Big Country Veteran Connection

This is one of the reasons we have a Women Veterans Program and Women Veterans Day, to create awareness for those who do not know that they qualify for benefits.

Women who have served in the US Military need to know about the resources and benefits available to them, that they've earned.

If you have ever served and need help connecting to resources, contact your State or County Veteran Service organization, your local VA Health Clinic or your local American Legion.

Women Veterans were the best-kept secret for many years. The 1980 Census was the first time that American women were asked if they had ever served in the Armed Forces, and an astonishing 1.2 million said “yes.”

In 1982, at the request of Senator Daniel Inouye, the General Accounting Office (GAO), conducted a study and issued a report entitled: “Actions Needed to Insure that Female Veterans Have Equal Access to VA Benefits.” This study found that:
• Women did not have equal access to VA benefits.
• Women treated in VA facilities did not receive complete physical examinations.
• VA was not providing gynecological care.
• Women Veterans were not adequately informed of their benefits under the law

A lot has been done by the VA since those days, but some problem that still exist today include:
• Women veterans are less likely to be visibly recognized as veterans compared to male counterparts, gender stereotyping
• Women don’t always identify as veterans because they have been misinformed about their status or because they distance themselves after MST
• Because of the first two, many women are not informed of the benefits and resources available to them, and thus are not utilized.
• Many who do not know of or utilize their benefits are often living a lower quality of life than they could, including homelessness.

On May 5, 2017, Representative Victoria Neave filed House Bill 2698, establishing Women Veterans Day. HB2698 was later incorporated into Texas Senate Bill 805 and on June 9, 2017 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott designating June 12th as Women Veterans Day.

The year I joined the Texas Veterans Commission, 2018, was the first year our agency had a Women Veterans Program and I was very involved with it for the first two years as there were no staff for the program, only a Program Manager and those of us who requested to help as an additional duty.

The mission of the Texas Veterans Commission Women Veterans Program is to ensure that the women veterans of Texas have equitable access to federal and state veterans’ benefits and services. The Texas Veterans Commission Women Veterans Program serves to educate and inform women veterans of their benefits and services, and advocate on their behalf by creating public awareness, recognizing and honoring women veterans, identifying needs, and making legislative recommendations. We are committed to improving the lives of women veterans and their families.

Links to Texas and VA benefits and services for all veterans:

•https://tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-TVC-State-Benefits.pdf
•https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2023_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf

All Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards during service – at home or abroad – can now enroll in VA care.

This includes Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan. Additionally, Veterans who deployed to any other combat zone after 9/11 or who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror can now enroll.

Even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more – you can enroll in VA health care.

Veterans who get their health care from VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and save money. VA clinicians treat Veterans every day – they often are Veterans themselves – which is why Veterans who come to VA do better than those who go to the private sector. Along with high quality, VA care is low cost and may even be no cost for some Veterans.

Enrollment is fast and easy! You don’t need to be sick or file a disability claim to become eligible for VA health care. Even if you don’t think you need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now.

Get what you earned! Enroll now for a lifetime of the best, most affordable care for Veterans.

Health Care | ChooseVA Enroll in the nation’s largest integrated health system and get care that’s personalized, proactive, and patient-driven. Explore your benefits and Choose VA.

Please join us and the Texas Veterans Commission as we partner with Abilene Housing Authority for a Hiring Event on Thursday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our Abilene Workforce Center. View open positions and apply at www.WorkInTexas.com.
Prior to this event, there will be a Resume Workshop at 9:30 AM. For more information Call 325-795-4200

Please join us and the Texas Veterans Commission as we partner with Abilene Housing Authority for a Hiring Event on Thursday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our Abilene Workforce Center. View open positions and apply at www.WorkInTexas.com.

Prior to this event, there will be a Resume Workshop at 9:30 AM. For more information Call 325-795-4200

TODAY!

VA expands access to care and benefits for some former service members who did not receive an honorable or general discharge

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.

When former service members with other than honorable discharges and bad conduct discharges (adjudged at special court-martial) apply for VA benefits and services, we carefully review their records to determine if we can provide them the requested care and benefits. This process helps ensure that VA can provide services to deserving former service members – including certain individuals who faced discrimination, survived sexual assault or harassment, struggled with their mental or physical health, or faced other challenges while serving in the military.

VA’s new regulation will expand access to care and benefits for certain former service members by:

· Eliminating the regulatory bar for “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty” as a bar to benefits. While VA had already taken steps to ensure full and fair access to benefits for former service members discharged based on homosexual conduct, gender identity, or HIV status, this move further solidifies VA’s commitment to reducing disparity for these groups in the adjudication process.

· Creating a “compelling circumstances exception” for certain former service members: For certain former service members discharged for “willful and persistent misconduct” or an “offense involving moral turpitude,” VA will now consider and determine if a compelling circumstances exception will permit VA to nonetheless provide care and services. Under this exception, VA will consider the former service member’s length and character of service, mental and cognitive impairment, physical health, combat-related hardship, whether the person was the survivor of sexual abuse/assault or discrimination, and more. This new exception creates a new path for VA to provide benefits and services to deserving former service members.

· Opening the door for previously denied service members to reapply: Because of these changes, former service members previously found ineligible for VA services may now be eligible for benefits and are encouraged to re-apply.

VA encourages former service members with other than honorable discharges and bad conduct discharges (adjudged at special court-martial) to apply for VA care and benefits today. Over the past 10 years, VA’s eligibility determination rate for these former service members has been 75% – meaning that VA provided care or benefits to 75% of them (57,000+ former service members).

“We encourage former service members with other than honorable discharges to apply for VA care and benefits today,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Although VA cannot change your discharge status, we want to provide you with any health care or benefits we can – and we will work with you every step of the way to do exactly that.”


“Too often, former service members believe that they cannot come to VA due to their discharge status – but the truth is that many former service members who were not discharged honorably can get health care or benefits from VA,” said Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs. “When you apply – as with all VA benefits – we will do everything in our power to get to yes.”


VA has conducted extensive outreach to service members with other than honorable and bad conduct discharges adjudged at special court-martial in recent years, increasing the number who applied for VA care or benefits from approximately 1,700 in 2012 to more than 10,000 in 2023.

The VA character of discharge determination does not change the Armed Forces' characterization of service and has no effect on the former Service member's military discharge status. VA's determination is for VA benefits and services eligibility purposes only.


Any discharge characterized as “honorable” or “general – under honorable conditions” satisfies the character of discharge requirement for basic eligibility for most VA benefits. Former service members who did not receive those discharges are not automatically disqualified from receiving VA care or benefits. However, barring a ruling of insanity, VA does not provide benefits to service members who are discharged with a “dishonorable discharge;” service members who were discharged for desertion, mutiny, going AWOL for 180 continuous days, or espionage; or service members discharged by sentence of a general court martial, discharged in lieu of trial, discharged as a “resignation by an officer for the good of the service,” or discharged as a conscientious objector. VA does apply a compelling circumstances exception for AWOL when appropriate.

Former service members who want to learn more about applying for benefits and character of discharge can click here:

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Come out and Join The Texas Veterans Network powered by Combined Arms at the West Texas VA
14th Annual VA2K Walk and Roll 2024. Dates listed below.
POC Kyndra Jones (432) 685-2110 extension 2386.
Hobbs May 10th 10:30am-2pm
Fort Stockton May 13th 10:30am-2pm
Odessa May 14th 10:30am-2pm
Big Spring May 15th 10:30am-2pm
Abilene May 16th 10:30am-2pm
San Angelo May 17th 10:30am-2pm
Valley Coastal Bend VA has challenged WTX for highest participation. STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE!

ENCOURAGING HEALTHY LIVING & SUPPORTING HOMELESS VETERANS

Suggested Donations:

Kitchen Items
Coffee pots
Brooms
mops
dish soap
kitchen utensils
trash bags
Laundry/cleaning
dryer sheets
single detergent packs
cleaning supplies
Clothing
Boots
underwear
socks
sneakers
Hygiene
soap
shampoo
conditioner
towels
deodorant

More info: va.gov/wholehealth/va2k

https://www.military.com/history/4-important-things-know-about-vietnam-veterans.html

4 Important Things to Know About Vietnam Veterans Vietnam veterans served during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of su***de, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Dial 988 then press 1, OR chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, OR text 838255.

HIRING EVENT! You deserve a great job with the pay and benefits you need! Express Employment can help you get your foot in the door for a variety of openings including Welder Helpers, Accounting Clerks, Production, Bi-Lingual CSR, Admin Assistants, and more! Stop by and speak with the recruiters!

Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to discover the different job opportunities at Express Employment's hiring event on Thursday, February 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. happening at our Abilene Workforce Center, located on the 11th floor of 500 Chestnut St. proudly organized by the Texas Veterans Commission.

To explore a variety of positions in welding, accounting, administrative roles, and more, visit www.WorkInTexas.com to see the available options and apply today!

New Texas Veterans Benefits Booklet
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-TVC-State-Benefits_wLINKS-1.pdf.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/01/24/reversal-defense-department-now-wants-bring-tricare-beneficiaries-back-military-health-system.html

In Reversal, Defense Department Now Wants to Bring Tricare Beneficiaries Back to Military Health System After seven years of reforms that included sending non-active-duty patients to civilian Tricare networks, the Pentagon wants to bring them back to military medical care.

Women Veterans NOT using your earned VA Benefits & Services, we would love to hear from you. Please take our survey, it takes 5 minutes and is anonymous. https://survey.voice.va.gov/?cwv-women-veterans


Women Veterans, VA may surprise you
01/15/2024 10:30 AM EST

Women Veterans, you may be surprised to learn about all VA has to offer. If you haven’t checked out VA in a while, things have changed. We recognize each of you are unique and your health care needs are not “one-size-fits-all.” That’s why VA continues to expand its services, so we can provide you with the best care possible to better fit your needs. [From VA News]

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/off-base-transition-training-roadshow-reaches-rural-areas/

https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/health/west-texas-veterans-administration-to-host-town-hall-meeting/

West Texas Veterans Administration to Host Town Hall Meeting The West Texas Veterans Administration is hosting a town hall meeting on January 11, 2024, to provide a platform for veterans to share their concerns, with a focus on health and benefits.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a fantastic New Year ahead! I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, laughter, and moments of pure joy.

May this break provide you with the opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate, surrounded by the people and activities you love.

Remember those who continue to serve and cannot be home at this time, and most important of all, give thanks for the greatest gift of all. He is the reason for the season!

Attend the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Employer Showcase and Application Workshop, organized by the Texas Veterans Commission, on November 15 from 2:00PM – 4:30PM at the Abilene Workforce Center. Discover the various job opportunities, exceptional benefits, and the application process. See full job descriptions at www.WorkInTexas.com.

Prior & Transitioning Military who self-identify will receive priority service!

Excellent Opportunities for career growth, great pay, great benefits and more! Please spread the word!

Attend the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Employer Showcase and Application Workshop, organized by the Texas Veterans Commission, on November 15 from 2:00PM – 4:30PM at the Abilene Workforce Center. Discover the various job opportunities, exceptional benefits, and the application process. See full job descriptions at www.WorkInTexas.com.

Prior & Transitioning Military who self-identify will receive priority service!

80% of jobs are filled through networking - this is the perfect opportunity.
Register so you can receive updates and access the employer list.
*****Professional headshot opportunity offered*****

Join us for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Employer Showcase and Application Workshop hosted by the Texas Veterans Commission on May 16 from 2:30PM – 4:00PM at our Abilene Workforce Center to learn about their available job opportunities, great benefits, & the application process!

Prior and Transitioning Military, and spouses have priority but all are welcome.

Get a new career QUICKLY, more EASILY, and with WEEKLY PAYCHECKS!

12 - March To Success 2023 Employer Showcase Events and Workshops to help you reach your Career Goals!
Please contact [email protected] if you need additional information or need help registering.
These are all VIRTUAL and presented on TEAMS!
(Please take note of time zne on each flyer)

MONTHLY WOMEN VETERANS GET-TOGETHER
SATURDAY AT 9 AM – 10 AM
MVPN Abilene In person at 765 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas.
or
Attend virtually with this TEAMS link online.
https://tinyurl.com/436tp49m

All women veterans are welcome to attend regardless of where you live.

We have a guest presenter for this meeting to let you know about all the wonderful things her organization does for Women Veterans!

Amelia Peacock
Grace After Fire
Alamo Regional Outreach Coordinator
Marine Corps Veteran

Feel free to share this invite with other ladies!
https://www.facebook.com/.../14655225272.../1608722992903060

Please let me know if you have any questions.

The Dyess Military and Family Readiness Center, in partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, will be hosting a Job Fair at the Armed Forces Reserve Center at 819 3rd St, Dyess Air Force Base on February 16th 2023, from 9:30 am – 2 pm

All active duty, veterans, and military spouses are welcome to attend!
(Veterans Must pre-register if they don't have base access.)

PLEASE REVIEW THE FLYER BELOW:

To register for this event as an employer or job seeker, there is a QR code at the bottom of the attached flyer for online registration. They may also register at HiringOurHeroes.org/dyess.

Any questions can be directed to the Dyess Military and Family Readiness Center staff at 325-696-5999.