Transitioning to Life After Military Service

Transitioning to Life After Military Service

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 366, features Transitioning Assistance Program (TAP) initiatives. Margarita Devlin joins us as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management at the U.S Department of Labor.

“Trained individuals who are career counselors who will sit with a service member after they go through the class and work with them one on one to help them identify their career path. That’s sometimes the hardest piece,” said Devlin.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation, or two years prior to retiring. Watch the video above to see how VA TAP helps service members transition from military to civilian life.

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

 

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

Helping Veterans Access Dental Care

Helping Veterans Access Dental Care

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 354, discusses the mission, purpose, and agenda of the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH). Joining us is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of AIDPH, Dr. Annaliese Cothron.

“A lot of people don’t understand that Veterans aren’t accessing dental care,” Dr. Cothron said. “Most Veterans don’t have access to dental care through the VA.”

The American Institute of Dental Public Health was created in 2015 to promote and disseminate evidence-based health promotion practices to advanced education students and practitioners in dental public health. AIDPH serves as a platform for creative programming that centers health equity as a cornerstone of oral health education and training.

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly. 

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

New Mental Health Hotline

New Mental Health Hotline

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 338, covers the new 988 hotline and how it will support individuals who experience a mental health emergency. Gigi Crowder, the Executive Director of NAMI Contra Costa in California, joins us for this episode.

 

“This is replacing the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which was ten didgits and pretty difficult for individuals to remember,” Crowder explained. “Now when a person dials 988 it will take them directly to crisis counselors.”

NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

 

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

 

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

 

Filing for Burn Pits Benefits Through DAV

Filing for Burn Pits Benefits Through DAV

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 347, discusses how to best educate Veterans about the advantages and necessary steps needed to file for their Burn Pits Benefits through Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Bob Carnagey, a US Army Vietnam Veteran and State Commander Disabled American Veteran, joins us for this episode. 

 

“The confidence level of the claim being filed accurately the first time goes up because you’ve got an experienced person helping,” Carnagey said.

 

DAV is dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. They accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

 

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

 

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

What is the NADCP?

What is the NADCP?

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 346, discusses the mission, purpose, and agenda of National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). We were joined by panelist Christopher Deutsch, the Director of NADCP. 

 

“I like to think of drug courts and other treatment courts as the best kept secret in the justice system,” said Deutsch. “Take all of the stakeholders and have them work as a team, and then bring in treatment providers and folks to help with other recovery support.”

NADCP promises to champion proven strategies within the judicial system that empower people to change their lives.

 

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

 

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

Filing Claims for Burn Pits Exposure

Filing Claims for Burn Pits Exposure 

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 338, discusses the process of filing claims for environmental exposure with panelists Justyna Berry and Donnis Overton. Berry is a U.S. Army Veteran and Public Contact Representative in the Chicago Regional Office. Overton is a U.S. Veteran and team member in the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

 

“The PACT Act is the largest healthcare and benefit extension in the VA history,” Berry said. 

 

The PACT Act has given Veterans exposed to toxic substances and burn puts more opportunities to get the healthcare they need.Veterans can learn more about filing claims through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

 

Effects of the Climate Bill on Clean Energy

Effects of the Climate Bill on Clean Energy

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 335, addresses how the Climate Bill was drafted and how it will impact the development of clean energy infrastructure. We are joined by partners Rob Howard, CEO and President of Zodiac Solutions, and Rod Matthew, Owner of Brevian Energy. This $370 billion bill is designed to address a number of environmental issues coming from unsustainable energy sources. 

 

“They’re targeting low income cities with the funding. These are the cities that really need it,” Matthew said. 

Brevian Energy aims to provide renewable sources of energy to homes in order to fight off climate change. Zodiac Solutions specializes in consulting electric service providers to obtain more clean energy. 

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.

 

The PACT Act and Filing Claims for Toxic Exposure

The PACT Act and Filing Claims for Toxic Exposure

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 320, addresses legislation and filing claims surrounding military environmental exposure, particularly with burn pits. Adam Swantz, Manager of the Veterans Service Center in Chicago, joins us along with Donnis Overton, a Legal Administrative Specialist.

The PACT Act was passed by the Senate earlier this summer to expand health care services to Veterans who are exposed to toxic materials.

“The PACT act itself covers 23 burn pit related conditions,” Swantz says.

The Veterans Service Center  provides benefits to Veterans and military families throughout the country. Veterans are assisted with filing claims, insurance, education, and a variety of other life changing services.

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.



Treatment and Care for Eating Disorders

Treatment and Care for Eating Disorders

America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 323, discusses the treatment of eating disorders among the Veteran population. Rachel Morales, a clinical social worker and Team Lead for the Hines VA Eating Disorder Treatment Team, joins us to discuss how to seek care and overcome eating disorders.

“Eating disorders don’t discriminate. They can affect men or women regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or body size,” Morales said. “You can’t look at someone and tell if they have an eating disorder.”

The Hines Department of Veteran Affairs has experienced health care teams that offer a variety of services to Veterans in downtown Chicago. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as a whole has locations all across the country for Veterans who need help with health care, rehabilitation, and any other services.

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.



Finding Employment as a Veteran

Finding Employment as a Veteran

On Hire A Veteran Day, America’s Heroes Group podcast, episode 330, discussed programs that help Veterans find employment. Panelist James Rodriguez joins us for this episode. Rodriguez is a retired Veteran and was confirmed by the Senate to be the Assistant Secretary for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

“One of the challenges we have is getting Veterans into generational careers,” Rodriguez said. “After their military service, they can use their skillset they’ve developed and take it into the corporate world.”

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service helps retired Veterans and military spouses thrive in their careers. Veterans can be assisted in finding employment opportunities, provided expertise, and educated about their rights in the workplace.

America Heroes Group’s mission is to honor and respect the relentless commitment, ultimate sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our retired Veterans and Active Service members thereby empowering and transforming their lives as they age in place and reacclimate back into society through identifying and positioning local and national communities as military friendly.

Listen to America’s Heroes Group Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. Or, tune in live every Saturday from 4-6 pm CST on iHeartRadio or on our Facebook page.