VETERANS!!!!
President Trump has proclaimed November as Veterans and Military Families Month!
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/11/trump-proclaims-november-as-veterans-and-military-families-month
My husband Roger is a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ever since he’s had a series of strokes 16 years ago, he’s been bugging me year after year after year to go to the Veteran’s Administration in downtown Detroit to see if they’ll cover some of his many medical expenses. Well, in the beginning, I had pretty good insurance and didn’t feel the need to bother the government. As the years passed, our medical and prescription expenses have gotten out of control and I really could use some help. But, I don’t have time, I don’t understand the directions on line, I don’t know where to park downtown, blah, blah, blah, excuse, excuse, excuse!
Then lo and behold! Something wonderful happened. A human being – yes a real person from the VA was available to have an appointment with at the Roseville Senior Center, where Rog participates in a Stroke Club! All my excuses disappeared! Marie, an Accredited Service Officer with the VA met with Rog and me personally and explained to us what he might be eligible for.
How the program works depends on the veteran’s individual circumstances. Effective October 18, 2018 assets/net worth must be under $127,061 (not including your primary residence). No problem qualifying there! Next, Roger is applying for hearing aids. If the VA agrees with the doctor’s determination that Roger’s hearing loss was caused from rifle range duties from being a Military Policeman, he will receive new hearing aids as well as a monthly payment of a few hundred dollars for this hearing disability. Now if the hearing loss is the result of something other than being in the Army, the VA will not pay.
Roger and I are still in the application process and are learning about other benefits. For example, you can keep your own doctor, but if you see a VA doctor at least once a year, the cost of prescription medicines may be lower. I’ll let you know more when I find out. There are also surviving spouse benefits, including benefits for spouses who are homebound or incapable of caring for themselves.
It’s worth the trip to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center at 4646 John R Street in Detroit, 48201, phone number 313-576-1000. Turn right as you enter and park in the blue garage (there goes your not knowing where to park excuse!) The Macomb County Veterans Services Department is located at 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 3 in Clinton Township, 48036, phone number 586-469-5315. No problem parking there. Not in the Detroit area? Visit www.va.gov for a location near you and more valuable information.
I reached out to Veterans Dennis, Mikey and Mikey’s wife Dana who implements veteran initiatives through the Human Resources Department of her Company. Here’s what they shared:
More Little Helpers
Veterans of Foreign War their mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, serve our veterans, the military and our communities and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Homes For Our Troops is a non- profit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured (amputations for example) veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.
Disabled American Veterans
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for all veterans with locations throughout the country; they provide rides to medical appointments, outreach programs, employment resources and so much more.
Operation Gratitude is an organization that sends care packages of lots of goodies to the troops, especially during the holidays.
https://www.operationgratitude.com
Military.com has tons of articles and resources regarding obtaining VA benefits, translating military skills to civilian jobs, and military life for spouses and so much more.
USAA provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement, real estate, shopping and discounts.
FREEBIES FOR VETERANS DAY!!!
https://www.usveteransmagazine.com/
Thank you Dana and Mikey and Dennis! You’re great Little Helpers!
Thank You To All Of Our Veterans!!!
Have a Happy and Blessed Veterans Day!