Insights for Veterans – Behind Friendly Lines

As a Veteran, do you ever wish you could learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the benefits and services which may be available to you and your family? If so, I hope to help you better navigate VA by offering this new monthly column, Behind Friendly Lines.

My name is Jason T. Strickland (the “T” is for Tenacious). I’m a 20-year retired U.S. Army Veteran and I’m the chief communications officer at the VA Rocky Mountain Network. For our Veteran community, my experience in both realms means I’ve been where you’ve been, I’ve likely deployed where you deployed (on multiple occasions, no less), and I’ve transitioned out of the military just like you – and I have felt some of the challenges in that transition, just like you. And now, hopefully, I’m able to help you through the words and topics I write in this column.

Here’s what you can expect on a monthly basis in this valuable AMAC space. First, I’m going to provide content relevant and meaningful to our Veteran population throughout the country. Second, I’ll do my best to address topics of greatest concern to each of you. Feel free to make any suggestions by sending me an email at: [email protected]. Third, you’ll learn about resources, webpages, benefits, and initiatives that matter to you. “You” refers to not just Veterans, but it includes everyone in our Veteran community: spouses, caregivers, survivors, family members, etc.

Here’s what this column is not.

It’s not political: Though I may share many of your views, I am less concerned about your political persuasion and more interested in providing information you need to access the benefits and services you may be eligible to receive.

It’s not your direct line to the VA Secretary. Even I have a chain of command within VA; sending me a note won’t automatically get you access to the boss.

And it’s not your complaint box. There are certainly more effective ways to resolve your specific concern. Use those avenues first.

If I may, let me start with a “VA 101” orientation, for those of you who may not be intimately familiar with VA. Whether you transitioned from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the last two decades or you’ve been around since the days of Lowry Field, in Denver, VA can appear to be a behemoth but with a little understanding, it won’t feel so overwhelming.

VA is comprised of three administrations and a central office to serve and honor the men and women who are America’s Veterans.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care network in the U.S., with over 1,200 health care facilities serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. For example, if you’re a Veteran in Colorado, you are served by one of three health care systems, depending on where you reside in the state. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, you may be served by not one, but two, VA Medical Centers in the city. No matter where you live, if you’re enrolled in VA health care, you’ll receive most of your care from a geographically based VA health care system.

The second largest administration is the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). VBA helps servicemembers transition out of military service and assists Veterans with education, life insurance, and much more. If you have ever used a VA home loan (like I have on several occasions), VBA was an integral part of that process. VA Regional Offices are in many metropolitan areas throughout the country.

And third is the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Their goal is to make sure those who served this nation are never forgotten. NCA provides dignified memorial services for Veterans and eligible family members.

VA is an organization that supports our Veterans from military separation to living a civilian life to retiring and aging. Throughout these life stages, Veterans and their families experience moments that matter – times that are significant to that life stage. As you read this monthly column, I intend to take you through several of those moments to ensure you know about the services VA offers and understand how to access and manage the benefits for which you may be eligible.

Thanks for allowing me to walk alongside you behind friendly lines.

Victory!

Jason T. Strickland, Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army Retired), is the chief communications officer at the VA Rocky Mountain Network. Email: [email protected].