The FourBlock Podcast

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we are sharing a conversation that co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams had recently with Sarah Roberts and Darren Sumter during a session of FourBlock's Fall 2021 West Coast Career Readiness Program. Darren is a Global Account Manager for LinkedIn and a member of FourBlock's Board of Directors. Sarah is LinkedIn's Head of Military and Veteran Programs.

Over the course of this discussion, Saran and Darren discuss their transitions from active service, talk about career opportunities at LinkedIn, and share some career transition best practices.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

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Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome FourBlock Atlanta alumnus turned coach Jose Fernandez, who now serves as the head of Strategic Threat Intelligence at Truist. A strategic threat intelligence and military veteran recognized as an expert practitioner in all aspects of intelligence operations, Jose served in the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard for a total of 32 years before retiring from service in 2018.

In this episode, Jose joins co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to talk about his time in service, his military-to-civilian transition, and his impressive career in cybersecurity. Jose provides in-depth insights about the cybersecurity industry, illuminates what some of his day-to-day responsibilities include in his role with Truist, and shares what he enjoys most about his current role and his career in cybersecurity. Jose also provides expert insights and advice for service men and women who are looking to begin a career in the growing cybersecurity industry after transitioning out of the military. Jose joined the U.S. Army in 1985 straight out of high school. He enlisted in the Infantry, went to Airborne School, and was then assigned to the 8th Infantry Division in Germany from 1985 to 1987. After his two-year tour, he joined the U.S. Army Central Command as a reservist. He was assigned to 3rd Army Headquarters G-3 as an Operations NCO, deploying to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Storm / Desert Shield.

After returning, Jose completed his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Georgia State University. In 1996, he transitioned to the Army National Guard, where he was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer. Jose was also a firefighter in the Marietta Fire Department from 1998-2002.

In 2002, Jose was brought into the Active Guard Reserve in the Georgia National Guard. His first assignment was the Aide-De-Camp for the Commanding General. In 2005-2006 he deployed to Iraq, where he served with the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade. As a Captain, he was responsible for over 70 tactical human intelligence teams spread out over Iraq, working with multiple units.

Jose retired after serving for 32 years. He currently leads strategic threat intelligence for the cyber threat intelligence team at Truist. His team provides strategic level awareness of the cyber threat landscape to make informed strategic decisions to effectively and efficiently run a security function.

Jose holds an M.S. in organizational leadership from Argosy University. Jose is an alumnus of FourBlock's Fall 2018 Veteran Career Readiness Program in Atlanta and now mentors other FourBlock veterans as the head Career Skills Coach for the Atlanta cohort.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, it's an honor to welcome QBE's Chief Risk Officer John Langione to The FourBlock Podcast. In conversation with co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, John shares insights from his incredible career, beginning with his work in the public sector at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General's Division of Criminal Justice through his transition to the private sector and the insurance industry, to his role today as the Chief Risk Officer for QBE's North American and Bermuda Operations.

In this episode, John and Mike discuss some of the cultural changes that John had to navigate when making the switch from the public to the private sector and some of the similarities between that career transition and the military to civilian transition. They then dive into the insurance business, with John providing perspective on the industry, what people need to do to be successful in it, and some good places to start for veterans looking to break into the insurance industry. John also shares his advice for operating within a larger company and starting something new within it.

To close out the episode, Mike asks John to talk about his role as executive sponsor for QBE's Valor Business Resource Group, which supports various veteran-related causes and helps to provide an organized means for employees to participate in a broad array of veteran's related supporting activities and events.

John joined QBE in 2010 and was named Chief Risk Officer in 2012. In his role at QBE, John is responsible for overseeing that an effective risk management framework is in place to support all dimensions of QBE's operations including strategic and business planning processes. He is also one of the executive sponsors for QBE's Valor Business Resource Group, whose mission is to foster a respectful and inclusive environment that welcomes QBE's veteran and military-affiliated employees and provide opportunities for their support and networking. Previously, John served as Senior Vice President, Internal Audit. John has nearly 30 years of experience in insurance, finance and risk roles.

Prior to joining QBE, John was the Deputy Comptroller, Financial Controls with AIG International and the Senior Vice President, Financial Controls at ACE Insurance. He has served as a partner in Ernst & Young's Advisory Services Group providing risk, controls and internal audit support for various financial services organizations. He also held positions with State Farm Insurance, Prudential Insurance and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, where he led criminal investigations within the organized crime and racketeering bureau as well as the major frauds unit.

John received his MBA in Professional Accounting from Rutgers Graduate School of Business.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome Daniel (Dan) Hughes, a U.S. Navy Submarine Force veteran, data analytics entrepreneur, and passionate mentor for transitioning veterans. In this week's episode, Dan joins co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a dynamic discussion about his time in the Navy, his military transition, and his path to entrepreneurship.

Dan and Mike then explore the future of tech, data, and much more, including why "everyone is a data analyst now -- some people just don't realize it yet."

In conversation with Mike, Dan shares how he went on to start his company Claritee Group, LLC after the Navy and the lessons learned along the way, including the value of mentorship and the importance of leadership and personal development. They discuss his passion for sailing and the camaraderie that comes from it, and conclude with some invaluable advice for veterans in transition who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

Dan is a U.S. Navy Submarine veteran who served on two missile submarines from 1986 to 1990. After leaving the Navy, Dan attended Temple University, where he graduated with a BBA in Accounting. Upon graduation, Dan joined Arthur Andersen as a business technology consultant.

In the late 1990s, Dan took the leap to start his own data analytics consulting firm and spent most of his career leading software developers and analysts building complex data analytics software solutions for clients across all major industries. He is a huge advocate of pushing technology innovation through a "keep it simple" and "build it, break it, fix it" design and implementation approach.

Dan has three passions outside of his family: building innovative data analytics software solutions to solve complex problems, mentoring military veterans during their transitions into civilian careers as an employee or entrepreneur starting a business, and using sailing as a personal development platform to promote adventure, camaraderie, adaptive thinking, and emotional well-being.

Dan currently resides in Montgomery County, PA, where he lives with his family.

Email: [email protected]

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

In 1956, Charlynda Scales' Grandfather, Charlie "Mutt" Ferrell, Jr. created an all-purpose specialty sauce. In 2013, Charlynda learned that she inherited the coveted recipe. He didn't leave her any instructions, but humbled by his trust and belief in her, she used her business background to create Mutt's Sauce, LLC.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and the Founder & CEO of Mutt's Sauce, Charlynda joins co-host Mike Abrams this week on the FourBlock Podcast to share the incredible story of Mutt's Sauce and to discuss her path to entrepreneurship and her passion for paying it forward to other entrepreneurs. Charlynda reflects on how she started the company, talks about some of the challenges she faced, and shares invaluable advice for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur themselves.

Charlynda is a U.S. Air Force veteran on a mission to bring American families and unlock people's purpose by harnessing her gift of empathy and servant leadership. She started Mutt's Sauce LLC while she was still serving on active duty in the military. Now distributed in four flavors across the United States, Mutt's Sauce recently debuted and sold out on QVC.

Her passion for educating youth and empowering our nation's Girl Scouts resulted in her being awarded with a lifetime membership to Girl Scouts of the USA. She has also partnered with SCORE and Bunker Labs, two organizations that have made invaluable impacts on her success as a veteran entrepreneur. Charlynda and the story of Mutt's Sauce has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Forbes.com, CBS News, NBC Univeral, Black Enterprise Magazine, Military.com, and many others.

In 2016, Charlynda was crowned Second Runner Up of Miss Veteran America. In 2020, Charlynda was humbled to learn her journey with Mutt's Sauce was also featured in FUBU Founder and Shark Tank Investor Damon John's latest best-selling book Powershift.

Charlynda is a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management. She also holds an MBA in Military and Strategic Leadership from Trident University International.

We're honored to have Charlynda joining us again on Thursday, October 21 as a special guest at our live M.R.E. (Meals Ready-to-Eat) virtual cook-along! Learn more and register to attend here.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

On the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams reflects on the profound impact that day has had on millions of lives around the world, the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that day, and the families that have had to endure the loss of loved ones. Mike looks back on his time serving in Afghanistan and the 20 years since that day. Let us never forget the ones that we lost on 9/11, the families they left behind, and the people who fought for freedom for 20 years after that day.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"If I walk into a brick wall, I just grab another opportunity that gives me more information to get me over or around that wall."

This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Jerome Amos, a native New Yorker, foodie and chef who learned to cook as a young child.

In a lively and inspiring conversation with co-host Mike Abrams, Jerome shares details of his upbringing as the oldest of eight children, the community that influenced him, and what led him to decide to join the military at a young age. He talks about his time in the U.S. Air Force, getting out after more than five years of service, and the challenging transition back home.

Jerome then shares his career journey and how he leaps from what people may think are unusual jobs, but are actually all connected - from the job he took after the military to pay the bills to becoming a self-taught photographer to getting into graphic design to his career today as a chef.

Jerome discusses his introduction to cooking and how a chance encounter led to a new friendship, a YouTube channel, and a new career in cooking. To close out the episode, Jerome shares his advice for fellow veterans who are making the transition out of military service.

Jerome will join us again on Thursday, October 21 to host a live interactive M.R.E. (Meals Ready-to-Eat) virtual cook-along with other special guests!

Jerome, who served in the US. Air Force for over five years during the Gulf War, said that the military way is to treat everyone on your team the same as your family. That became the foundation for Brothers From Another Mother cooking or B.F.A.M. Cooking because everyone can be your "fam" especially at the dining table.

The B.F.A.M. Cooking videos range from delicious, original recipes that Jerome has created to American cuisine restaurant owners who he wanted to know better. There are also videos about cooking tools that he loves and simple techniques to make things easier in the kitchen.

Jerome was recently one of the many chefs from around the globe who competed in an exclusive online competition to be named the world's Favorite Chef, receive $50,000 and a feature in a two-page advertising spread in Bon Appétit announcing the winner. Voted on by the fans, Jerome made it as a semi-finalist, placing 3rd in his group.

Learn more about Jerome and B.F.A.M. Cooking at https://bfamcooking.com/.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"That adaptability, that flexibility, that go-with-the-flow mentality [that military dependents develop] are such important qualities. That's what people are looking for when they employ you. That's what helps you when you become a leader in an organization. Hold on to those qualities and use them, sell them when you're telling your story and when you're marketing yourself to people. Those qualities hold a lot of weight - especially when you have a powerful story to tell that backs it up." This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we're joined by FourBlock's very own Audrey Garcia, who is the daughter of an active-duty service member currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Audrey is the first guest we've had on the show to share her experience and discuss what it's like to grow up in an active-duty military family. Audrey joins co-host Mike Abrams to talk about some of the challenges, differences, and great things about growing up in the active-duty community as a military dependent. In this episode, Audrey generously shares her personal experience and illuminates the experience of being a military dependent, the oldest sibling in her family, and the child of an active-duty military member who was often deployed. Audrey moved seven times before the age of 18 and has lived all over the country. During that time, she had to navigate the many challenges associated with being a military dependent, including the mental health impact of uprooting your life, having to start over in new schools with new people, and dealing with the frequent deployment of a parent and the subsequent reintegration process. Mike and Audrey then discuss what overcoming these challenges taught Audrey about herself, how they shaped her into the person she is today, and what opportunities being a military dependent afforded her that she never would have had the chance to experience otherwise. When it comes to what she wants civilians to know about children of active-duty service members, Audrey noted that while their experiences are certainly different, they're still just trying to navigate growing up, just like everyone else: "Children of service members go through things that aren't necessarily the norm, but it doesn't make them any different from civilian children." Audrey attended Boise State University where she earned a B.A. in Communications. As an avid volunteer, she has worked with mental health and animal welfare nonprofits. She understands first-hand the impact and importance of veteran service organizations for service members and their families. Audrey brings her social media and nonprofit experience to FourBlock as the Social Media and Community Engagement Manager, helping to grow FourBlock's online presence and increase engagement on our social media platforms.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"No matter what your job is, no matter which service you're in, there are incredibly valuable leadership, organizational, decision-making and problem-solving skills that every person in the military has, and [translates very well to help the digital transformation underway at Raytheon Missiles and Defense]." This week, we are honored to welcome Wesley (Wes) D. Kremer to the FourBlock Podcast for an insightful and informative conversation on leadership with co-host Mike Abrams. As president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies, Wes leads 31,000 employees and is responsible for a broad portfolio of air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, command and control systems and advanced defense technologies. In this episode, Wes discusses reflects on his career with Raytheon Missiles and Defense and on his military service, including what prompted him to join the military, why it was his dream to join the U.S. Air Force, and what he did during his 11 years in service. Wes notes how building relationships during his transition helped him secure his first post-military job and shares lessons learned from his time in the military and in his first civilian role before joining Raytheon Missiles and Defense. Wes and Mike talk in-depth about leadership, sharing invaluable insights about what veterans can bring to leadership roles in the civilian workforce, what the hallmark of a true leader is, and how scaling leadership – delegating responsibility versus delegating tasks – makes you a more strategic leader and helps the employees under you grow. An electrical engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, Wes has decades of executive experience in aerospace and defense. He held multiple leadership positions at Raytheon Company prior to its merger with United Technologies Corporation in 2020, including president of both the Raytheon Missile Systems and the Integrated Defense Systems businesses. In the U.S. Air Force, he served as a weapon systems officer on F-111 and F-15E aircraft and flew more than 90 combat sorties in Iraq and Bosnia.

He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Montana State University and an MBA in engineering technology management from City University of Seattle.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

Mike Abrams reflects on the current situation in Afghanistan and reads a letter published on Aug. 18, 2021 from Gen. David Berger and Sgt. Maj. Troy Black to Marines. We know many of our podcast listeners are FourBlock program alumni and people who are very involved in our community and our programming. Just know we are always here for you. You can reach out anytime, and we will make sure you have the support that you need. If you or a family member is in need of additional support, consider the following resources:

• Veteran Crisis Line: If you are experiencing a crisis or need someone to talk to, call 1-800-273-8255 and then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veterancrisisline.net/.
• VA Medical Centers: For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. You can find your nearest location here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations.
• Vet Centers: Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. You can find your nearest location here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations (select Vet Centers).