How to be Successful in Your First Year as a Veteran
In this pilot episode of The Dog Tag, subject matter experts from the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) come together for a round table discussion about your first year out of the military. Transitioning out of the military can be a bumpy ride, but the more information you have about all the benefits, resources and programs available to you as a Veteran, the smoother it will be.
Topics will include organizations who offer assistance to military members and Veterans; VA health care and disability claims; medical service records; exit strategies, and more. In future podcasts, we’ll dive deep into each of these subjects individually and share detailed information to help you navigate these often turbulent waters.
“I had no idea how strong the Veteran community was until I got out of the military,” said Eric Brown, VLB Deputy Director of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. “I can say for a fact, that every step of the way during my transition, there was a Veteran standing there waiting to help me along the way and often times it takes a Veteran to help a Veteran.”
Speakers
Show Notes
Why the VLB is recording podcasts. [:56]
Guest speaker introductions. [3:00]
Why your first year out of the military is so important. [9:09]
How this team of subject matter experts can help you transition to Veteran status. [9:38]
How a County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you. [10:37]
Where you can find a VSO outside of Texas. [11:54]
How a qualified counselor, VSO or Veterans Service Organization representative can help you frame the right questions to find the right answers. [12:35]
When in doubt, call the VLB Texas Veterans Call Service Center: 1–800–252-VETS (8387). [14:27]
Don’t panic if you spaced out while attending the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). [14:53]
Good transition advice from a Marine. [16:05]
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, let Veterans Service Organizations help you. [17:43]
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. [18:00]
Why service medical records are important. [18:47]
Recognize that once you separate, you are now a Veteran — don’t miss out on the benefits you earned. [19:55]
Who qualifies as a Veteran. [20:54]
Your next mission is to learn how to be a Veteran. [22:45]
Exit strategies: where will you live and what will you do? [24:33]
Enroll in VA health care ASAP! [26:42]
VA health care provides maternity care for women Veterans. [28:01]
VA health care is available anywhere in the nation, or abroad. [29:40]
Keep your family involved while transitioning out of the military. [30:47]
- Stay tuned for our next podcast: Unlocking VA Disability Claims Part 1.
Helpful Resources
For a complete list of County Veterans Service Officers in Texas, see page 48 in the TVC Directory.
Nationally Accredited Veterans Service Organizations:
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Association of the United States Army
Navy League of the United States
Listen to this podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud.
The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at TexasVeteransPodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!
