VSO Talk Radio

This week we discuss the New Pact Act and the benefits associated with it.  

Supportive services and programs available for homeless Veterans

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUED THE DISCUSSION ON SERVICES Available FOR OUR ELDERLY VETERANS 
POPULATION, specifically provided by the VA. 

As Veterans needs change with age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that 
address a variety of issues. 
Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. 

Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
 
Geriatrics Program includes:
Homemaker and home health aid care
Skilled home health care
Home base primary care
Veteran-directed Care
Adult day health care
Respite care
Palliative care 
Hospice care

John Hurley’s Veterans History Project Veteran is Jeff Roule, US Air Force 

PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—is introducing and teaching golf to Veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.

The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.

PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. 

This week we talked with our expert VSO, Rick Voutour, Director of Veterans Services for Leominster, Lancaster and Sterling and we are talking about the VA Aid & Attendance Program.  What is A & A, Who is eligible, and how do you apply. 

Each Week we bring you the stories of Veterans in our community as a way to highlight their service to country and the community. This segment is called “Veterans History Project” By John Hurley, This week John interviewed  Rob Chauvin, US Air Force  Veteran. 

When you apply for VA Health Care, the VA assigns you (the Veteran) into priority groups between 1-8.  This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need care right away can get signed up quickly. It also helps to make sure they can provide high quality care to all Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. We break down the eligibility and benefits for each group. 
 
Each Week we bring you the stories of Veterans in our community as a way to highlight their service to country and the community. This segment is called “Veterans History Project” By John Hurley, This week John interviewed  Phil Sorenson, US ARMY VETERAN

We discussed newly introduced federal legislation in support of veterans and their families. 

• Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act, known as the GUARD VA Benefits Act
• Major Richard Star Act
• Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act
• Caring for Survivors Act of 2023
• Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

Guest: Bruce Stebbins, Commissioner,  Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission 

We discussed veterans  from the cannabis industry perspective?
What opportunities are there for veterans to participate in the legal cannabis industry?
How else is the Commission and regulated cannabis industry supporting veterans in Massachusetts?

We also discussed Federal Legislation recently introduced in regards to Cannabis and Veterans. 

This week we discuss homeless housing support options available for veterans 

VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling.