Warrior Transition Command | Tag Archive

Online Benefit Web Portal Becomes Easier to Navigate

Filed under Benefits, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on February 4, 2013 at 2:39 pm {no comments}

eBenefits is a web portal; a central location for Veterans, Service Members, and their families to research, find, access, and, manage their benefits and personal information.

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
The Department of Defense (DOD) and Veteran Affairs (VA) updated the eBenefits web portal for easier access and navigation for Soldiers and Veterans to use during their search for resources and provides tools to help in their transition process.

“The improvements eliminate some or the earlier confusion as to where certain information and documents can be found,” said Dexter B. Friday, financial support specialist and retirement services officer, Strategy, Plans and Operations Branch, AW2. “It will provide easier navigation capabilities for our Soldiers and Veterans.”

“This portal is not just for our Soldiers and Veterans, but all Soldiers and Veterans,” he added. “eBenefits provides a direct link to the VA system and with the use of this tool Soldiers can access their VA claim status, retrieve military records, review their payment history, etc. Its capabilities are endless.”

Currently, eBenefits is a joint, secure web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to research, access and manage their VA and military benefits and personal information.

“I receive frequent requests from our Veterans concerning their benefits and most of the information can be found on the site,” he added. “I suggest that they take the time to review and get to know all that it has to offer.

The web portal currently provides features such as access to official military personal documents, the ability to view the status of a disability compensation claim, view Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status, apply for Veterans benefits, order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks, and many other features are being added regularly.

“There are many state benefits available for Veterans, but these benefits required a letter from the VA along with the application.” he said. “Previously, our Veterans would have to call the VA Customer Service to request a letter be sent to them, but with eBenefits our Veterans can download the letter themselves and not have to wait the time for VA to produce, print and mail or fax the document.”

Other portal improvements include a tool to help in determining if a Veteran is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits and a search function that identifies a claimant’s appointed veterans service representative, with links to Google Maps indicating the location of their nearest representative’s office.

Before accessing the eBenefits Web portal, Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon. They can choose from two levels of registration, DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) and DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). The service is free, and once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of your life.

Veterans who attempt to register and are informed they have no DEERS record, will need to have VA verify their military service and add them to DEERS. This is most likely to occur in the case of Veterans who served prior to 1982. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.

Research Key for Soldiers Finding Employment

Filed under Warrior Care Month by cmccarrie on November 14, 2012 at 10:20 am {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

As employment for our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers continues to be an important focus for Army leadership, these Soldiers and Veterans need to do their part by researching their chosen career field with resources available to assist with the job hunt.

It’s important that Soldiers start the Army Career and Alumni Program process as early as possible and take Transition Assistance Program workshops seriously. Soldiers who are serious about transitioning successfully into a civilian job or career should do the research and go the extra mile.

This can be a difficult choice for Soldiers who want to return to duty versus leave the military. However, they should have a plan b such as going to college or getting an extra certification. Employment experts also encourage Soldiers to consider their hobbies when considering job opportunities. What they enjoy doing is as important as their knowledge, skills, and professional abilities.

Experts also point out that Soldiers should make sure what they want to do will provide financially for their Family and take into consideration the cost of living and the salaries of different geographic locations. They recommend that Soldiers talk to their employment and education counselors and come in with a well thought-out plan and a willingness to try something new.

There are several career and education resources available. Soldiers and Veterans looking for additional assistance can visit:

Army Career & Alumni Program (ACAP) – ACAP helps Soldiers transitioning from military service make informed career decisions through benefits counseling and employment assistance. ACAP is responsible for delivering both transition assistance and employment assistance services. While the ACAP Center traditionally has been the principal service provider for these services, now those transitioning have the option to use the ACAP website to receive services from any location with Internet capability 24/7. https://www.acap.army.mil

Department of Labor – Each state’s Department of Labor employs Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) representatives and Local Veterans Employment (LVER) Representatives who work in the one Stop Career Centers. To find your local DVOP/LVER use the DVOP/LVER locator website. http://dvoplverlocator.nvti.ucdenver.edu

Hero 2 Hired – Hero2Hired (H2H) was created to make it easy for servicemembers to connect to and find jobs with military-friendly companies. H2H also offers career exploration tools, military-to-civilian skills translations, education and training resources, as well as a mobile app. Support for H2H is provided through the Department of Defense’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. https://h2h.jobs

U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command – Serves as the lead proponent for the U.S. Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program. WTC ensures that non-clinical processes and programs that support wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers are integrated and optimized throughout the Army, and supports the Army’s commitment to the rehabilitation and successful transition of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers back to active duty or to Veteran status. http://www.wtc.army.mil/

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Kicks Off Tomorrow

Filed under Career/Education by jvargas on February 22, 2011 at 2:50 pm {one comment}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

For wounded warriors who separate from the service, finding gainful employment is a vital next step. It’s not just about the paycheck and health care, though—it’s about contributing to an organization, finding professional fulfillment, and building a better life for themselves and their Families.

For the next two days, AW2 is hosting the 2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference, in coordination with other service wounded warrior programs. For two days, federal agency officials will learn about the importance of hiring wounded warriors and the skills they bring to any organization. They’ll also learn about the resources they can use to place qualified Veterans in open positions and to ensure a successful result once the Veterans starts working–resources like special hiring authorities, Veterans preference, Operation Warfighter internships, non-paid work experience, and accommodations.

On the second day, local wounded warriors from all branches of the military will also have the opportunity to network with the officials attending the conference.

AW2 is here to help severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers find their path to independence. And this conference is one more example of the way AW2 paves the way for wounded warriors to succeed.

Check back to the AW2 blog over the next two days for more information about the conference. We’ll keep you posted on the updates from keynote speakers, including several Assistant Secretaries and AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell, who is now working at the Department of Homeland Security.

SBA Resources for AW2 Veterans

Filed under Resources, Staff Stories by jvargas on January 21, 2011 at 4:42 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Strategic Communications

I’ve been doing a lot of research recently on career and education resources for wounded warriors, and I was surprised at how many entrepreneurship resources the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers, primarily through the Office of Veterans Business Development. Many of these resources are available to nearly all Veterans, and AW2 Veterans considering starting a business should learn about the resources available.

According to an SBA press release, one in seven Veterans are self-employed or small business owners. And it only makes sense, because servicemembers spend so much time training in leadership, and I’ve found that they’re the type of people who are willing to take smart, educated risks to create a better life for themselves and their Families.

SBA resources include:

Loans: Through the first two programs below, SBA supported more than 4,800 loans to Veterans totaling more than $1.25 billion in FY2010 alone.
- SBA 7(a) Loan: SBA backs loans to qualified small businesses, including Veteran-owned businesses, through this most popular loan program. SBA doesn’t lend the money, but provides a guarantee to the lending financial organization.
- 504 loans for Veteran Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: SBA backs this longer-term, fixed-rate loan to promote economic development within a community through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) that are set up to contribute to the economic development of its community. CDCs work with SBA and private sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses for approved purposes.
- Patriot Express Loan Pilot Program: SBA offers this low-interest loan to Veterans and military personnel to expand or establish a small business.
Entrepreneurship Education: SBA provides counseling and training to Veterans interested in starting their own business.
- Veteran Business Outreach Center Program (VBOC): SBA works with local organizations to provide business development services to Veterans. Services include business training, counseling and mentoring, and pre-business plan workshops.
- Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV): SBA works closely with seven major business schools around the country to offer a one-year “boot camp” for service-disabled OEF/OIF Veterans.
- Operation Endure & Grow: SBA offers this program in cooperation with the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. Veterans of the National Guard and Reserve, as well as their Families, may participate in this 8–week training program.
- Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE): SBA offers this program in cooperation with the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. Women Veterans learn to expand or establish through online training, and an onsite conference, and they receive ongoing mentorship support after completing the program.
Opportunities for Federal Contracts: Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) have a level playing field with other small businesses in the federal contracting arena, as established by the Small Business Jobs Act. SBA provides more information about the contracting options and resources on its website.
- Contracting Tutorial: SBA offers an online training in federal contracting that can be taken any time, from any computer.
- SBA Mentor-Protégé Program for SDVOSB: SBA plans to launch this program later this year—watch the AW2 blog for more information.

Are you an AW2 Veteran who’s started a small business? We’d love to hear from you and share your “lessons learned” with other AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families through the AW2 blog. Send us your story at WarriorCareCommunications@conus.army.mil.

MP to Business Owner: Wounded Veteran Makes the Move

Filed under Career/Education, Soldier Story by jvargas on July 27, 2010 at 10:58 am {no comments}

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure to interview CPT (Ret.) Dawn Halfaker, an Army wounded warrior and self-made business woman, who recently presented at the National Veterans Business Conference in Las Vegas. As a right-shoulder amputee, CPT. Halfaker has made many strides during her post-deployment transition and continues to prove that with the right attitude, success is inevitable.

Q: What was your MOS?

A: I was a Military Police Officer stationed in Korea during 2002-2003 and in Iraq during 2004.

Q: Can you tell me about your injury and your initial treatment?

A: I was hit with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) that went through my right shoulder, resulting in a right arm amputation at the shoulder. In addition to the arm injury, I had a collapsed lung, shrapnel wounds, and several broken bones.

Back in the U.S., I was treated at Walter Reed. The treatment I received there was nothing but phenomenal particularly given the seriousness of my injuries. I wouldn’t have wanted to be at any other place to be quite honest. All the staff and clinicians were extremely professional, but more importantly they were dedicated to ensuring that I achieved a full recovery.

Q: After your initial recovery, did you deal with any adaptive technology or therapies?

A: I learned how to use a prosthetic device called a myoelectric arm. I was essentially re-hacked physically and learned to do a lot of different things with my left hand as I was originally right-handed. Even from the simplest of tasks such as writing to more complicated tasks such as zipping a zipper or buttoning a shirt now had to be done with my sole left hand/arm.

Q: What has been your experience with the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2)? Can you describe your relationship with your AW2 Advocate?

A: Right away, I was contacted by my AW2 Advocate, Simona Jackson. At the time, AW2 was still a relatively new program, still working out many of the issues any new program would have to overcome. Even so, my AW2 Advocate immediately made contact with me and was by my side the whole time, coming for in-person meetings at the hospital, and taking the time to actually get to know me as a person. Based on these conversations, she was able to assess my needs and do everything and anything to help.

Where she provided me a great deal of support was during my transition from Walter Reed to the VA medical center in DC. She ensured that the transition went as smoothly as possible. When we were confronted with challenges, she was there to work through them and be my advocate. She also provided me a lot of different opportunities to interface with other Wounded Warriors through social events and events where wounded warriors were being honored. These types of interactions assisted me during my treatment and transition – It just made things easier. Now, five years later, I still get calls from her on a monthly basis calling me just to make sure that I am OK.

Q: Can you talk about a specific problem where your Advocate was vital to its resolution?

A: After my amputation, the doctors and I quickly realized that wearing a prosthetic was extremely difficult due to the location of my amputation. Because of this unique medical issue, I was undergoing unique procedures that were not normally covered by the military and certainly procedures that the VA did not offer. As a result, I was having trouble getting these services during my transition. Luckily, Ms. Jackson did everything she could to ensure that I was able to get the medical care and attention that I needed even though it was something the VA hadn’t dealt with before. I wouldn’t have been able to get the treatment I needed if it weren’t for her.

Q: You own a small consulting business. How did you transition from a military police officer to a small business owner?

A: As I transitioned out of the Military, it was really hard for me and it was hard to accept a medical retirement all together. I found as I looked around, that I wanted to stay connected with the Military and continue to build my skills. Given this desire, I decided that I wanted to continue my service by starting my own business. In 2006, I started a consulting company/national security firm, as a service disabled/Veteran-owned business. In fact, this week I am in Las Vegas representing my business at the National Veterans Business Conference.

These types of events are fantastic venues that bring in industry heavy weights in the Federal Government and other small disabled/Veteran-owned businesses to network and find opportunities to do business together. The conference is in its sixth year running and has been a great forum to promote the continued growth of Veteran-owned businesses and provide a support network to Veterans returning from the current war to pursue their own employment or start their new business.

Q: Given your success as a business woman, what advice can you give to other wounded warriors?

A: Get involved. It is important to have an impact by working with different organizations that support wounded warriors. In general, surrounding yourself with a good network and people, who understand what you are going through is critical for recovery. Secondly, try and figure out how you can leverage what you did in the Military and look for ways to continue supporting the mission. If you are interested and considering starting your own business or get back in the workforce, this type of mentality is crucial. The ultimate message is regardless of what happens to anyone, there is definitely the ability to succeed. It is important to really look at what you have versus dwelling on what you don’t have and with that right attitude, anyone can be successful.

If you would like to share your story with the AW2 Blog, feel free to drop-us a line by e-mailing us your information at AW2Stratcomm@conus.army.mil.

AW2 Delegates Take In a Ball Game

Filed under 2010 Symposium by jvargas on June 24, 2010 at 4:45 pm {no comments}

Army Veteran Delano Smith throws out an opening pitch at the San Antonio Missions game to kick-off Family night at the AW2 Symposium.

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Last night, Families at the AW2 Symposium cheered for the San Antonio Missions, the local minor league baseball team, as they defeated the Corpus Christi Hooks. Delegates always look back on Family Night as one of the most fun parts of the AW2 Symposium, and this year’s event kept the tradition going strong. Both kids and parents chatted with Ballapeno, the Missions’ mascot, who was an excellent host.

Delegate Delano Smith threw an opening pitch amid a roaring cheer from the entire AW2 group—his pitch flew over the plate, showing up a Marine whose pitch fell short and landed in the dirt.

As I talked to people about the game, they broke into giant smiles full of enthusiasm. After three long days of focus group sessions—intense discussions full of detail and emotions—the delegates were ready to unwind.

“The game was a blast—I really enjoyed hanging out with the other delegates,” said Veteran Jeff Pone. “Since I retired a few years ago, I miss the camaraderie from being around other people in the service. Even if you don’t know each other, you still cut your teeth the same way.”

For some delegates, the game was a new experience.

“I’ve never been to a live baseball game before, because we live in such a rural area,” said Army spouse Sheila Scott. “I was amazed at how involved people were in the game.”

This morning, the delegates were back in their groups, finalizing their issues and writing their recommendations. Everyone is excited to see what they’ve prioritized for the Army and other agencies to address. I talked to many delegates this afternoon, and they were all looking forward to seeing the impact of their work on Army warrior care for years to come.

A Day to Honor our Heroes

Filed under WTC Commander by alanmorales on May 31, 2010 at 5:00 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, Commander, WTC

Each year, just prior to Memorial Day, the Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Old Guard, honor America's fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by by Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor those who have lost their lives in defense of our nation. As you are enjoying this holiday, I ask that you take a moment to remember those heroes who sacrificed their lives while serving their country. I also ask you to remember those in uniform who have been wounded or stood in harm’s way.

Today at 3pm is the National Moment of Remembrance , which asks Americans to pause for one minute in an act of national unity to remember and honor all those who have died while serving their country.

The Army will never be able to repay warriors who have been killed or who have been wounded in defense of our country, but we can honor them by remembering the fallen and by striving every day to provide care and support to enable our wounded warriors to return to duty or transition as proud Veterans in their communities.

New Veterans Benefits Excite AW2 Advocates

Filed under Resources, Veterans Affairs by jvargas on April 23, 2010 at 12:03 am {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom
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AW2 Advocates were pumped up by the VA video and presentations that they gestured "V" and "A" while waiting in line to enroll in the VA's new eBenefits.

AW2 Advocates were so pumped up by the VA video and presentations that they gestured "V" and "A" while waiting in line to enroll in the VA's new eBenefits.

Yesterday at AW2 Annual Training, we focused on the Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits available to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. At the 2009 AW2 Symposium, AW2 delegates identified “Veterans Affairs Education for Army Wounded Warrior Program Advocates” as one of the top five issues facing the AW2 population. AW2 has acted on this over the course of the year, and today, we went through in-depth training on several specific VA programs.

New! VA eBenefits

AW2 staff were very impressed by the new VA e-Benefits system – they literally broke into applause several times during the presentation. The new system is a collaborative effort between DOD and VA that will allow Active Duty servicemembers and Veterans to perform several essential functions online, including:

Apply for VA benefits, such as a home loan
File a claim and check the status of pending claims
See a history of all payments, including the amount, reason, and payment method
Get a copy of essential records, such as the DD-214
Learn what actions they need to perform so VA can move forward with their claims

This was so impressive to AW2 staff that approximately 40 Veteran and Active Duty staff members leapt to their feet immediately after the presentation to enroll – VA graciously sent two staff members to enroll people on the ground.

I got to talk to AW2 Advocate Margarita Aponte from Puerto Rico, while she waited in line. She was ecstatic about the difference this online system will make for AW2 Soldiers and Veterans in Puerto Rico.

“This is the way of the future for our wounded warriors so they can manage their affairs from home,” Margarita said. “In Puerto Rico, it will help prevent Veterans from driving across the island looking for paperwork. This is a great investment that will allow Veterans to manage their own affairs, gain independence, and streamline their transition from the Army to the VA.”

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

AW2 staff also learned the details of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Veterans with at least 36 months of active duty service are entitled to 36 months of education benefits, and those with less than 36 months are entitled to a percentage based on their time in service. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, Veterans may also receive a book stipend and a housing allowance based on the cost of living for the area. In addition, servicemembers who attend school while on active duty will have their full tuition and fees funded.

There are several other important aspects to this program, and AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members should talk to their AW2 Advocates for more information about:

Yellow Ribbon Program: participating private schools that will work with the VA and the Veteran to cover the difference between VA-approved public school tuition and the private school’s tuition

Housing Allowance: there are a lot of rules governing the housing allowance; Wounded warriors should look at these closely to ensure that they’re getting the maximum benefit

Transfer of Entitlement: Servicemembers may transfer their education benefits to a spouse or dependents, but must do so before separating from the Army

Specially Adapted Housing Program and Home Improvement and Structural Alterations

The VA has several programs to assist wounded warriors with adaptive housing. I’ve summarized the presentation’s key points below, but AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families should work with their AW2 Advocate and the VA for the most up-to-date information that affects their personal situation.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Program, the Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) grant, the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Programs are all excellent resources for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families that want to adapt their homes to address the wounded warrior’s mobility challenges.

VA Guaranteed Home Loan Program: VA home loan guaranties are issued to help eligible servicemembers, Veterans, reservists and unmarried surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, residential cooperative housing units, and manufactured homes, and to refinance loans. It can be used to obtain a loan to:

Buy or build a home
Buy a residential condominium unit
Buy a residential cooperative housing unit
Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the Veteran and occupied as a home
Refinance an existing home loan
Buy a manufactured home and/or lot
Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy efficient improvements

VA Claims and Fiduciary Process

In addition, AW2 staff received training on the VA Claims and Fiduciary Process. The overview of VA claims included service-connected disability compensation, the non-service connected pension program, and Benefits Delivery at Discharge, a new pre-discharge claims process that will allow active duty service members to begin their relationship with the VA within 60-180 days before formally being discharged.

In addition, the VA representative explained the way the VA assigns fiduciary representatives to minors and those who cannot manage their own VA benefit funds, the oversight process, and the ways it ensures that VA benefits are used appropriately.

Today’s VA session was incredibly informative, and AW2 staff have a much deeper understanding of the VA benefits available to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. By working closely with the VA, AW2 can continue to ensure that all AW2 wounded warriors receive personalized support and the resources available to them.

Watch the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Highlights on NBC

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Soldier Story by jvargas on April 9, 2010 at 8:26 pm {no comments}

AW2 Veteran Andy Soule skis to a bronze medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada.

By Sarah Greer, Stratcom

Tomorrow, NBC is broadcasting a highlights show of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from 3:30 – 5:00pm EST. As a big fan of the Olympics in general, I’m excited to see footage of the amazing American athletes from Vancouver.

During the show, I’ll particularly be watching for the two AW2 Veterans: Heath Calhoun and Andy Soule. You can read more about their experience on BG Gary Cheek’s blog for the Warrior Transition Command. Heath was elected by his teammates to carry the U.S. flag during the Opening Ceremony and competed in alpine skiing. Andy won America’s first medal of the Games, a bronze in the men’s sitting 2.4km pursuit biathlon.

I hope you will also tune in and enjoy the coverage.

National Resource Directory Overhaul

Filed under Resources, WTC Commander by alanmorales on February 25, 2010 at 11:51 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online database of thousands of resources for wounded warriors.

It seems like every day I am learning about a new organization that supports our wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers and Veterans, as well as their Families. For almost any goal a Soldier sets, there is a group to help the servicemember achieve that goal. It’s impressive to see the growing commitment by the American public at both the national and local level.

There are so many resources, in fact, that navigating them can be challenging to Soldiers. The Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs collaborated to produce the National Resource Directory (NRD), an online database of thousands of resources for wounded warriors. I spent some time looking through the site and was impressed by the wide range of resources available from Federal, state, and local government programs, as well as Veteran service organizations, nonprofit and community-based organizations, academic institutions, and professional associations.

The NRD re-launched this week, and it is now much easier to use. Some of the Web site’s improvements include:

RSS feeds and an e-mail subscription service allowing users to sign up for content updates
“In the News” and Spotlight features to highlight news and updates in the wounded warrior, Veteran and caregiver community
New “homelessness” section of the site featuring VA resources for homeless Veterans
Improved search function to allow users to search by national or state resource, as well as government or non-government
Alphabetical and popularity-based views for NRD resources

I encourage all wounded warriors and their Families to use the National Resource Directory as a starting point to find available local resources that meet their individual situations.

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