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Originally Posted by Maynard
For any Veterans on here looking for support, especially around transitioning out of service or with combat/service related issues, I would strongly recommend you to your local Vet Center. It's federal, but NOT the VA. Originally established by Vietnam Veterans that were getting poorly treated by the VA; they formed a peer-based support network for other returning Vets and those with PTSD (at the time, VA was still debating if they would recognize or treat for PTSD). It grew into a nationwide program that can help with mental health support, as well as advocacy for benefits-applications and other service-related needs. MUCH more Veteran-friendly and non-clinical than most VA systems, but they don't do the medical/dental care (and the VA is getting better, but it varies widely center to center, some are great, some not so much). Vet Ctrs also serve Active Duty and Active National Guard/Reservists and grief support for family members of deceased Veterans. I'm happy to take specific Q's via PM.
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ |
I attend PTSD/Coping there it is great avenue to speak with others in a non biased environment.
As a retiree we are eligible for dental/vision now through the FEDVIP. That does help keep costs down but I wished they would just merge the two systems. In 8 years I need to transition to Medicare and I hear way too many scarey stories about that one. You should not be forced to transition until you retire from the working force.