! E LIV & News
FINDING YOUR SLICE OF HEAVEN by Meghan Richards
Does the sound of owning a piece of land or a farm entice you? The peace and tranquility offered by country living and the FREEDOM to live with fewer restrictions and rules associated with suburbia or the city have hard-working Americans considering this lifestyle. Knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and who should help you through this journey are essential factors to consider. Here are a few things to think about when looking for your little slice of heaven in the country: 1 Zoning. Be sure to verify (with the help of your REALTOR) the zoning and restrictions that may come with a piece of land. If you want livestock, you must ensure the zoning allows for it; how many animals, and what type? Each county varies on the zoning codes, what they mean, and what they allow. Don’t just trust what’s on the listing or property appraiser’s website - a call to the county is necessary.
2 HOA restrictions. Just because a piece of property is zoned “Agricultural” doesn’t mean other restrictions can’t be associated with the property. Large parcels, once owned by one person or family and then subdivided into smaller parcels, may have restrictions that need to be researched and considered. 3 Vacant Land Loans. Qualifying for loans for land is different than buying a property with a house on it. And just because there are structures on a property doesn’t necessarily mean it qualifies as “residential.” There are excellent loan programs for veterans, including 203K Renovation loans, which allow a buyer to make improvements to a property, including things like a new roof, upgrading the kitchen, and even building a barn and adding fencing!
It’s a great dream, and it can come true!
You’ve served our Nation. Now let me serve you! With the most outstanding Customer Service you can imagine. Covering Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Marion Counties, I help sellers and buyers with all sorts of homes from single family homes to townhomes, and with my expertise in farms and land, I can help you find your peaceful place in the country too! * Discounts for Active Military and Veterans * Referral to my trusted Lender who also gives Military discounts * Resources and knowledge regarding zoning, renovation loans, VA loans * Strategically executed marketing plans to get you the most for your home
Meghan Richards (813) 774-0307 meghan.richards@compass.com
February 2024
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Ben Bowman FOR THE VETERAN Ben Bowman is no stranger to the importance of disability benefits. He was schooled in the most personal of ways. Three of his four immediate family members were permanently disabled, including his older brother, who had leukemia as a child; an older sister, who had a brain tumor as a teenager; and his dad, a disabled veteran. Ben’s childhood memories are filled with visits to the VA hospital and clinics where his dad received most of his care, and the many hours spent sifting through veterans’ benefits, social security benefits, and other government programs. “I remember the impact it had on our family when we were either waiting to know if we were going to get approved or we had been denied and had to start all over and go through the process again,” Ben says. The issues and challenges his family faced were very close at heart as Ben moved into adulthood and began his professional career in leadership consulting. Ben spent his time doing strategic planning and team development for growing companies. There came a point where Ben was offered an opportunity to learn about disability benefits further through a client who ultimately recruited Ben to join his legal team. Ben would earn tons of experience in the disability benefits space, handling thousands of disability appeals for veterans. His experience clarified how arduous, confusing, and challenging the VA disability claims and appeal process was for veterans of all ages. Ben admits that, although arduous, the processes of the VA made sense. “The VA is trying to steward these resources for millions of veterans, and it is very overwhelming to the system.” Through his work, Ben and his colleagues had a great win rate and would get a lot of back pay for veterans through claims on appeals. “But the problem,” says Ben, “is a lot of these families were just like mine and didn’t have years of savings built up to live on while waiting for an appeal and to receive that back pay they should have been receiving all along.”
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As time passed and the firm continued to see appeal claims coming through the office that should have been easy wins from the start, they began to recognize that many were denied due to minor mistakes here or there. Maybe the veteran needed to know what to file for, or perhaps the VA had missed it or made a mistake. Often, they found denials were the result of a bad VA examiner. If the veteran doesn’t have the evidence to support their claim, they rely on the examiner they meet during their compensation and pension exam. After years of handling appeals, the legal team realized they might have a better way of helping veterans if they could catch them early on. They knew they could prevent much heartache and waste that negatively affected these families. And so, they founded ForTheVeteran. ForTheVeteran is a medical consulting company that works to help veterans understand the claims they’re eligible for and ensures veterans have independent medical examiners to provide the necessary evidence to win. The ForTheVeteran team focuses specifically on monthly disability compensation. “When a veteran has suffered a service-connected disability that affects their quality of life in some way or another, physical or mental, they can apply and be granted for that condition, which gives them a monthly check that is supposed to help offset the impact that disability has on their life,” explains Ben. The entire disability claim process can be confusing because of how the VA words things like medical terms or medical diagnoses. Even the calculations could be more straightforward. In most of the world, 50 plus 50 equals 100, but for the VA, 50 plus 50 equals 80, and that’s because it is 50% of the remaining 50%, which would be 25%, and you can’t have 75% so, it rounds up to 80%. Yes, it could be more apparent.
Sometimes, we wonder if government assistance is meant to be hard to eliminate some from qualifying easily. “I don’t know if the process is hard intentionally,” says Ben, “But it makes sense that the government is trying to ensure that people who don’t qualify don’t receive benefits. The problem with that logic is that the people who need the assistance most might be in the worst place to try and navigate something like that.” “For example,” he continues, “let’s say you have a veteran that is dealing with a mental health challenge from reintegrating into civilian life; that is not the time to try and burden them with paperwork and run them through the hoops to try and go through the whole process alone. It just becomes overwhelming and challenging for them. In addition, this person may be dealing with pressures from family members and other burdens in life.” Ben understands the importance of being good stewards of the budget allocated to veterans and disabilities. “I do, however, want to help every veteran get the maximum that they qualify for, no more, no less. We aren’t trying to take advantage of the system but don’t want to leave anything on the table. There are reasons why there are rules that set certain conditions at certain ratings, and if you have that condition, you deserve the rating.” Ben and his team have found many older veterans, who ultimately come to their firm as a referral from a friend or family member, feel their illness or injury is just part of their service and sacrifice. Albeit noble, these programs exist for a reason, and they deserve to take advantage of them. Sometimes, it requires a caregiver to say, “Hey, I really need you to go through this process because your condition is getting worse, and the VA has programs with monthly compensation to help you through this.” Ben explains, “It’s not always the older or ‘old school’ mentality. We see it a lot with special forces and with SEE BOWMAN, PG 20
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Ben Bowman
FOR THE VETERAN
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BOWMAN, FROM PG 19
Marines. It is something that is built into their DNA to be self-sufficient. They don’t want to appear as a victim or need a handout. But I tell them that is not what this is. This is justifiable. It is a deserving award that is very clearly set and defined. If you suffer from this, you get this. Period. Every veteran deserves to take advantage of their benefits.”
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM There are Veterans Services Officers who work for the county that can assist veterans with their initial claims and appeals for free. In a recent tirade on social media, a person claimed that companies who charge veterans for this assistance were bad apples and should be avoided. We asked Ben to explain why a veteran would need his services if they can access their VSO for free. “There definitely needs to be more clarity in our industry around this topic,” says Ben, “It is a great question, and I am happy to share our perspective. “Some amazing VSOs and other organizations do similar types of work to what we do. We make it a point to tell every one of our potential clients, and it’s even stated in our written agreement, that there are free options through local resources. It is only sometimes the most effective; sometimes, the VSO they are paired with can miss something. “We have made sure to build into our model the ability for a veteran’s fee to be purely contingent on the success of their claim. An organization like ours specializes in overcoming the bureaucracy of the VA and providing an alternative where we can bring in our own highly trained medical professionals and experienced claim strategists who know what works and what doesn’t. “Our great data and processes allow us to know exactly how to approach each situation to make it as smooth as possible and give the best chance to win. Everything we do at ForTheVeteran is free unless we can win on the first filing. “If a claim we have processed is denied and has to be appealed, the veteran can still use our evidence, and we will introduce you to someone who can handle your appeal, but you won’t owe us anything if the claim is granted on appeal.”
FireWatchMagazine.com
A VETERAN’S BEST QUESTIONS TO ASK If a veteran is going to speak with a company like ForTheVeteran, we wanted to know the best questions a veteran should ask before committing to services. We asked Ben to identify some crucial questions for us. 1. Be clear on price and the fine print: Make sure you fully understand how it works because anyone unwilling to be upfront probably has something to hide. 2. Ask about the company’s medical team. Understand if their team are just coaches or strategists. Ensure the company can explain how their team can understand the complexity of a disability claim. 3. Do you have qualified medical personnel, not just someone who is rubber stamping something? Instead, are you taking the time to make sure they have relevant information to support my claim?
FREE CLAIM EVALUATION When you visit the ForTheVeteran.com website, there is a button at the top for a free claim evaluation. Ben shares the process for a veteran once they engage that button. “The first thing we will do is schedule a call with one of our intake specialists who can help to strategize and understand what the veteran can qualify for. We determine where the veteran is in the process if they have ever filed before, need to reopen a previous claim, or are brand new to the process and just looking for guidance. “The intake specialist is ensuring we are a good fit for the veteran. Once that determination is made, we set up a meeting with our medical team and the veteran. The first meeting takes place through a medical discovery call. Next, the medical team will dig into independent medical exams, medical records, or anything from the veteran’s VA file. Afterward, the team works closely with the veteran to prepare and complete their claim with the appropriate evidence.”
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February 2024
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Jasmin Jerez-Marte, MD, HMDC
CONCURRANT CARE OFFERS VETERANS BEST OF BOTH WORLDS AT END OF LIFE It’s called the terrible choice. Medicare patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness are faced with a difficult decision: either continue treating their disease or enter hospice care and shift focus to relieving pain and improving quality of life. They can’t have both. Military veterans with VA Healthcare benefits no longer have to make this terrible choice, thanks to a novel program that may herald the future for all hospice-eligible patients. Since 2009, veterans have been offered concurrent care—simultaneous curative treatment and hospice— as part of the VA Comprehensive End of Life Care Initiative. Suncoast Hospice Physician and Hospitalist Lead, Jasmin Jerez-Marte, MD, HMDC, said the program
has increased veterans’ use of hospice care at end of life from 55 percent to 71 percent. “The VA recognized a lot of their patients were still wanting to continue treatment offered by the VA,” Dr. Jerez-Marte said. “These are not treatments specifically addressing pain, anxiety, or wound care related to an illness, which is the traditional hospice approach.” She goes on, “The VA said, ‘We can continue providing those treatments and see if, by doing so, veterans would be more willing to accept hospice care,’ and there was a win.” Suncoast Hospice is a member of Empath Health, which operates hospice affiliates serving residents of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Marion, Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Empath Health’s commitment to serving veterans
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Concurrant Care
and their families is exemplified by the Empath Honors and Tidewell Honors Veterans programs. Empath Honors is a We Honor Veterans program partner, a joint initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Veterans Affairs. Empath Health provides expert care, understanding, and compassion for veterans as they approach the end of life. Empath teams support veterans’ personal goals and needs. That includes partnering with primary care providers to offer concurrent care by offering a hospice plan of care alongside curative treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its expected course. The interdisciplinary hospice care team develops a plan of care to meet individual needs for pain management and symptom control, along with addressing psychosocial and spiritual stressors. Concurrent care may reduce healthcare costs as well as increase hospice utilization. Dr. Jerez-Marte explains that some veterans who enter Suncoast Hospice with concurrent care eventually elect to stop curative treatments. “Many of these patients come into hospice with the concurrent care approach,” she said. “But then they find out the many modalities the hospice teams have available, including integrative medicine, do take care of their symptoms and their needs. Slowly, they decide not to go for any further aggressive or targeted treatments.” The success of the VA’s concurrent care initiative has inspired further study. Pediatric patients may receive concurrent care as part of the Affordable Care Act. Also, the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Innovation is conducting a concurrent care pilot with Medicaid Advantage programs, including Humana, in some Florida counties. “I think it (concurrent care) is an incredible thing,” said Dr. Jerez-Marte, “I see the future of hospice care trending that way.” To learn more about Empath Honors, call (727) 467-7423 in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties or, visit EmpathHonors.org or call (855) 843-3935 in Manatee and Sarasota counties, or visit TidewellHospice.org/Veterans.
Freedom to Walk Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to assisting patients and their families by providing financial assistance for the purchase of WalkAide® or Bioness devices for children and adults experiencing Foot Drop.
Educating, inspiring and empowering children and adults experiencing Foot Drop and improving their Quality of Life with a WalkAide® and Bioness L300 Go device to help them walk.
P.O. Box 2815 , Riverview, FL 33568 (813) 546-2329 Daisy.Vega@FreedomToWalkFoundation.org
www.FreedomToWalkFoundation.org February 2024
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Pasco County Veterans Services is
AT YOUR SERVICE
Martin J. Mazurek, Lead VSO (Veterans Services Officer) for the Pasco County Veterans Services Office located in Dade City, Florida, describes the ‘Veteran Benefit Black Hole’ as a state of misinformation. Martin and his fellow VSOs aim to be a light at the end of that tunnel, ensuring veterans have clear and concise information regarding their earned benefits. Not all veterans are aware of the assets they have within their local Veterans Services Office. All veterans and surviving spouses are encouraged to visit a VSO to acquire the most up-to-date information about veteran benefits and services within their state and county. “We are Pasco County government accredited veterans service officers. Most people have no idea who we are. They often think we are part of the VA (Veterans Administration), but we’re not; we are part of the Pasco government. The Board of County Commissioners hired us to help veterans and their family members in the claims process. I tell people to thank the County Commissioners. We wouldn’t be here if they didn’t think veterans were important.” Explains Martin. In Florida, 66 out of 67 counties offer Veterans Services Officers, most full-time, but not all. Veterans Services Offices can be found in many other states as well. Our snowbird population often comes into the Pasco offices in Florida: “If we can serve them, we will. They are veterans who have served our country, so we are always glad to help Florida visitors.” Says Martin.
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An appointment does not require a specific issue or task. An appointment can be made to meet your local VSO, understand what they offer and how they can help, and possibly discover a benefit or service you can use. “There is definitely a benefit to meeting someone face-toface. The opportunity to ask questions becomes a method of discovery that exposes benefits and programs veterans may be unaware of. By coming into the office, we can discuss all types of potential benefits hinging on their service and help prepare all required paperwork for any claim.” Explains Martin. There are two key points to remember about your county VSO: they are state-accredited and free of charge. Often, a veteran will hire a private attorney or other entity who requires payment for their services. Sometimes, veterans are charged large amounts of money for something that could be free. “One of the biggest challenges for veterans is the overwhelming nature of paperwork,” exclaims Martin, “We have all filled out applications before, but with disability claims, a wrong answer on a form can impact a determination, create a major problem down the road, and is sometimes very hard to fix.” At the Veterans Services Office, the VSOs guide veterans through the application process, clarify current laws and regulations, and guide them in finding potential qualifying benefits. “We take that burden off
“As advocates for veterans, the Division’s team of state-accredited service officers know the extent, meaning, and application of the laws passed by the U.S. Congress and the Florida Legislature regarding veteran’s benefits. The team provides direct assistance when claims for benefits earned by military service need to be completed and submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Our team will apply specialized knowledge in the way best suited to the needs of each veteran and his or her beneficiaries.” www.pascocountyfl.net/496/Veterans-Services
of them by putting their applications together and submitting them and then remaining as their point of contact through the process.” County Veterans Services Offices are not large bureaucracies. You will likely find two or three VSOs onsite at each of Pasco’s three locations. You will not find a large, packed waiting room with people holding numbers waiting to be called. A visit to your local VSO is a scheduled appointment offering privacy, patience, and direct attention to each veteran’s needs. “We realize many veterans don’t like to be in crowds. Our appointment system allows the private time required to go in-depth into potential claims and to discuss medical records and other sensitive information. We provide the time and space a veteran needs to feel free and comfortable discussing private matters. Veteran’s benefits are applied during life and after death. For a VSO, an ideal situation is when a veteran comes in for an appointment and brings along their spouse. Including the veteran’s family creates a relationship between the VSO and the veteran’s family, which can be helpful if a veteran passes. “It’s not unlike a doctor’s appointment you have, and upon returning home, your spouse has a ton of questions you forgot to ask,” explains Martin, “when a spouse is present at the appointment, they have an opportunity to learn about benefits available today and in the future.” For a widow or widower, having developed a relationship with their
VSO eliminates the stress of managing benefits after the loss of a loved one. “We encourage our clients to share with their network of friends the benefits of visiting with a VSO, no matter their state of residency. We ask them to spread the word that sitting down with their local VSO may identify benefits they are missing out on.” One of the most significant accomplishments for a VSO is when a newly found disability compensation has been the catalyst to avoid homelessness for a veteran. “Sometimes these benefits are the difference between a veteran or widower remaining in their home.” Shares Martin County Veterans Services Offices and their VSOs continually strive to meet the veteran population in their communities. Many veterans find their way to their local VSO through referrals from other veteran organizations, such as the VA Hospital. VSOs also find time to visit local assisted living facilities to ensure the residents and their caregivers know the benefits available to them. Local VSOs are available daily and accessible as people’s needs change or new questions and concerns arise. The Top Three Things Your VSO Wants You to Know 1. VSOs are Accredited Veterans Service Officers. 2. There are three locations in Pasco County. 3. Be sure you know where your DD-214 is.
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VETERAN
VOICES
It’s Up To Us
By Elaine Stoots
I came home from picking up my two-year-old daughter from daycare. It was Veterans Day. My neighbor approached me while I was getting out of the car. “Elaine, thank you for your service,” she said, thoughtfully. I remember looking at her like, “Huh? Oh, that’s right, I am a veteran.” I didn’t recognize myself as a veteran, and it occurred to me that a lot of other female veterans probably have the same mindset. I have noticed, however, that more recently—especially now that women soldiers, pilots, etc. can go into combat—more servicewomen are beginning to embrace their identities as veterans at the end of their service. What is important to remember is that even if we worked behind the lines in an office or other noncombatant MOS, we are still part of the wheel that makes it all work; we are still veterans. For me, I nearly got blown up. Not in active combat but serving behind the lines. Terrorism was alive and well in Germany in the eighties. I joined the Air Force in 1984 and was stationed at Hahn Airbase, Germany, from 1984 to mid-1987. After Germany, I was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. My last duty station was at Graham Air Force Base in Indiana. I left the service when I was 33 years old. Basic training was a good experience for me. Men and women were sorted into “Brother Flights” and “Sister Flights,” which were housed in different dormitories. Our “Brother Flight” dormitory was across the hall from us. I was paired with a Brother Flight airman. Together we all endured the same chow line and the same training. We got along and quickly developed a deep respect for each other. During my time in the military, I recognized instances of sexism and discrimination. But I was always one of those people who, if you look down on me because of what I am, I will come back to you and prove that I am even better than you. I worked in warehousing, and my leadership quickly realized I had no problem hauling around the big stuff, so I was tasked to work the large item warehouse. In Germany, I drove trucks and learned to operate everything from a quarter-ton pickup truck to a five-ton with a 35foot trailer attached. There was a time when women didn’t join the military; it was kind of frowned upon. Remember the attitudes only a few decades ago? “These women don’t act right! They’re supposed to be in the kitchen with an apron on!”
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Most women who did join the service were nurses back then, which is a hard job. Those women had to have strong personalities and witnessed horrible stuff. About twenty years ago, my husband, who is also a veteran, and I were looking to participate in some veteran events and were considering joining either the American Legion or VFW. We both qualified for Legionnaire status, but the gentlemen I spoke to at the American Legion kept trying to get me to join the Auxiliary. They wouldn’t let women veterans into the American Legion for the longest time. Fast forward, and I am now a Legionnaire and a member of the Auxiliary. The American Legion has had a reputation for being somewhat of a Boys’ Club, and it has been difficult to get female veterans to join. At our current Post, Post 108, we (female veterans) never had that problem. When my husband and I contacted Post 108 to join, they said, “Come on over, Sister!” I have never felt different at our Post because I am a lady vet. Guys who served in the same era as I did, and who had the same experiences I had, were very welcoming to me. They recognized that I had done my job in the service just like the rest of them, that I am part of that team. Institutions like the American Legion will only change if we women veterans make the change. On Aug. 24, 2017, the American Legion elected its first female National Commander, Denise Rohan, a U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin. Rohan once shared the story of being relegated to the Auxiliary when she initially tried to become a Legionnaire. Looking back, she lovingly pokes fun at the Post who rejected the (then future) National Commander. Here is the key: we (female veterans) need to remember that we did serve our country. Even though we may have gotten out of the military to raise families or for other reasons, we must embrace the impact that time in service has had on us. With many female veterans, we bury the fact our service may have affected us. We may even suppress the fact that we served. In our minds, we think, “Okay, I did that, now it’s over. Time to move on.” Some of the lady vets I’ve known are the strongest people I’ve ever met, and they don’t want to show any weakness. They become their family’s backbone. We feel we have to always be strong. But that doesn’t diminish the need for inclusion and camaraderie. We must continue to make our presence known, and continue to raise awareness. The challenges and hardships women face in service, now that we too are on the front lines, is the same as the men. We can have PTSD just as easily. There are women who are being injured in service alongside their male counterparts. I encourage any female veterans out there today to join me at the American Legion Post 108, and let’s work together to make a difference.
laine Stoots is a U.S. Air Force veteran and member of E American Legion Post 108 in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
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THE PACT ACT:
How you likely qualify Millions of Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Estimates show that more than three million have served since September 11, 2001. Those who join must ultimately exit military service. More than 300,000 service members are currently processing out each year. That puts a huge strain on the system and can sometimes leave new veterans lost in the “benefits black hole.” Out of all military benefits, disability benefits seem the most confusing and complex. The avenues to determine eligibility and disability ratings are not the same for each veteran across the board. In addition, “VA math” is an anomaly. The first step to determining benefits is to confirm the classification of a veteran. The definition of a veteran is “a person who served in active military, naval, or air service, who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” There are specifics we won’t get into here that further define “veteran status.” Let’s assume that classification is already made clear. The VA defines disability compensation as “a monthly tax-free payment to veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose service made an existing condition worse.” The VA determines this compensation based on a model that seeks to identify the economic impairment suffered from service. In other words, your mind, body, or soul aren’t working like they should because of your service, and how much is that costing you? Within the pages of FireWatch Magazine, we have introduced options for finding assistance in navigating through the complex disability application process through your local VSO (Veterans Services Officer) or private company specializing in application processing and approval success. If there is a question as to whether suffrage equates to a veteran’s economic impairment, they can certainly help to clarify. The PACT Act (The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) has really shaken up the veteran community positively. Some fear that having missed the application deadline, they no longer qualify for relief under the PACT Act; however, this is untrue. Application prior to the deadline would have ensured back pay to the date of the president’s signature on the Act, but applying after the deadline does not disqualify the benefit. The PACT Act addresses veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 eras and their exposure to various toxins. Under the PACT Act, many conditions are now identified as presumptive conditions, meaning if you can prove you served at a particular point in time at stated locations, you likely qualify. There is no need for additional supportive documentation, medical evaluations, and so forth. For example, if you were in Afghanistan anytime after September 11, 2001, or you were in Iraq anytime after August 2, 1990 and you have a condition identified within the PACT Act– you likely qualify. Many other locations qualify as well. Refer to this VA website for more information or to apply for compensation under the PACT Act: tinyurl.com/496u425e
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FireWatchMagazine.com
The Homeless Veteran HOW DO WE REACH THEM?
With so many benefits available to veterans, it is a curious tragedy that so many veterans are homeless. Programs and initiatives are working in Florida, where the veteran homeless population has decreased by more than 70 percent in the last decade, according to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs1. In Florida, millions of dollars have been invested through VA Supportive Services for veteran families grants, as well as HUD VA Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers that provide long-term rental assistance to help homeless veterans with high needs obtain and sustain permanent housing. Organizations like ForTheVeteran are eager to reach homeless veterans to assist in sorting through available benefits. “The VA has an expedited processing for veterans that are homeless or on the verge of homelessness,” explains Ben Bowman, founder of ForTheVeteran, which is a medical consulting company that works to help veterans understand the claims they’re eligible for and ensures veterans have independent medical examiners to provide the necessary evidence to win. For Bowman, the challenge is reaching the homeless veteran population. “If we can have that conversation with them and start the diagnosis process of determining what they best qualify for and help them navigate the process very quickly, we can count on the VA to expedite their claim process. If a veteran, for example, is suffering from a mental health situation that has led to their homelessness or even just their transient way of life, it is tough to reach them without others spreading the word,” says Bowman. For an identified disability, a veteran would receive back pay based on the date of the original onset of the condition. In some cases, this could result in life-changing money. Bowman shares a story of a female veteran his firm helped through an appeal process. “We were able to win an appeal for this female veteran, which led to being able to open another appeal. We got her $400,000 in back pay when the two claims were combined. This was unbelievable, life-changing money for her. “In her case, the VA had made a mistake years ago that we were able to find and submit for what is called ‘a clear and unmistakable error.’ That designation queues a claim to appeal back to the original claim, keeping the appeal window open even though it hadn’t been actively appealed. “This veteran had been in and out of halfway houses. She had been struggling with severe mental health challenges this entire time. But, through the process of waiting, she had become transient, homeless, and found herself in and out of various facilities. Months later, she called our office to express her gratitude and said, ‘I have never owned my own home, and I am about to put a down payment on my own home and finally have a permanent place of my own.’” 1 source: https://www.floridavets.org/our-veterans/homeless-veterans
February 2024
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VETERAN
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Health
When your back hurts you will try anything, short of surgery, to get relief! As I mentioned last month, I have tried acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga, TENS, and of course many doctors’ go-to response of prescribing pills! Last night I was thinking about how doctors always ask you, “On a scale of 1-10, what is your current pain level?” So, I developed this reference list for myself: • Really good day = 3-4 out of 10 (Rare) • Good day = 5-6 out of 10 (Normal) • Bad day = 7-8 out of 10 (Frequent) • Really bad day = 9-10 out of 10 (Rare but becoming more common) Like you, I have lived with my “good day” pain for so long I just accept it as my “normal.” If I woke up one morning and did not feel any pain, I would think I was dead! How sad is that! My latest search for back pain relief has taken me to electro-shock treatment! NO…not that one! Although that might fix other issues…but then, I digress. I am talking about neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). About two months ago I was discussing my back pain with a friend, and David mentioned that the Veterans Administration Pain Clinic prescribed an NMES Belt for him. Unfortunately for him, it was not helping, so he offered it to me to try out. At that point I was willing to try anything. I took the belt home and immediately put it on. I had to play with the intensity a bit to find the right settings…“Dance postman, dance!” [Cheers fans will get this]. I was amazed at how much it helped reduce the pain I was suffering at the time. It took me from a 7-8, down to a 5-6 out of ten, back to my “normal,” which made my day! Do not get me wrong, this is not a cure. It provides temporary relief, but when you are in severe pain you will take whatever relief, you can get. When I am having a “really bad day,” I am in so much pain that the belt alone does not provide sufficient relief. That is when I will lay down and resentfully resort to taking a prescribed strong medication. Fortunately, this is rare…at least for now. I have been using the belt daily now for about a month, both morning and evening, with fairly reliable results considering it is not specifically set up for me. I also use it during the day for some relief when I am having a “bad day,” which generally works. Bottom line: This has been a Godsend and I cannot thank David enough for allowing me to use his NMES belt.
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FireWatchMagazine.com
&
Wellness
By Rich Corson, Veteran Health & Wellness Contributor
Since I started drafting this article, I had an appointment with the VA Pain Clinic, and they have ordered my own belt that will be set up specifically for me. I am looking forward to that. Also, by the time you read this I will have had spinal injections, but that is for a later article. Stay tuned. About the device The RS-4i Plus – a true high-frequency (5000Hz) device for in-home use helps relieve chronic pain in two ways. First, it delivers pain relieving Interferential (INF) therapy that penetrates deep into soft tissue to excite the body’s natural endorphin production for long-lasting pain relief. Then the rehabilitative effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) reduces muscle spasms, increases circulation, and prevents disuse atrophy. Exclusive to the RS-4i Plus, patented Intersperse technology provides the muscle contraction of NMES intermixed with pain relieving INF therapy. In this way, the patient gets intermittent contraction, then pain relief, then contraction throughout the duration of a session – enabling shorter, more comfortable, and more impactful treatments. To learn more, visit: tinyurl.com/uhs8uzfw TC (R) Richard Corson (Ret.) is President of the Special L Forces Association Chapter LX, and Vice President of the Tampa Green Beret Association. isclaimer: I am not a medical professional. These are my D individual experiences, provided as a common frame of reference to assist you in dealing with this all-too-common problem. Please consult with your medical professional. I am not connected with, nor receive any compensation from any company’s products I discuss in my articles.
February 2024
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S IP
T T
E V LOST IN THE SAUCE BENEFITS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
The Temporary Disability Rating Increase Did you know that if you are hospitalized for at least 21 days or are immobilized following surgery for at least one month due to a service-connected disability, you can apply for a temporary 100% disability rating? Even if you didn’t have surgery but had one or more major joints immobilized by a cast, you may qualify. Example as published at: tinyurl.com/4mwe662v Example: A veteran had a left knee injury that resulted in a 30% disability rating. As the knee problem got worse, the veteran’s VA doctor recommended surgery to stop more damage from happening. Since the doctor wouldn’t know if the surgery was successful until three months after the veteran’s one-week stay in the hospital, the VA granted the veteran a temporary 100% disability rating for three months. Aid & Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance Are you a housebound veteran receiving a VA pension who requires another person’s assistance to perform daily activities such as bathing, feeding, or dressing? Are you a veteran with vision impairments or required to remain in bed because of an illness? Are you in a nursing home due to loss of mental or physical abilities? If any of these apply, you may qualify for Aid and Attendance Benefits, which are additional funds added to your monthly VA pension to offset the cost of personal care. The additional funding can offset the cost of nursing homes, assisted living programs, and other long-term care options. Couples can receive up to $25,020 per year, and surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for $1,318
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per month or $15,816 per year to cover their own long-term care costs. Example: A veteran lost his vision due to a serviceconnected disability and is unable to manage everyday tasks such as medication preparation, house cleaning, and at-home first-aid care, and is unable to drive to doctor appointments and other commitments. The VA has granted additional funding to his VA pension to hire a personal care assistant. Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) For veterans with a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work, there is the Veteran Readiness and Employment program that can help. The program can assist with federal job priority placement and acquiring a non-college degree certification in fields like HVAC repair, truck driving, emergency medical training, cosmetology, flight school, and even SCUBA Divemaster certifications. Family members may also qualify! The VET TEC Program (Veterans Technology Education Courses) If you meet the program requirements, you can get training in various highdemand fields like computer software, computer programming, data processing, information science, and media applications. The program provides tuition for full-time high-tech training programs and money for your household during training. The VET TEC Program has recently expanded to include eligibility for service members close to their separation date. The
program has also made it easier to find expert instructors. These recent changes included increased funding from $15 million to $45 million to serve more veterans and service members. Survivor Benefits Many benefits are available to the surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran. These benefits can include reimbursement for burial and funeral costs and free headstones and grave markers. Survivors can even request a US Flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a Government Medallion to honor their veteran. It is difficult to concentrate on these intricacies when dealing with the loss of a loved one. We recommend speaking with a local Veterans Services Officer and/or a veteran funeral specialist like Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, Florida, to ensure you understand all benefits reserved for you as a surviving spouse or dependent child. Automobile Allowance The VA may pay up to $25,603 for a specially equipped vehicle if you have a service-connected disability that prevents you from driving.
AUTO Did you know? If you were discharged under honorable conditions, have a 100% disability rating, have been a Florida resident for the past five years (continuously), or have established residency in Florida, you can apply for one free disabled veteran “DV” license plate for your vehicle. With a “DV” license plate, you can park in any designated accessible parking space. And, get this: no state agency, county, municipality, or agency may charge the driver of a vehicle displaying a “DV” license plate any fee for parking on public streets, highways, or in any metered parking spaces*. Also, you get free parking at any Florida airport! HOME Did you know? If you have a 100% disability rating, you do not pay property taxes in Florida. You are still responsible for paying your home’s CDD or HOA fees. If you have a VA-certified service-connected disability of 10% or higher, you are entitled to a $5,000 property tax exemption. You must file for this exemption at your local county tax office.
Space-A Travel Service members and their families can use Space-A flights to travel around the country and world at a reduced cost or for free! MacDill AFB, FL, is an AMC CONUS TERMINAL We found some great tips at www.militaryonesource.mil!
* You are allowed to park for free up to four hours in any onstreet metered space (unless signage posted restricts the time to park)—this includes Florida beach parking! It does not include privately owned parking lots.
Florida-Specific Benefits SCHOOL “Florida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities and community colleges for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart. The waiver program also includes the state’s career and technical training facilities,” says James “Hammer” Hartsell, Deputy Director of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
February 2024
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THE STORY OF
The Four Chaplains Day Early on Feb. 3, 1943, an enemy torpedo struck the Army transport Dorchester as it carried 902 officers and enlisted men, Navy armed guard, merchant seamen and civilian workers in the North Atlantic. The Coast Guard cutter escorts Comanche and Escanaba rescued 230 men. As Dorchester took on water, four Army chaplains – Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) calmed frightened soldiers, aided the wounded and guided the disoriented toward safety. On deck, they opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. When there were no more available, the chaplains removed their own life jackets and gave them to four young men. “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said John Ladd, a survivor. As the ship went down, men in rafts saw the four chaplains, arms linked and braced against the slanting deck, singing hymns, and praying. Congress attempted to confer the Medal of Honor on the chaplains but was prevented by strict requirements of heroism under fire. It authorized a one-time posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, awarded by President Eisenhower in 1961; it was intended to have the same weight and importance as the Medal of Honor
HOW WE REMEMBER THEM The four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service The unique legacy of brotherhood non-denominational service relives their supreme sacrifice by sharing the story of these heroic chaplains, Methodist, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Dutch reform. 82 years later and their story is still being told. Every year, American Legion posts nationwide commemorate the selfless acts of the Four Chaplains on or near Feb. 3, designated Four Chaplains Day by Congress in 1948. Through interfaith services, memorial ceremonies and other solemn events, members of the American Legion Family Post 108 serving veterans in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, Florida will lead their communities in honoring the chaplains and 668 other men who died when Dorchester sank. Mark your calendar for Feb. 3, 2024, 7 p.m. Join as Don Hinst, American Legion Post 108 Commander, Chaplain for the 15th District State of Florida, leads a service at 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 34639, or watch online at www.harvestercommunitychurch.com. Founded in 1951, the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia encourages and supports these observances, and recognizes selfless service to community, nation, and humanity through its Legion of Honor award program.
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The Power of Focus Focus is the ability to block out distractions and concentrate on what’s important. In our distracted world, there’s never been a time when Focus has been more necessary. Between social media, politics, and other ads and campaigns, as well as a myriad of distractions, the ability to concentrate on what’s essential and that moves you closer to your goals is critical. Everyone has an agenda for our attention. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we focus on things that support our goals. We know that energy flows where Focus goes; so, in another important application of the power of Focus, we should give more attention to those things we want more of instead of those we do not. We move toward our dominant thoughts, and worrying is like praying for things we don’t want. This, of course, is not to say we’re not aware of problems and contingencies but that we must
remain solution-oriented and focus our energy on finding answers to our problems. I am honored to write for you today for so many reasons! First and foremost, I had the great honor of serving as both an enlisted soldier and an officer in the Army. So it’s also a great honor to serve you, knowing that this is a magazine, first and foremost, whose mission is to serve those who served our great country. Thank you for your service!
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February 2024
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