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JUL, 2015
Open Letter to U.S. Congress: Local VA Centers, VSOs, and Veterans in Transition
“The soldier fears war above all others. For he must bear the deepest wounds and carry the deepest scars.”
GEN Douglas MacArthur
July 15, 2015
Addressed To:
Senate Veterans Affairs Committees
House Veterans Affairs Committee
Arizona Congressional Delegation
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Chairman, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH)
Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA)
Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA)
To Veterans Affairs Committees, Arizona Delegation, and Respected Members of U.S. Congress:
At this time of peak troop drawdown, our U.S. Military in process of becoming new Veterans are in need of greater cooperation in community partnerships involving each of the Defense Department, Veterans Administration, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and the individual Veterans or Military in transition. Dynamic partnerships are crucial to overcome extensive challenges in the transition process.
We understand the demands are overwhelming for the 100,000s of military that are becoming veterans between 2012 and 2017. However, there are already too many of our Brave Men and Women who are caught in the gap, and more solutions are required to assist those who have sacrificed their lives for us, in bringing greater access to healthcare, civilian employment, and support services.
Given Congress and the VA have chartered multiple VSOs to support military transition to civilian lifestyle, we at the Veterans1 Campaign are raising awareness on various ways the Military can aid in transition, and on the nonprofit organizations available to help Veterans through the complex process of VA claims, job search, and more.
Sergeant Major Steven Domina (U.S. Army, Ret.), is a mentor and leading volunteer based in Globe, Arizona, serving also the VSO Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Phoenix, Arizona. SGM Domina encounters many military and veterans caught in the gap. He provides the same kind of effective guidance that was provided during his transition, which focuses on the individual Veteran, as they go through the process. Here is a summary of recommendations that the Military, including Company Commanders can provide to SAMS in the exit process.
1) The veteran is required to take their DD-214 to their local VA Office, should take care as soon as possible in transition out of the military, and should keep at the process as it is their responsibility in medical care.
2) There are multiple VSOs who can assist in the claims process. The VSOs chartered by Congress and VA should be included in the transition booklet that military receive. (See Example in Appendix)
In his words:
“Yesterday, after driving the DAV van down to Phoenix, I was sitting at the transportation desk when a vet walked up and asked me if I could answer a question. I said sure, and he asked ‘Where’s the director’s office,’ and I replied ‘On the 6th floor, but ask at the information counter behind you.’ He was a little miffed, to say the least. I did see him head off in the direction of the elevators.
“A typical occurrence at many VA hospitals nation-wide, because most veterans arrive at the VA hospital, sometimes years after discharge, with a service-connected malady, and expect an over-worked, under-staffed agency to immediately fix it.. The veteran HAS to be held accountable for their own health care, from the day after discharge till their interment into Arlington…”
“As a retired US Army veteran, I’ve not had any problems with the Veterans hospital in Phoenix. As a volunteer DAV van driver I do hear of other vets who have and continue to have, problems with the VA system. If the word gets out that all members of the military go thru the local VA center upon their discharge or retirement a lot of problems could be prevented.”
“I believe that company commanders need to make the Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors (aka SAMS) of their unit aware of the function of the VA, and it’s impact on their life after military service. Posts, camps and stations that out-process these SAMS need to put a block on their out-processing checklist that shows that the VA was contact/made aware of, another SAMS about to enter their system. That way their medical records are [entered] to the VA system, which speeds up the eligibility process, and preclude the possibility of lost or destroyed records.”
“When I retired, I was fortunate to have a mentor in the unit that had gone thru the process and he told me of my requirements AND VA’s responsibility.”
As SGM Domina suggests, which was successful for his transition and has been successful for others, if Company Commanders can simply recommend to the SAMS that they need to contact their local VA Center upon discharge or retirement, this act of cooperation can help leverage some of the challenges and assist our military and veterans in beginning their new lives. SGM Domina also encourages: “That VSO directory…would be a good ETS & Retirement booklet the vet gets as he walks out the door, along with that REQUIRED visit to the local VA office.”
As recommended also by a fellow U.S. Army Special Forces (Airborne) veteran and community mentor in Utah, new veterans should bring their DD-214 discharge document, which is required for VA Hospital Benefit registration, G.I. Benefits (i.e., school and G.I. home loans). The DD-214 exhibits everything about a Veteran’s time in service, including time on active duty, schools completed, assignments (both combat and garrison), awards presented, and much more. If a veteran has their own DD-214/Separation Documents, Personnel Records, and Medical Records as defined by Archives, there should be no reason for the veteran to get lost in the shuffle.
We at Veterans1 have heard the call of multiple members of congress for community partnerships with nonprofit organizations to help leverage the need of veterans and military in transition. SGM Domina and his efforts at DAV in Arizona are just one positive example. Please do continue to encourage nonprofit participation in public partnerships, for the sake of our Military and Veterans who have given all they have for our freedom.
All of this is not a great deal to ask, and is within the lines of long-standing policy. While millions of dollars in IT infrastructure may appear to be a solution in engaging greater cooperation between Defense and VA, there is nothing that can replace direct human contact.
Signed:
Sergeant Major Steven Domina (U.S. Army, Ret.), Arizona
Kenneth E. Feltman, Founder, Veterans1 Campaign, Washington, DC
Velma Anne Ruth, M.Ed., Veterans Support Fund, ABS Community Research, Florida
David Matluck, Chief Executive Officer, REBSEA, North Carolina
Edward Sklar, Director, REBSEA, Florida
This open letter is supported by Veterans1, based in Washington, D.C.,
In partnership with Veterans Support Fund, ABS Community Research, a nonprofit 501c3 advocacy organization, and REBSEA, a nonprofit 501c6 trade association.
Website: www.veterans1.org ~ Directory: www.absnetwork.info
Trade Association: REBSEA
Need VA Claims Help? Contact Your Local VSO!
First Step: Take your DD-214 to your local VA Office, and Keep On It! Find the Office: www.va.gov/directory
Help Is Available: There are multiple veteran service organizations (VSOs) that are chartered by the Veterans Administration and US Congress to assist veterans with claims processing. These nonprofits have state and local chapters across the country. Go to any of the links below to find a local VSO office near you.
Need help choosing one? Try American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Contact us at if you need help identifying a location. Phone: (202) 768-7530 or Email: Veterans1@usa.com
| Veteran Service Organization (VSO) | Website |
| American Legion | www.legion.org |
| American Red Cross | http://www.redcross.org |
| AMVETS | www.amvets.org |
| Army and Navy Union, U.S.A., Inc. | https://sites.google.com/site/armynavyunionusa/home |
| Blinded Veterans Association | www.bva.org |
| Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc. | www.cwv.org |
| Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) | www.fra.org |
| Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. | www.goldstarwives.org |
| Italian American War Veterans of the USA | www.itamvets.org |
| Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. | www.jwv.org |
| Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc. | www.legionofvalor.com |
| Marine Corps League | http://www.mcleague.org |
| Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) | www.moaa.org |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA | www.purpleheart.org |
| National Amputation Foundation, Inc. | www.nationalamputation.org |
| National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. | http://nabvets.org |
| National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) | http://nacvso.org |
| National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) | www.nvlsp.org |
| National Veterans Organization of America (NVOA) | www.nvo.org |
| Navy Mutual Aid Association | www.navymutual.org |
| Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) | www.ncoausa.org |
| Paralyzed Veterans of America | www.pva.org |
| Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S.A. | www.plav.org |
| Swords to Plowshares | www.swords-to-plowshares.org |
| The Retired Enlisted Association | www.trea.org |
| United Spinal Association, Inc. | www.unitedspinal.org |
| Veterans Assistance Foundation (VAF) | www.vafvets.org |
| Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) | www.vfw.org |
| Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. (VVnW)/Veterans Coalition | www.theveteranscoalition.org |
| Veterans of World War I of the USA, Inc. | www.orderfirstworldwar.com |
| Vietnam Veterans of America | www.vva.org |
A REBSEA Member with a Unique Mission
REBSEA members support the entire range of charities and worthy causes, often chosen based on their personal experiences. Our newest member, Realtor Amber Gunn from Austin, Texas has developed a passion for helping single mothers as a way of Giving Back to all of the members of her community who came forward on so many occasions to help her when she was struggling while doing “the world’s most difficult job”. Please read the article below written by Amber and be sure to click on the link about Kindle Project, a nonprofit created by Amber to support the needs of single mothers.
As a single mother of 15 years now, I have a deep passion for inspiring and paying it forward to other single parents. So many people gave me so much I didn’t deserve throughout my journey, and now I was in a place where I could give back.
It started with me donating my commission on the both the list and buy side of the real estate transactions I represent single parents on. It had been a burning desire in my heart to give back to this demographic, and I needed to start “doing” something instead of just “talking”. That turned in to me being a connector in a lot of other different ways where I could transform lives connecting single parents with people passionate about giving. Thus the inception of our own nonprofit, “The Kindle Project”… Definition: v. to ignite, excite, to stir up
I have also spent a lot of time donating my time and resources to Arms of Hope in Medina, TX, another nonprofit working with single mothers, as well as Promiseland Church’s Mercy House in Austin, TX.
To learn how Realtors and Businesses are working with Nonprofit Organizations visit
REBSEA or info@rebsea.org
To learn how Nonprofit Organizations are receiving Donations with No Fees visit
Call Toll-free (855) 352-4973
A Vulcan Perspective on Social Enterprise
As a Boomer I was fascinated by the irrefutable logic of Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame, and will attempt to connect the dots for fellow boomers (and other generational converts) by quotes from our favorite Vulcan: “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one’
This concept historically has been reinforced in business through tax deductions being made available for contributions to charity. However, as tax benefits seem to be going the way of the horse and buggy a new way to “Just Say Yes to Giving Back” has been created and is currently at work in the United States and Canada. REBSEA, Real Estate and Business Social Enterprises Association REBSEA has become the vehicle chosen by many Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers, and Insurance Agents to facilitate their donations to Nonprofit organizations
Members of this Nonprofit Trade Association are working with both National, International, and small community based Nonprofits to aid them in their ongoing need to find additional funding resources.
Another quote from my favorite Vulcan is: “It is curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want”. REBSEA members are taking a portion of their commissions and donating to a Nonprofit in their community, realizing that they are helping to make the world a better place by experiencing the satisfaction of making a donation instead of buying the latest gadget. This is Social Enterprise; combining a sustainable business with a social benefit.
REBSEA members are located throughout the U.S. and Canada, and if you are interested in buying, selling, financing, or insuring real estate, a complete directory of your closest REBSEA member can be found at the REBSEA website
“Change is the essential process of all existence” stated Mr. Spock, and this is the mantra of Social Enterprise; to find new and creative ways for the more fortunate to help the less fortunate in our communities.
A final quote from my pointy eared Vulcan is “Insufficient facts always invite danger” so please learn more about Social Enterprise and REBSEA at or contact REBSEA directly at 855 352 4973 or info@rebsea.org
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via The Sky is Falling-Can Real Estate Agent Superheroes Save us?.
Realtors are always promoting their skills at negotiating, their professionalism, and the number of sales they have made. If you read 100 Realtor websites the similarities are obvious. The public has heard all of it before so its impact is questionable at best. So how does a Realtor stand out from the crowd? REBSEA , a non-profit trade association, is providing at least one answer to this question with the Charter Member Program.
How would you like to be known as the Realtor or business who Gives Back to their community by helping your local non-profit organizations solve such problems as homelessness, animal cruelty, and children going hungry. This is precisely what REBSEA was created for. About 70 Realtors from across the country and Canada who are actively involved in solving such problems where they live have gotten together and formed a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association called REBSEA, the Real Estate & Business Social Enterprises Association. Our goal is to make it very worthwhile and very easy for other Realtors to do the same with the benefit of DOING MORE BUSINESS WHILE DOING A GOOD DEED. This is Real Estate Social Enterprise, and here is how it works:
National Non Profits Supported by REBSEA
REBSEA is publishing a Membership Directory, state by state, city by town, of all of the real estate agents and businesses who agree to donate a part of their commission to a non-profit organization whenever 1) a supporter of that NPO finds you in our Directory and works with you to buy or sell a property, or 2) a lead or referral comes to you after reading your profile in the REBSEA Directory and understands that you will be making a donation to a cause that either you or they support. The amount of the donation is up to the you, the member, so long as it is the same as is stated on your full page profile in the Member Directory. After all, every situation is different and unique. A comprehensive listing of local Non-Profits supported by REBSEA appears on our website, please click the link below to view the Non-Profits supported in California by REBSEA
California Non Profits Supported by REBSEA
REBSEA is looking for 1 Charter Member in each city or town where it does not yet have a member. This Realtor will receive referrals and leads as NPOs locally and across the country inform their supporters that there now exists a network of Realtors who donate to NPOs, including theirs. The Charter Membership will be given to the first qualified Realtor from each location to contact REBSEA. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
There are several programs planned to spread the word and make this network grow quickly. One of the most innovative and promising is happening in N. Carolina. A PHd. Professor who teaches classes in social entrepreneurship is working with REBSEA to create a paid internship program where students interested in social enterprise or working in the non-profit sector will get classroom credit for working with REBSEA. They will be contacting and enrolling new members in every state, city, and town while learning first hand about how social enterprise works. Several universities have already expressed an interest in participating by offering this opportunity to their students.
It’s about time that real estate agents and other businesses realize that the public really wants to give their business to people and businesses who do a GOOD DEED in their community by supporting the NPOs who work so hard to meet the unmet needs that we see and hear about every day. REBSEA is making it possible for them to do GOOD DEEDS WITH BENEFITS. This is a Win-Win-Win-Win situation.
REBSEA 