VETERANS CHRONICLE
LOOK INSIDE FOR
Why it’s vital to celebrate Memorial Day
Important VA benefits –and why you need them
Memorial to fallen heroes coming to Spokane
VETERANS CHRONICLE
How have current federal layoffs affected veterans?
By Don Walker Veterans HelpNet
Editor’s note: This article was created by asking the ChatGBT AI app the question “How have current federal layoffs affected veterans?”
Recent federal layoffs have significantly impacted veterans, both as employees within the federal workforce and as beneficiaries of services provided by agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Impact on veteran employees
Veterans constitute approximately 30% of the federal workforce, a significantly higher proportion than their representation in the overall U.S. civilian labor force, which is about 5%. The recent mass layoffs, particularly targeting probationary employees with less than one or two years of service, have disproportionately affected veteran employees. Many veterans have reported receiving abrupt termination notices, leading to confusion and concern about their future employment prospects. For instance, a former Navy service member expressed frustration after being dismissed from a federal position just three months into the role, despite positive performance feedback.
Impact on VA services
The VA has laid off over 1,000 probationary employees across various roles, including critical positions such as researchers in mental health,
cancer treatments, addiction recovery, prosthetics, and burn pit exposure. These layoffs have raised concerns about potential staffing shortages and the subsequent effect on the quality and accessibility of services for veterans.
Lawmakers and veterans’ advocates have criticized these cuts, emphasizing that they could undermine the VA’s ability to fulfill its mission of serving veterans effectively.
Legislative and Public Response
In response to the layoffs, a group of 36 senators has urged the VA to reinstate all terminated employees, highlighting the potential risks to veterans’ care and benefits due to reduced staffing. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran, has been vocal about the anxiety and outrage within the veteran community regarding these cuts. Additionally, public protests have emerged, particularly in areas like California, where demonstrators have criticized the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its leadership in implementing these mass layoffs. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions among policymakers, veterans’ groups, and the public to address the challenges posed by these layoffs and to advocate for the reinstatement of affected employees to ensure that veterans continue to receive the support and services they deserve.
ChatGPT describes the meaning of Memorial Day
Editor’s note: Members of the Veterans Help Net organization recently asked the Chat GPT Artificial Intelligence app to tell us about Memorial Day as well as the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Below you will see the interesting results.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day to remember and honor men and women in the armed forces who died while serving their country.
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the late 19th century, when various communities across the country began to hold tributes and remembrances for their fallen soldiers. The first official observance of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan proclaimed a day of remembrance for the Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War.
Over time, the holiday evolved to include honoring all those who have died in service to their country. Today, Memorial Day is observed with parades, concerts, and visits to cemeteries and memorials where loved ones are buried. It is a solemn and important occasion to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day Memorial Day and Veterans Day are
both important holidays in the United States that honor the men and women who served in the military. However, there are some key differences between the two holidays.
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the military. It is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday in May.
Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day to recognize and thank all veterans who have served in the military, both living and deceased. It is a time to show appreciation for the brave men and women who have served their country. Veterans Day is observed on November 11th every year.
While both holidays share similarities in that they both honor the sacrifices of those who served in the military, there is a significant difference in what each holiday focuses on. Memorial Day is about remembering and honoring those who died while serving, while Veterans Day is about recognizing and thanking all veterans who have served.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
VETERANS HELP NET
Don Walker
Bryan Bledsoe
MANAGING EDITOR
Joe Butler
ART DIRECTOR
Anne Potter
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Scott Baumbach
Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle each quarter to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.
To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com, call (509) 998-6484 or visit www. VeteransHelpNet.com.
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Editor’s note: Many of our “Help and Hope’ articles in every issue end with “Does this sound like someone you know?” We always encourage readers to send any veterans in their lives any of our articles since we always try to present helpful information about area resources.
It’s always nice when we learn this is happening, as you’ll read below.
Good morning, Mr. Butler
Thank you for your reply to me. I had a pleasant surprise after I sent you the email. On the morning of the 9th, I retrieved my Sunday paper and found the Veterans Chronicle Section enclosed I do make copies of some of the articles and forward them to my retired and disabled vets in: Germany, Texas and Minnesota. I always get positive feedback from them when they read the articles.
Do you have a story of someone finding “help and hope” from the Veterans Chronicle articles? Or sharing an issue with a friend who can use
VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator
Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690
Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
Kootenai County Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449
SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations. Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
504 E. Second Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 435-2019
Provides healthcare and outreach for housing, job opportunities and counseling.
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service (509) 477-3690
Kootenai County Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-8255, press 1 North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Post Falls Veteran’s Home: Caring for America’s heroes
By Ruth Aresvik Veterans HelpNet Correspondent
Who’s up for a happy hour of whiskey and wings? Video travel to the San Juan Islands? How about some spring sling cornhole? These are a few recent activities enjoyed by residents of the Post Falls Veterans Home. Since the doors were dedicated and opened in November 2022, this 64-bed skilled nursing facility has cared for veterans and the spouse, widow or widower of an eligible veteran.
“Planning activities is truly a group effortn”, says Kady Aamot, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator. “My team and I meet monthly to brainstorm...we assess each resident to take an in-depth look at their interests and needs. It’s very important that we evaluate our program frequently to ensure we are meeting the changing needs and wants.”
The facility has multiple common areas with big-screen televisions, in addition to a chapel,
therapy room and centralized community center. The North Fork Bistro, supported by Idaho Veterans Assistance League and open three days a week, provides soft drinks, snacks and free soft-serve ice cream. Volunteers work various shifts at the Bistro and enjoy serving the residents.
The Post Falls Veterans Home is a bright, clean modern example of the care and necessary support these veterans deserve for the contributions they made in service to our country.
“I truly feel blessed to be able to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to provide the freedoms we all enjoy,” stated Amber Goodchild, Home Administrator. Amber has worked for the Idaho Division of Veteran Services for 15 years and has been the Administrator at the Post Falls Home for the past year and a half.
“Every day brings its own reward - whether it’s welcoming a veteran into our care, helping serve meals, listening to the stories our residents
share, or participating in the Patriot Salute to honor one of our residents who has passed.”
Another positive factor for the Home is the presence of two State Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Their offices at the home make it convenient to help residents with VA issues, in addition to helping area veterans and family members obtain benefits earned through their military service.
Many individuals and organizations volunteer and participate in assorted activities.
The American Red Cross has a monthly birthday party celebration.
The Patriotic Piecers, the local Quilts of Valor group, recently presented seven veterans, including one staff member, with quilts. These quilts, individually crafted, bring honor and tears during any ceremony. Several American Legion posts offer services and time. Kady stressed “The care and attention our volunteers put into making our veterans feel seen, honored and appreciated is something truly
special.”
The Post Falls Veteran’s Home, located at 590 W Pleasant View Road, is staffed with an excellent team providing outstanding care and peace of mind to its residents. These veterans share a bond of friendship and service and have formed a family community. They come together throughout the day to join in activities and celebrations.
“It’s truly an honor to work in the veterans’ home”, says Amber “and lead a team of compassionate individuals to provide the superior
care our veterans deserve and who are invested in our mission of ‘Caring for America’s Heroes’.”
The Post Falls Veteran’s Home is at 590 S Pleasant View Road. Learn more at veterans.idaho.gov/ veterans-homes/post-falls-veteranshome/
Does this sound like a place for a veteran you know? For more information and local help, See the “How can I get Help”” section in this publication for names and locations of Service Offices.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
The high cost of waiting or not applying for your earned
disability benefits
Saying “There are other vets who deserve it more” can backfire
By Seth Maier
(This editorial by Seth Maier, a veteran, was first printed three years ago and it is still significant and important, so we publish it every year.)
When we solemnly swore our oath in supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States, we didn’t have in our heads the idea that existed the potential to leave military service with fewer abilities had we not entered military service at all.
Imagine that a carbon copy of yourself was created right when you signed those enlistment papers. Fast forward to your military exit. Compare yourself to your military self to that carbon copy that did not enter military service at all. What are the differences? Perhaps there is
a physical difference, such as a paratrooper may have a bum knee and back spasms from all the voluntary leaps from perfectly good airplanes. Perhaps there is something invisible, such as witnessing the hell of combat that interrupts the military self - perhaps resulting in avoiding things, no escape from intrusive memories or even re-living those experiences –we can’t necessarily ‘see’ the difference from our carbon copy, but internally there is certainly something changed. It is these differences that the VA disability compensation system was designed for. It’s in the VA motto, a quote from President Lincoln: “To care for him (her) who shall have borne the battle and for his (her) widow (widower), and his (her) orphan.” (Emphasis rightly added for my Women Warriors!)
It breaks my heart to hear a
“If you leased a car from a dealership, you will have made an agreement on the maximum number of miles driven and if you got a ding in the car, you’ll have to fix it before it’s returned. If you return it with unrepaired damages and/or more miles than agreed upon, you are going to have to pay extra. Our enlistment contract compares to this lease example. Uncle Sam leased our minds and our bodies in exchange for a signed blank check, payable for up to our mortal life. Just like returning that leased auto to the dealer, if we leave service with dings, cracked headlights and more miles used – guess what, our Uncle will compensate for that! The problem is our Uncle won’t just pay it – we have to apply for it – you have to apply for a service connected disability.”
be able to sustain themselves after I’m gone. The service connection disability I applied for and was awarded was essentially all for my family. VA disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. All recognized service connected disabilities will all be fully covered medically for the rest of the vet’s life, followed by a plethora of additional benefits that can’t even be enacted until a service claim is made.
brother or sister in arms tell me that they won’t apply for a service connection because they feel like they are taking something away from another veteran. “They deserve it more than I do.” No Vet is getting anything taken away from them when another vet applies. It simply doesn’t work that way!
I bugged a veteran buddy over the course of three years to apply for service connection from the OIF burn pits he was exposed to, who always said that “some other Vet needed it more than him.” Three years of bugging him, he finally applied. Three months later he was 100% service connected disabled - he could hardly breathe – the burn pits had a major impact on his health.
This is what I told him that helped him change his perspective:
We calculated that because my buddy waited those three years, he lost over $70,000 in compensation that will never be paid back to him. Every month a member waits and doesn’t file is a month of compensation they’ll never get back! Don’t wait, apply now!
It further breaks my heart when I encounter a vet whose home is being foreclosed on them and their family because of the cost of their medical treatments, such as cancer. Like a cancer that has been directly connected to exposure to Agent Orange and had that vet applied for a service connection, not only would those medical bills been covered, they would’ve been able to keep their home. Additionally if that service member clocks out in life because of that cancer, I can sleep at night because I know their spouse and their dependents will be taken care of as they’ll continue to receive survivor benefits. That part is really important to me – if my death is related to an injury or disease associated with my service – I need my family to
I urge my vet readers (and their support systems) to meditate for a moment on the idea of that carbon copy self on the day they exited military service. What is different? Is it still impacting you today? Has it gotten worse? Meet with a service officer to discuss these differences – service officers are available to you and your family at no cost; you don’t have to be a member of their organization, nor is there pressure for you to join their organization. It’s a very low-risk conversation with a service officer who took the exact same oath as you did upon entering service. They’ll understand and recognize if your experiences will qualify, it is incredibly valuable to have that talk!
Does this sound like someone you know?
For more information go to VeteransHelpnet.com, see the “How Can I Get Help” graphic on Page 4 of this section, or contact Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center at (509) 477-3609.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
How does the government support veterans?
USAFacts
Over 93% of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual spending funds pensions, compensation, medical care, and education programs for veterans. (Updated Aug. 1, 2024 by the USAFacts Team.)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spent over $266 billion in fiscal year 2022 — accounting for about 38.9 percent of all federal spending — on pay and pensions, healthcare, and education for the nation’s veterans.
How does the Department of Veterans Affairs spend its budget?
The majority of VA expenditures fund veterans’ compensation and pensions (50.5% of VA spending) and medical care services (38.9.)
A veteran’s eligibility for pensions and compensation depends on factors such as their age, service, and disability status. More than 5.9 million veterans and their families received financial support from the disability compensation program in 2022, one of the VA’s most-accessed programs.
The VA also provides veterans with free healthcare for conditions related to military service, for catastrophic disabilities, and for veterans with a disability rating of at least 50%.
(The VA assigns veterans a numerical rating based on the severity of their service-connected disability; this rating determines their’ eligibility for benefits and the amount of their compensation.)
The department also provides financial assistance to veterans who can’t afford to pay for healthcare. In 2022, the VA
spent $104 billion on veterans’ medical care.
Spending per patient varies depending on the veterans’ priority group, which triages patients based on the severity of their disability or medical condition and whether the condition is related to their service.
Medical care for veterans accounts for nearly 40% of VA spending.
Department of Veterans Affairs expenditures and utilization by expenditures type, adjusted for inflation (2022 dollars), 1996-2022
Four percent of the VA’s annual expenditure went toward educational and vocational benefits for veterans. More than 800,000 vets, servicemembers, reservists, and family members took advantage of education benefits in 2022 — an increase from 2008 (541,439) but a decrease from 2016, when over one million accessed education benefits. Since 2000, the US has fewer and fewer each year. But even with a shrinking veteran population, government spending on vets is up. A growing share of VA funding going to disability compensation and medical care — particularly as the veteran population is aging. In 2022, almost half of veterans (49.3%) were 65 or older, while 26.5% were 75 or older. Veterans are also seeing improvements in quality of life, including lower unemployment rates.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
REFLECTIONS OF A GOLD STAR MOTHER
Upcoming opportunities to honor local Fallen Heroes
By Keirsten Lyons
When I was a kid, the 4th of July meant big backyard BBQs. Our whole neighborhood would gather for food, fun and games, and then the kids would not so patiently wait for it to get dark enough for the main event: fireworks! It was the 1970s, so that meant big, fun, explosive fireworks back then.
One year, when I was probably seven or eight, the grand finale of the night was a firework that looked like a cannon, wheels and all. We had no idea what it would do, but we couldn’t wait to see. After all the excitement of the other fireworks, it was finally time. The fuse was lit and our anticipation mounted as it sizzled toward the cannon. But as it started to launch, something went wrong, and it exploded. Pieces of it went flying, shooting out all around us. From one moment to the next, everything changed. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Amid the confusion
and shock, I slowly became aware that something else very real and very frightening was happening just a few feet away.
One of our newest neighbors, John, was crouched in a fighter’s stance. There was blood running down his forehead and he was suddenly wary, his eyes wild. He didn’t seem to recognize any of us, and as a few went closer to try and help, he yelled at all of us to get back or he’d shoot. Over and over again he crouched, he yelled, and his eyes searched neighbors he knew, but couldn’t see for who they were.
I remember feeling so frozen. Frightened but unable to move. Wanting to help but not knowing how. It seemed like a lot of the adults felt the same. But then there was one man who stepped up, who stepped in, and when he did it suddenly it felt like the rest of us dropped back and were watching a very private scene play out.
He took position across from John who was still crouched and ready for a fight. But the man didn’t flinch. He matched him with the same intensity, but over and over again he said, “John. John. Touch the ground. You’re on American soil. John, touch the ground.” I remember him pounding his hand on the ground as he said that. Pleading with John to do the same.
I don’t remember much after that. Our parents probably sent us home quickly, and it took a lot of years before I put everything together: John had served in Vietnam.
He was not that many years removed from his time there, and that explosion of the firework and the piece that hit him had taken him right back to a battlefield that only he could see.
I will never forget that experience. I wasn’t in the battle, but most definitely
saw his that night and witnessed how close to the surface it was. How close to the surface it stays.
I understand that a lot better these days. I don’t personally know the trauma of war. But as a Gold Star mom, I do know the trauma of the effects of war. How close it is, always. How sometimes you can anticipate the triggers and do your best to avoid them, but how sometimes they come out of nowhere, like the fireworks explosion, and turn you sideways for a time.
And just like my neighbor John, what you need most is someone who will step in to all that’s wrong and walk you back to what you know.
It’s one of the most important goals of the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project. To walk alongside. And this year, this 50th year since the end of the
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Vietnam War, it feels more important than ever to acknowledge those who served in that era.
We hope you’ll join us at The Wall That Heals event August 26-31 at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, because no matter how long it’s been, it’s not too late to say thank you.
The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals is a ¾ scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It travels around the country each year, and Spokane was chosen as one of just 31 cities to host this year.
The Wall will be here August 26-31st at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex (near the old Joe Albi Stadium) in northwest Spokane. It is free to the public and open 24 hours a day.
It arrives in a giant tractor-trailer that becomes a Mobile Education Center for the week, and on August 26 it will be escorted in to the site. The Combat
Vet Riders are taking the lead as Ride Captains, and local m/c riders and first responders are encouraged to join. The route will be posted soon, and we hope the community will come out and line the streets as the truck and escort pass.
August 27 will be installation, and there will be an opening/Welcome Home ceremony on August 28 at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
On August 29 at sunset, there will be a special Agent Orange Awareness ceremony in recognition of all those who have died or suffered from the effects of exposure.
The Wall closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 31. There will be a short closing ceremony.
There are many ways to get involved and to recognize your own veteran.
If your loved one served in Vietnam, is not on The Wall, but died from the
effects of his or her service, please consider adding them to the In Memory Wall. Apply by July 27 to assure they will be listed and memorialized at the Mobile Education Center when The Wall is in Spokane.
In addition, there will be lots of volunteer opportunities available for setup, welcoming, tours, and more.
For more information on The Wall That Heals, the escort, In Memory program or volunteering, please visit our website at www.TheWallThatHealsSpokane. com.
Bringing The Wall That Heals to Spokane was made possible by a generous donation from John and Kathy Nydegger. Kathy’s brother served in a field hospital in Vietnam. He came home with his own demons to fight, and he was never the same.
It means a lot to the Nydeggers, and to us, to bring The Wall to Spokane. It’s our way of saying to all who served that
we acknowledge what you did, what you gave, and also what you gave up.
Because I think the thing that must be true about war is that when you’re there, you’re doing your job. Doing what you were trained to do and doing it to the best of your ability. But then you have to come home. And you have to deal with what it meant to do your job. And I can’t imagine what that must be like for some of you.
So when the demons come, I hope you’ll remember: you’re on American soil. The soil you fought for and your brothers died for. As a Project, and I hope as a community, we promise we will never take that for granted. We will always remember, and we will keep saying thank you in all the ways that we can.
Keirsten Lyons is the Gold Star Mom of Sgt. Jake Hess, USMC, and Director of the WA State Fallen Heroes Project.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Be aware of low vision challenges for veterans
Picture the best moments of your life: family celebrations, dinner with friends or vacations at the beach. Imagine reading your favorite books, watching a beloved show or driving to a special place. All these experiences rely on the gift of sight. Unfortunately for many Veterans, especially those 50 and older, risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increase with age and can contribute to declining vision and the inability to rely on your eyesight.
What is AMD?
AMD is a progressive eye condition and is the leading cause of low vision. Low vision is a general term for a range of vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, surgery or medications. It can make everyday activities like reading, cooking and driving difficult. Understanding and addressing AMD and low vision is crucial to maintaining your independence and quality of life.
Recognizing symptoms
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Depending on the type of AMD, symptoms can vary. Either dry or wet AMD may show the following vision changes:
• Blurred vision.
• Straight lines appearing wavy.
• Colors seeming less bright.
• Difficulty seeing in low lighting.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.
A dilated eye exam can identify if you have either type of AMD. Timely care makes a big difference in managing these conditions.
Health conditions and risk factors
AMD is not the only condition that can cause low vision: Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy (leading cause of low vision in working age adults) and glaucoma, and many others are also known contributors. Prevention and early detection are key to managing low vision, so it’s essential to get regular eye exams.
Annual visits to an eye doctor can help detect vision problems before they become more severe and catching these conditions early can help slow the progression of diseases impacting your ability to see.
VA support and resources
For Veterans diagnosed with conditions causing low vision, VA offers visual rehabilitation, ocular telehealth services, and optical and non-optical aids to improve quality of life and help you learn strategies to make daily activities easier. Early action is key. Get tested, stay informed and seek help if you notice any changes in your vision. Your sight is valuable and, with the right support, you can keep enjoying the moments that matter most.
For local help see the “How Can I Get Help?” section on Page 4.
PICTURE THE BEST MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE
About the VA: Learn the Department of Veterans Administration’s mission, vision, core values and goals
Mission Statement
To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans.
Core Values
VA’s five core values underscore the obligations inherent in VA’s mission: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The core values define “who we are,” our culture, and how we care for Veterans and eligible beneficiaries. Our values are more than just words – they affect outcomes in our daily interactions with Veterans and eligible beneficiaries and with each other. Taking the first letter of each word—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence— creates a powerful acronym, “I CARE,” that reminds each VA employee of the importance of their role in this Department. These core values come together as five promises we make as individuals and as an organization to those we serve.
Integrity: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage.
Commitment: Work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities.
Advocacy: Be truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
Respect: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it.
Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.
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What basic health care services does VA Medical cover?
The VA offers the nation’s largest integrated health system and provides care that’s personalized, proactive, and patient-driven.
We cover preventive care services, like:
• Health exams (including genderspecific exams)
• Health education (including nutrition education)
• Immunization against infectious diseases (like flu shots)
• Counseling on genetic diseases (diseases that run in families)
We cover inpatient hospital services, like:
• Surgeries
• Medical treatments
• Kidney dialysis
• Acute care (short-term treatment for a severe illness or injury or after surgery)
• Specialized care (including organ transplants, intensive care for mental and physical conditions, and care for traumatic injuries)
Learn other VA medical and surgical specialty care services at https://www. va.gov/healthbenefits/access/specialty_ care_services.asp
We cover urgent and mergency care services, like:
• Urgent or emergency care at some VA health facilities. Find a facility near you at https://www.va.gov/findlocations/
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• Urgent care for injuries and illnesses that need attention right away, but aren’t life threatening, at urgent care locations that are part of our contracted network. This may include care at a VA-approved: Walk-in retail health clinic for minor illnesses like a sore throat or earache
• Urgent care facility for more pressing (but not life-threatening) illnesses or injuries that require treatment like splinting, casting, or wound care
To use these services, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care, and you’ll need to have received care from us within the past 24 months. Be sure to tell the urgent care provider that you’re using the VA urgent care benefit when you arrive.
Emergency care in a non-VA hospital, clinic, or other medical setting—only under certain conditions. For us to consider covering non-VA emergency
care for a non-service-connected condition, you’ll need to meet several requirements.
Learn more about non-VA emergency medical care at https://www.va.gov/ COMMUNITYCARE/programs/ veterans/Emergency-Care.asp
We cover other services and needs, like:
• Mental health services to treat certain issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression, and substance use problems.
• Assisted living and home health care (depending on your needs and income as well as space in the programs).
• Prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor.
For local help or assistance see “How Can I Get Help?” section on Page 4.
Does PTSD get worse with age?
Many older veterans find they have PTSD symptoms even 50 or more years after their military experience. Some symptoms of PTSD include having nightmares or feeling like you are reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind you of the event, being easily startled, and loss of interest in activities.
Changes that come with aging can make you feel more vulnerable, and this can make your PTSD symptoms more noticeable.
Strategies that once seemed to help you avoid thinking about the trauma, like long hours spent at work or self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, may no longer work. Even positive coping strategies, like exercising or friendships with supportive
peers, can be more difficult to maintain as you get older.
For an overview of PTSD and aging, including examples of how aging can affect PTSD, download the Understanding PTSD and Aging booklet at https://www. ptsd.va.gov/publications/print/understandingptsd_aging_booklet.pdf
Does this sound like someone you know?
For more information go to VeteransHelpnet.com, see the “How Can I Get Help” graphic on Page 4 of this section, or contact Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center at (509) 477-3609.
The youngest American soldier in World War II
World War II was one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It was the largest war ever fought, with more than 50 nations and 100 million troops involved, and it reshaped geopolitics, resulting in the United States and Soviet Union emerging as major world powers leading into the Cold War. This far-reaching war also inspired new global peacekeeping efforts, including the creation of the United Nations, and it brought to light incredibly courageous acts of humanity from soldiers and civilians alike.
One of these was Calvin L. Graham, considered the youngest U.S. military member during WWII, and is still the youngest recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
It wasn’t unusual for boys to lie about their age to enlist, but Graham was just 12 years old when he forged his mother’s signature and headed to Houston to enlist.
My Tragic Flaw
Editor’s note: I was watching an old TV series called “Everwood” this week. It is about a family in mourning for losing their mother and friend. All they do is argue but eventually saw the light. Ephram was a 16-year old brilliant, moody teenager that eventually made some good decisions. He was forced to write an essay about his “Tragic Flaw,” and the result is below.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I’m not sure who the first person was who said that. Probably Shakespeare. Or maybe Sting. But at the moment, it’s the sentence that best explains my tragic flaw, my inability to change. I don’t think I’m alone in this. The more I get to know other people, the more I realize it’s kind of everyone’s flaw. Staying exactly the same for as long as possible, standing perfectly still… It feels safer somehow. And if you are suffering, at least the pain is familiar. Because if you took that leap of faith, went outside the box, did something
unexpected… Who knows what other pain might be out there, waiting for you. Chances are it could be even worse. So you maintain the status quo. Choose the road already traveled and it doesn’t seem that bad. Not as far as flaws go. You’re not a drug addict. You’re not killing anyone… Except maybe yourself a little. When we finally do change, I don’t think it happens like an earthquake or an explosion, where all of a sudden we’re like this different person. I think it’s smaller than that. The kind of thing most people wouldn’t even notice unless they looked at us really close. Which, thank God, they never do. But you notice it. Inside you that change feels like a world of difference. And you hope this is it. This is the person you get to be forever… that you’ll never have to change again.
Tragic Flaws….Everyone has one. There are two significant step to overcome them…1. Recognize yours. 2. Do something about it.
The 125-pound, 5-foot-2 boy was miraculously cleared for naval service and assigned to the USS South Dakota as an anti-aircraft gunner.
On November 14, 1942, the South Dakota was ambushed by Japanese forces at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Graham was severely burned and thrown down three stories of the ship, but still mustered the strength to tend to his severely wounded shipmates. He was honored for his heroism, but when his mother found out about the honor, she informed the Navy of his real age and he was stripped of his medals and thrown into the brig for three months.
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter learned of Graham’s story and restored his medals, except for his Purple Heart, which wasn’t restored until two years after Graham’s death.
Photo credit: Gibson Green/ Alamy Stock Photo
Shared by Ephram Brown in “Everwood”
Who are today’s veterans?
Today’s veterans reflect America’s evolving demographics. The number of living veterans is declining while the veteran population is getting more diverse. Here’s some interesting data about who’s served and how demographics have shifted.
• As of 2023, 15.8 million Americans (6.1% of adults) were veterans. That number has fallen by more than 25% — about 5.9 million people — since 2010
• Veterans are aging: nearly half (49.0%) are 65 or older, up from 47.3% in 2013.
• Approximately 74.1% of veterans identify as white, 12.6% as Black, 8.6% as Hispanic or Latino, and 2% as Asian American. Combined, white and Black Americans are 74.7% of the US population but 86.7% of the veteran population.
• Women represented 10.9% of veterans, up from 7.2% in 2010. Veterans have also gained more formal education: 69.1% had attended some college or earned a degree, up from 62.0% in 2010.
Hey veterans, DID YOU KNOW?
Appealing a VA claim is possible
Do you disagree with VA’s decision on your claim? Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits can choose from three decision review options: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.
Learn about the options at https://www. va.gov/decision-reviews/
Crisis helplines available for any situation
The VA doesn’t pay for funerals, cremations
What is the share of veterans by gender?
More than one in 10 living veterans are women. Women veterans have steadily increased over the past decade…In 2010, 7.2% of veterans were women, compared to 10.9%om 2023. (The Census Bureau does not provide data on the number or transgender or nonbinary veterans.)
How has the education status of veteran population changed?
Veterans’ education levels have also shifted 69.1 of veterans in 2023 had at least some college experience, and associate’s degree or higher. In 2010, the rate of veterans with some college was 62.0%, up 7.1 percentage points.
This information was provided from the U.S. Census and presented by USA Facts, a not-for-profit, nonpartisan civic initiative making government data easy for all.
Coaching Into Care is not a crisis line but a partner with the Veterans Crisis Line or 988 and press 1. If you are a Veteran or calling about a Veteran, the Veterans Crisis Line puts you in touch with VA-trained responders. Part of their capability is to engage with police and active rescue if necessary. They can put you in touch with Suicide Prevention Coordinators at your local VA if you wish.
The only thing that is free of charge is burial or inurnment at a state or national veterans cemetery (spouses are $300). Veterans that qualify must either be cremated or in a casket and the VA pays for neither. The VA also does not pay for caskets, embalming, cremation, urns, memorial or funeral services. For those veterans who do qualify for VA death benefits, there is a partial reimbursement after the fact. The amounts provided are a fraction of actual costs in most cases.
Find local help in the “How Can I Get Help?” section on Page 4 of this publication.
GI Bill can provide additional benefits VETERANS CHRONICLE
Since its introduction in 1944, millions of veterans and service members have used the GI Bill to pay for their college tuition. The latest iteration of the legislation, called the Post-9/11 GI Bill, offers veterans, service members and their families a number of lesserknown benefits that can help towards educational costs.
“The benefits are just unbelievable. While everyone else is working and scraping through college, you don’t have to,” says Curtis, a Marine Corps veteran, about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. “You can concentrate on your studies and that transition into becoming a civilian again.
Funds for private schools
The Post-9/11 GI Bill will help pay tuition for a public school, but the tuition and fees associated with private school or an out-of-state school may exceed the amount the GI Bill covers. For veterans who want to attend a private, out-of-state or graduate school, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help. Recipients of the Fry Scholarship or Purple Heart are also eligible for this program. Institutions that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program contribute additional funds for veterans without affecting GI Bill entitlement, and VA matches it.
Reimbursement for test fees
Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill can get reimbursed for test fees. This means that veterans or service members can get reimbursed for the fees they pay to take the SAT, ACT, the graduate school exam (GRE), even the LSAT and MCAT for law and medical school admission.
Transferable educational benefits to spouse/children
Under thePost-9/11 GI Bill, there is an option to transfer benefits to a service member’s spouse or children.
The request to transfer unused GI Bill benefits to eligible dependents must be completed while serving as an active member of the Armed Forces. The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not the benefit can be transferred. Once DoD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA.
Rob, an Army Veteran, said the process of transferring to his son was seamless.
“Once [that was complete] VA had accepted the transfer and understood that this was my desire, the money was waiting for him to apply for those funds.”
Scholarship for children of fallen service members
“Every child of every fallen in line of duty receives it,” says Malia, a Marine Corps widow, of the Fry Scholarship.
“It’s not based on grades. It’s not based on any qualifications. You have it. It’s yours.”
Named in honor of Malia’s husband, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001. Those eligible may receive up to 36 months of benefits, including full tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and a supplies stipend.
