NEWSLETTER “Working to Make North Carolina the Most Veteran Friendly State in America”

NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS GET SOCIAL NEWSLETTER “Working to Make North Carolina the Most Veteran Friendly State in America”

June 15, 2015 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9

Page 1: Guide Offers Local Veterans a Way to Find Guide Offers Local Veterans a Way to Find Services Services find out how to treat his hearing disability in Page 2-3: Asheville Center Rated Best in US 2008. Page 4-5: Second Round Quarterly Training Supports 20 Counties in Veterans Affairs “I have a hearing problem, and I had to wander Page 5: Improved Access Drives Positive Change through wherever I did,” Memmel said. “With in Salisbury VA PTSD Pgm. this, if you have a problem, you can go to one Page 6: Panel Exploring Army Restructuring source and not have all this running around and Hears Comments in Fayetteville fiddling around.” Page 7: Governor McCrory Signs House Bill 595 Memmel also said the guide is well-designed - Cheryl Poyner Retires from Veterans Affairs to help younger veterans find ways to continue Page 8: VSO’s Attend First Training on New Duke-Epic Project their education and find employment. Page 10: American Legion Post 265 Hosts Morganton, N.C. - Local veterans have a new “I’m playing in a totally different ball game Successful Job Fair for Veterans and Transition- resource guide available to help navigate the than the guys and girls now,” Memmel said. ing Military. intricacies of government services. “Lifestyles have changed, and people have Page 11: Lejeune Marine Awarded Bronze Star for changed and needs have changed.” Heroism The new NC4VETS guide came out on Page 12: VA Debt Letters and How to Respond Memorial Day, and details resources for Veterans can get copies of the guide at any N.C. Page 16: VA Regional Office Policy Changes veterans regarding employment, health care, Division of Veterans Affairs office or by visiting Veterans Administration benefits, housing, their local County Veteran Service Office. For personal services and education. This is the a list of locations or to download a PDF version of the guide, visit www.nc4vets.com or call 844. Veterans Homes Update (May. 2015 ) second version of the guide since its inception. NC4.VETS (844.624-8387). -Black Mountain- “We really push for North Carolina to be the 97 residents most veteran-friendly state in America,” said 8 admissions Janene McGee, regional manager for the N.C. -Fayetteville- Division of Veterans Affairs. “This is one of the 141 residents ways we’re trying to reach out to veterans who 14 admissions are coming back here to N.C. to live.” -Kinston- There are 7,215 veterans in Burke County, 98 residents 5 admissions McGee said. While they may have some idea about the services to which they’re entitled, -Salisbury- 99 residents many don’t know specifics — or where to find 4 admissions specifics. “I think they may be vaguely aware,” McGee Veterans Cemeteries UPDATE (May. 2015) said. “That’s the hardest part — every day we see May Our Brothers and Sisters Rest in Peace someone who didn’t realize they were entitled to -Black Mountain- something. A lot of times I think it takes them 33 burials going to a doctor and developing an illness, or -Jacksonville- having an illness they’ve just been diagnosed 20 burials with and having their doctors refer them.” -Spring Lake- For Morganton resident and World War II 32 burials Army veteran Carl Memmel, such a resource would have been helpful when he was trying to

NCDVA Newsletter Editor: -Daniel Hackley- North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs - NCDVA Director: Ilario Pantano [email protected] www.nc4vets.com / 844.NC4.VETS (624-8387) REGION 1 www.NC4VETS.com

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a Community Living Center with 120 beds, and 18 beds in its residential substance abuse treatment program. Teamwork Director Cynthia Breyfogle attributes the success to a team effort. “In the midst of all the negative stories, I’m really proud of our staff here in Asheville ... (they) are very committed to the mission of serving America’s heroes,” she said. “A n d our veterans appreciate being treated with respect,” she said. “It’s our honor to take care of them and provide them the care Asheville Center Rated Best in US they have earned and deserve.” ASHEVILLE, N.C. - There hasn’t been much good news lately Taking veterans’ concerns to heart also plays a role, she said. “We for the Department of Veterans Affairs. have a lot of different forums ... where we sit around and talk and Rocked by a scandal last year involving reports that thousands can hear directly what their issues are,” she said. “We get a lot of of veterans around the country endured painfully long waits to compliments. But they also tell us where they run into issues.” get medical care — some dying while they waited — as agency That information is used to improve services, she said. employees falsified wait times, public outrage eventually led to For example, Breyfogle said, veterans have expressed frustration the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and legislation to with the facility’s phone system. “We get about 45,000 calls a reform the beleaguered agency. month into the medical center through the main switchboard,” But amid all that darkness, there is a ray of sunshine for veter- she said. “Every morning, we monitor what percentage of calls ans of Western North Carolina: Asheville’s Charles George VA are dropped and the average wait time. That’s helped us identify if Medical Center. we’re having a problem in a certain clinic, and we place additional staff there.” Of all VA medical centers in the nation, the facility ranked No. 1 for patient satisfaction. And it was recently awarded a 5-Star Making progress Quality rating — the highest possible in the VA — putting it in Mary Dickson, a master of divinity student at Gardner-Webb the top 10 percent of all VA medical centers for quality of care University who served four years in the U.S. Air Force, said she’s and efficiency. seen a lot of improvements at the Asheville VA in the 20 years she’s been going there. “The folks who work there are really committed to the veteran,” said Louis Kirchhoff of Weaverville. “The staff has a lot to do “The VA has grown, expanded in a lot of different ways in ser- with the fact that this little hospital keeps scoring at the top,” he vices and facilities,” said the 46-year-old Fletcher woman. said. “The veterans here are really fortunate.” “They actually have a women’s health clinic now ... so there’s more “The people I see, I have really good confidence in them. They privacy. It used to be more of a man’s center,” she added. “And bend over backward to help you,” said Tom Davis, a Webster man mental health care’s come a long way.” who spent more than 30 years in the U.S. Army, including in the Dickson said she suffered post traumatic stress disorder because Special Forces in Vietnam, Bosnia and Iraq, before retiring as a of military sexual trauma in addition to pain from injuries she full colonel in 1999. suffered on her air evacuations job that resulted in a medical “They are professional, caring, respectful,” he added. “It’s just a joy discharge and her coming home to WNC. to go there.” “When I first got out, if they’d had half the things they do now, Rich history I wouldn’t have had the long haul I did in between,” she said. Some 38,500 veterans from 20 counties in Western North Caroli- “The changes have really helped. The staff is so much better than na receive care at the Charles George VA Medical Center. it used to be. They’re more sincere; working there for the right reasons. The center encompasses a 119-bed acute care hospital, including a 16-bed inpatient psychiatric unit and two intensive care units, “Overall,” she said, “I’m pleased with the care I get there.” (Continued on pg. 3) 2 VISIT US @ NC4VETS.COM 844 NC4 VETS 844.NC4.VETS REGION 1

REGIONAL NEWS MOUNTAIN REGION In recent years, the center has been more mindful in its hiring practices, Breyfogle said, emphasizing its core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence. “I meet with every new employee and talk to hem about the importance of those values to us,” she said, “about the importance of our patients and their responsibility to speak up when they see NC VETERANS at WORK things not working so we can continuously improve.” There are more than 80,000 individuals projected to Timely care separate from the military in North Carolina from While long waits can be the rule rather than the exception at some 2015–2018. New veterans will bring a range of skills and VA health centers, Breyfogle said for the past two years or so, at experiences to the civilian labor force, but they may be least 98 percent of veterans have been able to get an appointment unsure about which jobs will be in demand and for which with a provider within the required 30 days. they may have relevant skills. Here is a look at some of the Davis, 69, said he’s been going to the center monthly since 2011 for hottest projected jobs in the state, and how some common a variety of conditions that left him 100 percent disabled, and he’s military occupations may translate to them. never experienced a long wait. “I’ve been all over the world and in and out of medical facilities The 2015 edition of NCWorks veteran focused newsletter everywhere, and I pretty well know a good facility when I see one,” can be found here: NC Veterans at Work. This issue of he said. “It has been nothing but exceptional.” Davis said that at the newsletter along with archived issues can also be another VA facility he used, getting support was “like being busted found under the NC Veteran Services section of NCWorks for drugs in Turkey. You’re in for the hassle of your life.” Online. Steady growth So why are there problems at other VAs? Breyfogle said with the recent wars overseas, some haven’t been able to stay ahead of the influx of veterans needing care. “We’ve grown in Asheville at a steady rate of about 3 to 5 percent a year, and that’s something you can keep up with,” she said. “Some others have grown at a much faster rate, like those at military bas- es, with veterans returning.” The medical center has also been able to add staff, for example, going from 86 to 165 mental health providers since she arrived in 2010. That’s been important, she said, because multiple deploy- ments have led to increased need for mental health services. Though thrilled with the high rating, Breyfogle said there is still room for improvement. So along with talking to vets, she asks staff if they have what they need to do their jobs and addresses any concerns they may have. Kirchhoff said the facilities are clean and up to date and always being improved. “The moment you walk in the door, someone’s trying to help you,” he said. “Our little hospital really works its rear end off to make us feel comfortable.” Davis said Asheville should be used as a model for the rest of the system. “I am the biggest cheerleader around for them,” he said. “I wish they were all this good.” (Liv Osby - Citizen-Times)

THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 3 REGION 2 www.NC4VETS.com

REGIONAL NEWS PIEDMONT REGION Second Round Quarterly Training Currently North Carolina has been unable to appropriate funds to ensure that the program is available to all County Supports and State Veteran Service Offices. However, NCDVA’s Director Illario Pantano, continues to push legislatures 20 Counties to reinstate funds from the state to the counties in hope in Veterans of seeing an increase in the ability for service offices to upgrade their technology, resulting in greater claims Affairs processed, and a quicker rate in achieving a fully developed claim. SALISBURY, N.C. - On June 4, 2015, NCDVA’s Region Focusing on bridging the gap between the Veterans II conducted its second round of quarterly training at the Healthcare Administration (VHA) and the state’s VSOs Salisbury VA Medical Center. The one day training event was also on the agenda. For many years the bridge between kicked off with an energetic group of County Veteran Service the Veterans Healthcare Administration and the field Officers and members of North Carolina’s Division of force has been broken due to lack of well established Veterans Affairs. contact information. This training focused on rebuilding Mr. Martiez Taylor, Change Management Officer out of that bridge and uncovering the contacts needed to help the Winston-Salem Veterans Regional Office and Brandon Veterans be successful in the VHA system. Wilson, NCDVA State Training Coordinator, provided From eligibility to social work, recovery to home based a live Stakeholder’s Enterprise Portal (SEP) presentation healthcare, presenters shared their specialty services and highlighting the effectiveness of how quickly a dependent provided the tools needed to find answers for our veterans. may be added to a Veterans award when using SEP to do so electronically. In a remarkable presentation, Craig Doane, Chief of Health and Travel Benefits discussed the many variables regarding “When adding or removing a dependent, this method placement in priority groups, co-pays, and general is instant and the Veteran can begin to be paid for the eligibility issues. Felicia Haynes, Eligibility Supervisor dependent immediately,” stated Mr. Wilson. and Teresa Knox, Travel Benefits Supervisor, answered The Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP), rolled out by the questions and responded to general inquiries on the spot. VA in October of 2012 and enables VSOs to submit claims Sheila Womack, Chief of Social Work at the Salisbury and supporting documents without having to print or submit VAMC, brought along an amazing team of social workers paper-based forms. with specialties throughout the VHA system. Their More specifically, SEP allows Veteran Service Officers (VSO) presentation covered many programs and showed the wide to: submit compensation claims (526E), view status of claims, array of services that a social worker can offer to the team see payment history and details, accept/reject a Power of and to Veterans. “Often times not knowing who to call for Attorney and view their own VSO dashboard, according to answers can be discouraging. With the information and information provided by the VA. In addition, VSO’ are able networks provided by Mrs. Womack, we’ll be able to more to upload supporting documents and check the status of quickly address those tougher, more unique questions,” death benefits. commented Wilson. This electronic method is proven to be the fastest way to Mrs. Womack and her team handed out many materials submit and gain approval for a veterans claim for benefits. and most importantly, contact information to all of her However, it was noted that internet speed and access to a lead social workers. This included the social workers scanner are factors in an officer’s capability of completing a attached to each PACT (Primary Care Team) within the claim through SEP, as all documentation must be uploaded to Salisbury VAMC catchment area. the program. Mrs. Womack noted “questions don’t necessarily just (Continued on pg. 5) 4 VISIT US @ NC4VETS.COM 844 NC4 VETS 844.NC4.VETS REGION 2

REGIONAL NEWS PIEDMONT REGION need to be about a social work program, if we do not know the answer we will find out who does. We want the field force to know that they’re not alone, and that we encourage all to call us anytime they have a question.” Improved Access Drives Positive Additional speakers were Andre Judkins, Mike Ayers and Change In Salisbury VA PTSD Pgm Leighann Haglan. Andre Judkins, Chief, Prosthetics and Sensory Aids, presented on current regulations for Clothing Beginning in August, the Salisbury VAMC’s inpatient allowance and Home Improvement Structural Alterations PTSD unit will begin enrolling Veterans on a two-week (HISA) grant changes. cycle. The change, which won’t affect Veterans currently enrolled or scheduled for the July class, means that Mike Ayers, NCDVA State Service Office Manager, introduced Veterans with combat-related PTSD will have even his team from the Winston-Salem office, offering encouraging better access to the intensive inpatient program. words for the field force. As always Mike Ayers and his staff are “Last minute emergencies and other items can standing tall and ready to serve VSOs and veterans alike. sometimes delay a Veteran from starting the program Leighann Haglan, Decision Review Officer, WSVARO, provided with their scheduled cohort. A rolling admissions additional information on the VA’s appeals process, including model will allow our program to admit a smaller group changes and updates, best practices and common errors. of Veterans every two weeks, which provides improved “Today’s training was a great opportunity for many of us finally access,” said Dr. Kristin Humphrey, the Salisbury VA meet in person. I hope to be back soon and provide an in-depth inpatient PTSD coordinator. look at rating decisions, the schedule for rating disabilities and The Salisbury VA inpatient PTSD program has been commonly referenced CFR topics,” stated Mrs. Haglan. serving combat Veterans for almost 20 years and New 2015 NC4VETS Resource Guides were delivered by Joe currently accepts referrals from across the country, including referrals from the active duty military. Rapley, NCDVA Region II Manager, and were distributed to all The program, which is recovery-focused and uses all attendees. evidence-based and holistic treatment for PTSD, has 23 The continued feedback and perspective from the field offers beds, including four for women Veterans, and is housed continued guidance to NCDVA’s Training Team in its endeavor in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that was opened to keep all informed on concerning updates and changes within in the spring of 2014. the system. As the team moves into the fall quarter, training In addition to changes in Salisbury VA’s PTSD program, will be conducted in individual groups with a focus on federal other programs in the VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic Health systems and technology. Care Network are also looking at adopting changes to Region II’s leadership also extends its appreciation to Director improve access and best serve Veterans. Ilario Pantano, for his visit and vision to make “North Carolina The Salem VA inpatient PTSD program is scheduled the most Veteran Friendly State in America”. to start a pilot program July 1 where Veterans will also be enrolled on a rolling basis, with a stronger focus I am both excited and eager to continue working together in on non-combat PTSD Veterans. Veterans seeking supporting veterans, and would remind all that your feedback and treatment for combat-related PTSD will be referred to comments are always invited and welcomed. Salisbury as part of the pilot. The NCDVA training team is here for you. Never be afraid to “We are honored to serve the combat Veterans from the reach out and ask someone for assistance. This is our purpose Salem area, and we will continue to refer our Veterans and we strive to always better serve those who are serving our who have non-combat PTSD to the Salem residential Veterans and their families. PTSD program,” said Humphrey. Thank you to all who were in attendance and I look forward to Veterans scheduled for Salem’s June inpatient PTSD seeing all of you again soon! program are not affected and the changes have no Crystal Anderson contact information: email crystal.anderson@ impact on outpatient PTSD treatment programs or doa.nc.gov cell 919-219-7924. support groups at either facility. (Bart Major-VAMC PAO-Voices of VISN 6) THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 5 REGION 3 www.NC4VETS.com

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military and state leaders, as well as the public on how the Army components can better work together. Earlier last week, commissioners met with leaders on Fort Bragg. Commissioners traveled to Raleigh to hear from N.C. Guard and state leaders. In those meetings, another of the commission’s charges will likely take center stage. Panel Exploring Army Restructuring The commission is tasked with examining possible Hears Comments in Fayetteville aviation restructuring that includes the possible transfer of Fayetteville, N.C. - North Carolina is likely to play a big AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the Army National role in helping to decide what the future size and make-up Guard to the Regular Army. of the U.S. Army will be. Lt. Col. Matt Devivo, spokesman for the North Carolina A commission charged with making recommendations that National Guard, said state leaders are eager to highlight could change the current makeup of the Army - including the Guard’s capabilities and how its forces work together active-duty, Reserve and National Guard forces - was in with active-duty troops, including those on Fort Bragg. North Carolina hosting a public meeting in Fayetteville last “We are great partners,” he said. “There’s value in all three Wednesday. components.” About 100 people met at the Embassy Suites for the meeting Devivo said roughly 700 Guardsmen will be deployed this with the National Commission on the Future of the Army, year and that the Guard was a ready and responsive force. which is preparing recommendations on the structure of He said state leaders plan to lobby to keep their Apache the Army and possible changes to mission requirements or helicopters. policies. The tates has flown such weapon systems for 30 years, With such a broad charge, it’s no accident the commission is Devivo said, and represent an important pool of making North Carolina - and more specifically Fort Bragg - institutional knowledge that active units, including one of its first stops on what will be a nationwide tour. aviation units at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, seek out. Retired Gen. Carter F. Ham, chairman of the eight- The commission has no preconceived notions about what commissioner body, said the North Carolina stop is its recommendations will be, Ham said, although both the first outside of the Washington D.C. Beltway, and men said they have their own experiences to draw on. important because leaders will get up close looks at all three Ham had little interaction in his early career, but later saw components on one stop. little difference between Reserve, active-duty and Guard forces deployed under his command. (Drew Brooks- Fayetteville “There’s only one Forces Command. There’s only one U.S. Observer) Army Reserve Command. There’s only one U.S. Army Special Operations Command,” Ham said. “They’re all here.” Each of those commands, and particularly U.S. Army Forces Command, have important relationships for all three components, he said. FORSCOM is the military’s largest command, tasked with preparing forces, active and otherwise, for combatant commanders. The commissioners said they look forward to hearing from

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(left to right) Danny Poyner (Cheryl’s husband), Cheryl Governor McCrory Signs Poyner and DOA Secretary Bill House Bill 595 Daughtridge

Gov. Pat McCrory has signed into a law Cheryl Poyner Retires from Veterans Affairs a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Whitmire, With over 30 years of dedicated service to the state of North Carolina, R-Transylvania, to make it easier for people Cheryl Poyner, Administrative Assistant with the Department of who have served as military policemen to get a Administration, Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA), retired similar job in the civilian world. effective June 1. Cheryl’s passion for Veterans was seen in her The bill allows a state commission to give commitment to serving her coworkers, state employees and veterans probationary or full law enforcement across the state. Cheryl began her career with state government in certification to those who have worked as a 1987 with the Department of Corrections, and in March of 2000 she military policeman for no less than two of the found her home in DOA’s NCDVA. She has assisted many managers, five preceding five years. supervisors and coworkers along the way and has touched many lives They would be required to complete 24 hours of at NCDVA and in state government. While we will all miss Cheryl’s supplementary training and other requirements. wealth of knowledge, strong work ethic and positive outlook, we wish her much happiness in her retirement. "North Carolina is on its way to becoming (NCDOA Daily Insider- www.doa.nc.gov/insider) the most veteran-friendly state in the nation," McCrory said in a statement issued when he signed the bill Wednesday. "This law will make it easier for our veterans to provide the same safety and security they proudly provided for our country here in our local communities." The law also provides a pathway for qualified active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and recently separated veterans to transition into civilian law enforcement positions by accrediting their military police experience and training toward North Carolina Law Enforcement Officer Certification.

THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 7 REGION 3 www.NC4VETS.com

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stated Brandon Wilson, NCDVA Training Manager. “Many of these practices aren’t specific to only one type of disorder and can be used to address a range of addictions ranging from substance abuse to gambling.” VSO’s Attend First Training on The joint partnership leverages NCDVA’s extensive back- ground in working with Veterans across a broad spectrum New Duke-Epic Project of employment, health care, VA benefits, housing, educa- RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs tion, and personal services. hosted a two day training seminar sponsored by Duke The project will also build upon the current partnership EPIC (Evidence-based Practiced Implantation Center) with DHHS, in collaboration with the UNC-CH School of presented by Cardinal Innovation at the Division’s State Social Work to certify Veteran Peer Support Specialists as Headquarters on June 2 & June 3, 2015. Cardinal Inno- well as building relationships with the 9 local LME/MCO’s vations Health Care Solutions is a managed behavioral across the state, providing more resources for our Veteran healthcare organization focused on helping individual’s population. access services and those in need of mental health, intel- The joint partnership between Duke Epic and NCDVA leads lectual and developmental disability, and substance use/ nationally in the development of "best practices" for veter- addictions services. ans, creating a partnership uniting university, community, The training coordinated by Duke EPIC focused on build- and public services to bring the best care possible to Veter- ing relationships and communication objects for the State’s ans and their families. Veterans Service Officers and Training Managers, providing tools to more effectively connect and assist Veterans For more information on Duke-Epics visit: across North Carolina. The newly forged partnership http://epic.psychiatry.duke.edu/ between Duke Universities Evidence-based program provides Service Officers with a higher degree of training and knowledge of mental health practices, separating the states advocacy and support role for veterans from every other state in the country. “We are fortunate to work together so that Veterans and their families receive the best services possible. They deserve this, and we are committed to continually improving our work on their behalf,” remarked Robert Murphy, PhD, leader of EPIC’s Military Family Initiatives. The two day training covered classes focused on Substance Abuse, Co-Occurring Disorders, Peer Support, Trauma counseling, Person-First Language and various approaches and perspectives to recovery. “These are some of the best training practices I know in regards to interviewing individuals who may have a multitude of issues. We will be able to take away knowledge of different practices that we can then share with our Veterans, allowing them to better cope with recovery,”

8 VISIT US @ NC4VETS.COM 844 NC4 VETS Save the Date: Wed, June 17, 2015 11:00 a.m.

Our State. Our Veterans. Ending Veteran Homelessness June 17 Press Event Summary: Addressing Veteran Homelessness in North Carolina “North Carolina can end Veteran Homelessness in 2016”

WHAT: Press Brie ng on Governor McCrory’s New Strategy WHO: to Address Veteran Homelessness in North Carolina. Honored Invitees: Announce a coordinated statewide e ort to address Veterans • Governor Pat McCrory Homelessness utilizing the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans • Mayors, Federal and State Service Members and their Families and its component agencies Ocials and Representatives (DoC, DHHS, NCDVA, etc.) in partnership with the Federal VA and HUD in concert with Mayors & Municipalities and the North • Vice Chairs, Appointees and Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness. attendees of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans Service Members and their families. WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday June 17, 11am. • Homeless Veterans Advocates • Primary Location: Vietnam Memorial @ Old State Capital • Federal, State and County Veterans Service Organizations e Memorial depicts men under re caring for their wounded. North Carolina will leave no one behind in the Carolina Comeback. • Non-prots that serve Veterans We will use our focus on Veterans to pilot a broader e ort at more e ective Homeless services integration.

• Secondary Location: 2nd Floor, Chambers @ Old State Capital REGION 4 www.NC4VETS.com

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“I’m aware of that so I just continue to slug away.” He also mentioned that one of the biggest obstacles he faces is translating the skills he acquired as a Marine, skills that he feels are often misunderstood by potential employers who are unfamiliar with military terminology. “There needs to be a better way of translating military experience to civilian understanding,” Diehl said. Due to fiscal constraints, downsizing within the branches American Legion Post 265 Hosts has led service members to exit the military and seek an Successful Job Fair for Veterans alternative career path. Career fairs give military-affiliated job seekers a chance to connect with employers who want and Transitioning Military their unique skillsets. Experts say first impressions are everything and showing JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - Over 70 employers came together up is not enough. Attendees should come ready to stand at American Legion Post 265 last Tuesday in support of the out from the crowds with résumé in hand. Veterans Affairs Legions Job Fair and Career Expo. The NCWorks Career suggests through its website that applicants translate their Center in Onslow County partnered with the legion to resume from military experience to civilian jargon using provide veterans with a unique opportunity to directly the following tips: connect with both local and national employers seeking to hire Veterans. The event was exclusive to veterans • Avoid using military acronyms. and active military for the first hour, allowing those to • Use short, direct sentences to describe your meet one-on-one with employers in a more in-depth and accomplishments. professional manner. • Use military occupational specialty translators, such as About 300 people attended, where free preparation VetSuccess.gov to describe the billets held in the workshops were offered on topics of resumes, interviewing military in terms relevant to the civilian sector. skills, dress and the application processes. To find an American Legion job fair or career event near Kenneth Diehl, a recently retired Marine has been searching you visit: www.legion.org/careers. for a job for the past two months. “It’s an arduous, long If your area is hosting an upcoming job fair, list it at: process,” he said. www.nc4vets.com today.

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Lejeune 6 heliborne raid on Mama Karez village in Helmand’s Now Zad Marine district, called Operation Nightmare IV by military commanders. Salka, who served as the assistant raid force commander for Bravo Awarded Company, quickly found himself in the thick of an enemy assault. Bronze Star The force conducting the raid was split into two elements from the start to clear the village from the east and west. for Heroism But both elements quickly came under attack from enemy forces, CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - At a time when few Marines were and the western flank was pinned by machine gun fire. Salka venturing outside the wire in Afghanistan, 1st Lt. James Salka moved in with a squad to reinforce the western flank, engaged patrolled in enemy territory nearly every day. insurgents with direct fire and called in 60mm mortars and high mobility artillery rocket system rounds on enemy positions. Salka, the executive officer of Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Later during the operation, he was put in charge of securing Carolina, received the Bronze Star with combat valor device for landing zones for airborne extraction of the Marines. As the birds heroism on Monday. He is credited with conducting 166 combat landed amid enemy machine gun fire and Marines began to climb patrols during a 2013-2014 deployment to Afghanistan, including aboard, Salka saw one injured Marine, identified by officials as dozens of encounters with enemy fighters and a daring rescue in Lance Cpl. Johnathan Burns, fall to the ground. To protect Burns which he carried an injured Marine nearly a quarter of a mile on from incoming fire, Salka threw a smoke grenade, lifted the his back to safety. Marine onto his shoulders and carried him nearly 400 yards to the aircraft, getting him safely aboard. Salka deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan, in September 2013 as a platoon commander with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, “[Salka’s] remarkable courage preserved the lives of many as he 9th Marines. The battalion was part of Task Force Belleau Wood, a placed himself in peril, and his incredible efforts inspired the unit responsible for the safety of Camp Leatherneck, the Marines’ Marines around him and undoubtedly swing the momentum in sprawling headquarters in the region. the raid force’s favor,” his medal citation states. “Our fight was mud hut to mud hut,” Salka said of the Salka received his award from Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudrault, the deployment, according to a Marine Corps news release. “At this commanding general of Camp Lejeune’s 2nd Marine Division. He time in the war, there were very few units who were patrolling is set to deploy again with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit outside the base. So in most cases, our presence was the only later this year. (Hope Hodge Seck - Marine Corps Times) deterrence against insurgency.” Officials did not immediately respond to Marine Corps Times’ requests for an interview with Salka. But according to his medal citation, Salka and his platoon engaged insurgents with direct fire 45 times during a seven-month deployment. They sustained 11 rocket-propelled grenade attacks and five improvised explosive device attacks. One of these was an 80-pound IED that struck Salka’s vehicle Feb. 27, 2014, leaving him with a mild concussion. Though injured, Salka remained in control, according to a lengthy summary of action provided to Marine Corps Times. He coordinated a surveillance mission around the location of the blast and directed his platoon to cordon off the site until explosive ordnance disposal technicians could arrive. The most intense mission during Salka’s deployment was a Nov. THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 11 TRAINING & STATE SERVICE OFFICE www.NC4VETS.com

NCDVA TRAINING STATE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE

By Crystal Anderson VA Debt Letters and How to Respond NCDVA Region II Training Officer

A debt letter If repayment will cause financial hardship or if from the Veterans repayment will keep the program from its intended Administration can purpose, in the case of a pension recipient with low cause panic, anxiety income, then a waiver may be at hand. In order to and frustration for request a waiver of debt, a request must be received the recipient. It is by debt management within 180 days of the date of important to know notification of the debt. After that point, the only way how over-payments can happen so that we as Veterans to eliminate the debt is to provide evidence of unusual Service Officers can assist claimants in avoiding unreimbursed medical expenses, which would clear circumstances which can result in an overpayment. We the debt and has no time limit. should also be able to offer practical solutions when the issue is at hand. A debt may be created by a compensation or pension beneficiary, a recipient of education benefits or a recipient of home loan guarantee. Failure to report changes which effect the amount of the monthly benefit is the most common cause of an overpayment. Training Schedule for June 2nd Quarter Regional Schools: Changes include the loss of a dependent, a school child no longer attending school or divorce. Income • Region II - June 4th – Salisbury VAMC variations or failure to report a change in ongoing medical expenses, deviations in the number of hours • Region IV – June 9th – Kinston Veterans Home an individual is enrolled in school or failure to make • Region III –June10th Fayetteville Veteran Home promised monthly payments on a home loan will • Region IV – June 16th – TBD trigger a change in the allowance of benefits. • Region III – June 24th –Raleigh TBD First and foremost it is our job to educate the claimant on matters which must be reported to the VA. If • Region I – June 25th – Asheville American however an overpayment has occurred, the VA has strict guidelines on how to deal with the issue. Upon receipt of a letter from debt management, the For a Complete List of Events Visit Our Facebook Page recipient must respond within 30 days if they wish to www.facebook.com/NC4VETS have their monthly benefit continued. The response may include a waiver request or evidence clearing the debt. Without a response the VA will suspend any further payments. If no evidence is available or if the debt is valid, the beneficiary should request immediate alteration in the payment amount so that no further debt is created. At this point a repayment plan should be prepared.

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NCDVA TRAINING STATE VETERANS SERVICE

PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 13 CALENDAR JUNE 2, 2015

Monthly Veterans Veterans Job Fair & Monthly Veterans Coffee Career Expo Coffee 04Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 09Time: 10:00 a.m. 17Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 1562 Yadkin Rd. 146 Broadhurst Rd. Outback Steak House Mocksville, N.C. 27028 Jacksonville, N.C. Statesville, N.C.

N.C. VFW Annual Veterans Benefits Veterans Benefits Convention Action Center Action Center 05Greensboro, N.C. 16Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 17Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 146 Broadhurst Rd. 146 Broadhurst Rd.

Navy Reserve Family Asheville VAMC Veterans Benefits Appreciation Town Hall Meeting Action Center 06 10Asheville VAMC 18Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Asheville, N.C. 146 Broadhurst Rd. Triangle Veterans Wellness Honoring Our 05North Carolina Central American Legion Fathers Durham, N.C. Annual Convention 19Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 11Raleigh. N.C. Washington, D.C. June 11 - 13 www.sdit.org Red White & Blue 5K

06Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern N.C. Veterans Fayetteville VAMC NC State Centennial Campus Seminar Town Hall Raleigh, N.C. 11Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 19Fayetteville, N.C. 102 River Drive Williamston, N.C. Durham VAMC Town Veteran Road Tour Hall Meeting East Veterans Benefit 23Durham, N.C. 06Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Concert NCNG Headquarters 14Time: 4:00 p.m. 1636 Gold Star Dr. 4821 Barbee Rd. Governs Working Group Raleigh, N.C. Durham, N.C. June 25; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

NC STRIVE Triangle Veterans Wellness 16Time: 7:30 - 4:30 p.m. 06North Carolina Central NCNG Joint Forces Headquarters Durham, N.C. Raleigh, N.C.

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Employment Opportunities @NC4VETS www.facebook.com/nc4vets The following employers are seeking Veterans for employment:

Amidon Contracting Solutions North Carolina State University Police Department 3319 Heritage Trade Dr, Wake Forest, NC Box 7220 NCSU; 2610 Wolf Village Way 27587 (919) 435-5355 Raleigh, NC 27695-7220 www.amidoninc.com Sgt. J. L. Talley, Recruiter [email protected] Appalachian State University To check postings or to create an online application, The Office of Human Resources –Employment go to: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/ 330 University Hall Dr. Boone, NC 28607 Huron Consulting Group [email protected] Paul Abrahms To check postings or to create an online application, go to: Corp VP, Talent Acquisition www.jobs.appstate.edu. (312) 583-8700 www.huronconsultinggroup.com Department of Human Resources NC Commerce Maria Torain Byrd *Occupational Statistics offers detailed wage and Human Resources Consultant, Employment estimated employment information for occupations based 206-A Hubbard-Totton Building on occupational title or description and geography. To North Carolina Central University find out more, Durham, NC 27707 vistit: http://accessnc.commerce.state.nc.us Telephone: 919-530-7136 US Federal Properties Granite Construction Christopher L. Nelson, CPM 1011 Schaub Drive – Suite B Director of Property Management Raleigh, NC 27606 4706 Broadway, Suite 240 (919) 615-3888 Kansas City, MO 64112 Office (816) 285-9563 Lord Corporation Fax (816) 285-9544 111 Lord Dr. Cary NC 27511. [email protected] (919) 388-0274 Southern Concrete Materials www.lord.com/careers.xml Gary L Gresh-Vice President, HR/Safety 35 Meadow Road, Asheville, NC 28803 Pepsi Bottling Ventures Mike Tull 828-253-6421 800-288-6421 HR Manager [email protected] Northern DivisionW-410-341-9052 31 locations in three states, NC, SC, and Ga www.pepsibottlingventures.com/careers/ **Positions open for Hiring CDL Drivers, Office, clerical, Shop Mechanics and Management-submit resumes to Warrior Bridge—A Service Source Program email above. 600 Ames Street Visit: www.scmusa.com Fayetteville, NC 28301 National Power Corporation Phone: (910) 826-4699, 4541 Preslyn Drive www.servicesource.org Raleigh, NC 27616 (919) 256-3956 Colsa Consulting [email protected] Opening: To check postings or apply for a position, go to: Information Operations Social Media RFI Manager (MPA II) http://www.natpow.com/about-national-power/ Fayetteville, N.C. employment-opportunities/ www.colsa.com THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 15 TRAINING & STATE SERVICE OFFICE www.NC4VETS.com

NCDVA TRAINING STATE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE VA Regional Office Policy Changes The following information is a review of policy changes that signatures as belonging to the proper claimant. went into effect May, 2015. Please feel free to reach out to your VA Regional Office for further information or questions Development for a duplicate signature is not appropriate when regarding any of the following information. based solely upon the scanning quality of the signature on the received document. 1. Final rules regarding psychiatric disorders - Guidance regarding examinations for mental disorders and evaluating claims for service 6. SEP and VA Form 21-22- Compensation Service would like connection for mental health disabilities under the new criteria to provide additional guidelines and reminders in regards to VA can be found at M21-1III.iv.3.A.8.e. (DSM-5 and Mental Disorders form 21-22 and POA established through the SEP. VBA revised Specialty Examinations) and M21-1III.iv.4.H. (Mental Disorders). VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative, twice in 2014. When a new version of a 2. Found claims - This is a reminder that VBA terminated the use form is approved, the statement ‘SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-22, of Fast Letter 13-10, Guidance on Date of Claim Issues, effective FEB 2012, WHICH WILL NOT BE USED,’ is added to the bottom June 27, 2014. You are further reminded to no longer use FL 13-10. of the form. This statement is a forms revision standard and even All personnel should follow the permanent procedural guidance in though the February 2012 version of the form contains outdated the M21-1MR and M21-4 for all claims, including those referred to information, VA can accept older versions of the form until as “found claims” in FL 13-10. existing stock is depleted and our systems are updated. 3. Requests for reconsideration - Requests for reconsideration Veterans can submit request for POA representation online through are not claims, and are therefore not subject to the Standard Claims eBenefits. Once submitted, accredited POA representatives with and Appeals Forms Rule. Field personnel should continue to accept access to SEP can accept or decline the Veteran’s electronic POA any communication expressing a request for reconsideration as a request through Stakeholder’s Enterprise Portal, (SEP). valid request, and establish appropriate end product (EP) control to address the reconsideration. For example, a claimant who has • Once accepted, the establishment of POA in our systems is an missed an examination may indicate willingness to report to a new automated process. SEP will also place a copy of the 21-22 in the examination during the one year appellate period. A prescribed Veteran’s Virtual VA folder within 24-48 hours of acceptance. form would not be required for this request and the exams should • The signature blocks on the 21-22 will contain the electronic be rescheduled and tracked under the appropriate EP. Please signature as indicated by //es// First Initial + Last Name refer to M21-1III.ii.2.G.1.b. for additional information regarding of Veteran and //es// First Initial + Last Name of the VSO requests for reconsideration. Representative. 4. Live Manual Update - The new manual (M21-1, aka “Live • Any automated POA established through SEP is valid for VA Manual”), which is due to be released in the 4th quarter Fiscal Year purposes and not subject to the requirements of paper 21-22 (FY) 2015 will be an integrated, up-to-date, one stop shop resource processing. for all policy and procedural instruction required for processing Compensation and Pension claims. One third of the Live Manual Special Note: A recent technical problem has prevented some of the has already been published! There have been questions pertaining 21-22s submitted recently through SEP to show the Veteran’s signature to what material will be incorporated in the M21-1, and what on the 21-22 .PDF. The technical problem has been solved. The information is currently in the Compensation Pension Knowledge power of attorney established through the automated SEP system Management (CPKM) solution. In the blog, “What is the CPKM without the signature text remains valid for VA purposes for the Solution” we outline broadly what CPKM is currently where CPKM effected timeframe March 22, 2015- May 3, 2015. is headed. Check out the blog, “What is the Live Manual and What will be in CPKM?” for more information on what to expect when all of the content is updated. Additional FYI: New Fast Letters/Training Letters: 5. Claimant signature on low quality scanned documents- With • No new Fast Letters or Training Letters were issued in May the completion of Centralized Mail deployment, questions have 2015. been received regarding the quality of signatures on documents. In the event a low quality scanned document is received, Veterans Service Center (VSC) personnel will interpret poor quality

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