Veterans and their families can face a number of challenging issues. These range from difficulties reentering civilian life, finding rewarding post-military-career employment, pursuing an education, accessing benefits and resources they’re eligible for, and even buying a home. Today, VeteransPlus explains how being an advocate for a vet and their family, whether they’re a newly discharged vet or an older individual from the Vietnam or Korean wars, can be an incredible help..
Military Benefits
Vets are eligible for a number of benefits, many of which can be accessed through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These may include assistance with health and wellness, tuition support, or special no-money-down, no-PMI VA loans to buy a house or modify an existing home. Sometimes accessing various resources and applying for them can be an onerous task, and help navigating the system can be invaluable. Conducting research, helping with gathering paperwork, and submitting applications for various programs can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you’re patient and computer savvy, your assistance can be a big help.
Finding Employment
According to the National Veterans Foundation Jobs For Veterans program, many military vets have high levels of training and skill sets that can be applicable to jobs in the civilian world. Career veterans, in particular, may need some help navigating the corporate world when it comes to looking for jobs, applying for positions, and interviewing. You can assist with writing a detailed resume and cover letter and helping make a connection between military experience and the requirements outlined in job descriptions. You can also help with navigating online job boards and identifying companies that are well known for their veteran advocacy in hiring matters.
Going Back to School
Some vets may want to take an entirely new path in life and return to school to advance their education in a new field. There are many potential areas of study, ranging from criminal justice to psychology and computer science. You can help identify career paths and the educational requirements needed to pursue them. Online degree programs, in particular, can be very attractive to vets. They can study from the location of their choice, and even complete work at their own pace. Many online programs are also less expensive than traditional on-campus college offerings. An advanced degree could be the ticket into a brand new rewarding career.
Launching a Business
With their varied skill sets, vets are often well-positioned to be effective business leaders and business owners. Launching a business is a big endeavor, but you can help by writing a business plan, devising a marketing strategy, and looking for business loans that cater to veteran-owned businesses. There are a number of steps necessary to get a business off the ground, including deciding on a business concept and model, outlining key organizational needs, getting licensed, and getting the business up and running. There’s a good deal of research necessary to identify target demographics and devise a strategy, but your help can make the process easier and less stressful.
Mental and Emotional Support
Unfortunately, many vets are susceptible to anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and even suicide. You can be an advocate by watching for signs of distress and helping them seek the services they need to be well again. Withdrawal, hiding meds, irritability, and changes in mood can all be signals that an individual is facing challenges and is in need of immediate intervention. There are a variety of mental health programs available for vets, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If a vet you know is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Veterans support their country in a way few civilians will ever fully understand, and they are deserving of our respect, gratitude, and our advocacy. No two veterans or their families are alike, and providing help on the social, mental, and emotional fronts can all have a positive impact on their long-term quality of life.
VeteransPlus programs were designed by Veterans and are delivered by Veterans to provide practical financial solutions geared to real life circumstances of current and former military personnel. Call 888.488.8767.
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Written by: Jenna Sherma
