June 19, 2023

#102: Green Beret Foundation l Supporting America's Green Berets of All Generations – COO Frances Arias and Veterans Service Officer Beth MacDonald

1 hour 53 minutes

Green Beret Foundation provides all generations of Green Berets and their families with emergency, immediate and ongoing support. They are the only Special Operations non-profit accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to handle claims and benefits directly. And as of last year, they have an experienced Veterans Service Officer permanently placed in each active duty Special Forces Group to ensure our Green Berets and their families have access to support while still serving and beyond.

Fran Racioppi headed to the home of Green Beret Foundation in San Antonio, TX to sit down with Chief Operating Officer Frances Arias and Veterans Service Officer Beth MacDonald.

Fran and Frances discuss GBF’s programs such as the Next Ridgeline Veterans Service Officer program, academic scholarships, health and wellness, and GBF’s recent commitment to supporting Green Berets of all generations.

A recipient of GBF’s support himself, Fran and Beth break down the VA Disability Claims process and how being a Gold Star Spouse provides a unique perspective when analyzing transitioning Green Beret’s records.

Check out our How To Series on filing VA Disability Claims on YouTube. Learn more about Green Beret Foundation at greenberetfoundation.org and on social media at @greenberetfoundation.

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Highlights:

0:00 Supporting all generations of green berets (COO Frances Arias)
8:00 Health & Wellness Programs
11:10 Gold Star Support
16:15 Scholarships
19:00 Launching the Next Ridgeline VA Claims Program
41:15 Welcome Beth MacDonald (Gold Star Spouse & Veterans Service Officer)
43:02 Experience as a Gold Star Spouse
54:05 Why most Green Berets have incomplete medical records
58:25 Demystifying the VA claims process
1:13:30 When to start the VA claims process
1:05:40 If you’re on the fence about GBF support
1:16:35 Understanding VA ratings
1:22:30 Preparing for the VA evaluations

Quotes:

“Our mission is to provide all generations of Green Berets…and their families, with emergency, immediate and ongoing support.”
“GBF is the only Special Operations non-profit that’s accredited to handle claims and benefits for Green Berets and their families.”
“It’s very hard to fight for your benefits. You shouldn’t have to fight for your benefits. You fought for your country.”
“The VA wants to see a very specific set of legal, legally defined conditions that are compensable.”
“Everybody that works in this organization is familiar with the history of Special Operations.”
“We’ll help you understand everything that you need for the VA to get through the process.”

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s & Compass Workforce Solutions

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By Fran Racioppi

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