In this engaging episode of VET S.O.S., we are joined once again by Mark
Overberg, Director of Army Retirement Services, for a deep dive into
the critical resources and strategies that support soldiers
transitioning from military service to retirement. Mark highlights how
retired soldiers continue to play a vital role in the Army's mission,
embodying the Soldier for Life mindset to "hire and inspire" in their
communities and beyond.
Key Discussion Points:
- Preparing for
Retirement: Mark explains the role of Retirement Services Officers
stationed at installations, National Guard headquarters, and reserve
readiness divisions to assist soldiers in planning their post-retirement
journey.
- The "Change of Mission" Newsletter: Learn how this
newsletter equips soldiers with the knowledge and tools to stay
connected to the Army's mission after retirement.
- Retired Soldiers
as Advocates: Discover how retired soldiers can inspire the next
generation of service members by educating communities about the
military and bridging the gap in public understanding.
- Community
Engagement: Mark and Shawn discuss creative ways retired soldiers can
engage locally, from attending high school football games to building
relationships with educators and community leaders.
- Voluntary
Recall in Emergencies: Mark shares insights on how retired medical
professionals were recalled to support healthcare efforts during the
COVID-19 pandemic and the Army's plans to implement a targeted recall
system for specialized skill sets.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments
(COLA): Explore how COLA helps retired soldiers cope with inflation,
including its current rate of 9.1%, and how it impacts benefits like VA
disability compensation and Survivor Benefit Plan payments.
-
Employment Support through the Soldier for Life Office: Learn about the
Office’s mission to connect retired soldiers with job opportunities,
reducing unemployment compensation from $515 million to $90 million.
-
LinkedIn & Senior Leader Accessibility: Mark emphasizes the
importance of senior leaders engaging directly with the retired soldier
community through platforms like LinkedIn and attending retiree
appreciation events.
🎯 Action Items for Listeners:
1️⃣ Engage with the Soldier for Life Office to discover employment opportunities for veterans and retired soldiers.
2️⃣ Promote the Soldier for Life mindset across all military branches, fostering lifelong connections to service.
3️⃣
Advocate for the development of a targeted recall system to quickly
mobilize retired soldiers with specialized skills during emergencies.
4️⃣
Stay informed about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to ensure retired
soldiers receive appropriate benefits that counteract inflation.
🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
Retirement
from military service doesn’t mark the end of a soldier’s mission—it’s a
new chapter of lifelong impact and advocacy. Mark Overberg highlights
how retired soldiers can inspire communities, support recruiting
efforts, and remain invaluable assets to the Army and the nation.
Whether you're currently serving, a veteran, or part of the retired
soldier community, this episode is packed with actionable insights to
empower you on your journey.
📢 Connect with us:
https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Retirement
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Retirement-Services-Program
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for updates on future episodes.
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#SoldierForLife #MilitaryTransition #RetiredSoldiers
#RetirementPlanning #COLA #VeteranEmployment #MilitaryCommunity
#ArmyRetirement #MilitaryLife #VETSOS