Western Mass Veterans Radio: Recent Episodes
Eric Segundo & Jared Sasen
Western Mass Veterans Radio Is a Show That Connects Veterans, Active-Duty Military, National Guard, Family Members, and Spouses with Information and Services Available to them on The State and Federal Level. Each Show Will Provide Information Related To Military Service, VA Benefits, State Benefits, Housing and Education, As Well As In depth Interviews, Special Guests Appearances, and One Of A Kind Prospective On Veterans Issues.
In the episode we discuss some of the most commonly overlooked VA and Massachusetts veterans benefits.
This week on VSO Talk Radio, we discuss the proposed Massachusetts OVA budget cuts, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, and what these issues could mean for veterans, their families, and the benefits they’ve earned.
Here is today's lineup:
- VA hospital quality ratings just hit an all-time high, and we will tell you how to look up your specific facility
- The Major Richard Star Act, a major update since our March show. This story moved fast.
- Women veterans, the VA is coming to you with enrollment summits in five cities across the country
- The VA mobile app has a new update that every veteran thinking about buying a home needs to know about
- A nationwide veteran scam surge, the BBB and state attorneys general are sounding the alarm right now, this week
Updates on the following
IG UPDATE: Adams v. Collins - Obesity
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Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act (H.R. 3482)
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Fisher House Availability Act (H.R. 3726 / S. 3119)
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2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act (S. 2393)
- H.R. 8281, the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act
- VA improvements and investments
- MA Welcome Home Bonus Class Action
Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032/H.R. 2102) remains a top priority for veteran advocacy groups, with 2026 being a renewed push for passage. The act seeks to end the unfair "offset" that forces combat-disabled veterans with less than 20 years of service to subtract VA disability pay from their military retirement, often called the ""wounded veteran tax""
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, composed of Black soldiers, was one of the first official African American units in the U.S. Civil War.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force
On Feb. 17, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an interim final rule that changes one deceptively simple question at the heart of disability exams. Then on February 19, the VA halted the enforcement the controversial Rule.
We highlight some Pending Legislation in Congress for Veterans and we speak to Larry Brace, the newest member of our Ludlow Veterans Center Team!
State Auditor released their report of an audit of the Veterans Home at Holyoke.
VA in 2026 looks to get EHR rollout back on track, embark on health care reorganization
Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. It’s the mission of Wreaths Across America.
In honor of the Marine Corps Birthday, we featured some famous people who served in the Marine Corps🇺🇸
Special in Studio Guest: Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago
▪️creation of cabinet level position
▪️accomplishments
▪️Government Shutdown
▪️Hero Act
▪️Veterans Homelessness
▪️what’s next as he gets ready to transition out of office.
As the government shutdown moves into day 15, we discuss resources available to Service members to alleviate the financial hardship.
VA Urgent Care Benefit allows eligible veterans to receive treatment for non-life-threatening conditions at community-based urgent care clinics without prior VA authorization.
If you already have a service-connected disability, did you know that other conditions caused or worsened by that disability may also qualify?
This week we have : Westfield State University, Veterans Services Director Mr. Rob Vignault and Springfield College, Veteran and Military Service Coordinator, Jacki Wolf, we discuss Educational Benefits with the subject matter experts.
VA ancillary benefits a topic that often gets overlooked—those additional programs that go beyond monthly compensation
Interviewing SSG(Ret) Brian Willette, his career in the army, his multiple deployments, his Purple Heart and his work in the Veteran community.
Today we’re talking about a topic that affects thousands of veterans and families each year: divorce. More specifically, what VA benefits stick with you—and which ones don’t—after a separation. Whether you’re a veteran, a spouse, or both, understanding your rights is vital.
VA’s health priority group system, how it works, and how it affects you, and what upcoming changes may be coming in 2025
The debate over privatization of veterans health care versus traditional VA care is one of the most heated and impactful issues in veterans policy today
Women Veterans Recognition Day, observed annually on June 12th, honors the contributions of women who have served in the United States military.
The VA was created to fulfill one core mission: To care for those who have borne the battle,”
Is the VA still keeping its promise?
We want to continue last Episode’s conversation about justice involved veterans with some more information provided by the VA on Incarcerated veterans. What is available to them but also their families.
The Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court (WMVTC) is a specialized program within the Massachusetts court system, designed to support veterans who are involved with the criminal justice system and who struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or trauma related to their military service.
▪️VA 2025 Proposed changes
▪️what the 5/10/20 rule is when it comes to VA disability ratings.
March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day—a time to recognize the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of those who fought in Vietnam, as well as the families who stood by them.
Today we highlight a few remarkable stories of heroism from the Vietnam War highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of those who served
This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿
we talk whst benefits are available for Veterans with 0% Service-Connected Disability
Brandon Franco a Marine Drill Instructor Turned Veteran’s Services Team Leader for Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Winnebago County Illinois.
▪️VA extends time to switch to new online login system
▪️ New VA Secretary sworn in
▪️ Heroes' Voices Project
The Office of the Veteran Advocate is an independent state agency tasked with ensuring veterans under the care of the Commonwealth receive dignified treatment and access to all available benefits and services.
The OVA works collaboratively with its partners, providing policy recommendations and investigative oversight.
▪️VA Payments & Taxes
▪️Scams & Fraud
▪️Eligible for one more year of G.I. Bill benefits
▪️New cancers presumptive for service connection
▪️2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available
VA News Articles:
▪️Have your say: Proposed changes to VA Caregiver Support Program
▪️More service members eligible for benefits after VA amends character of discharge barriers
▪️VA raises the bar on care for Women Veterans
If you wish to file a complaint against the Veterans Administration (VA), there are several options depending on the nature of your issue
This week on VSO Talk Radio, we talk to
Ashti Dawson, Superintendent of the
Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County and her staff.
VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors — find out if you’re eligible to apply
CRSC: Combat-Related Special Compensation provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. You must apply for CRSC through your uniformed service.
Starting January 31, 2025 My HeatheVet users will no longer be able to sing in with their current user ID and password.
New Compensation amounts for 2025
Ancillary benefits are secondary benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide to veterans, dependents, and survivors: benefits
Chapter 35 of the VA benefits program, also known as the Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides education and training opportunities for dependents of veterans
This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿 we talk all things ChampVA.
ChampVA is a health care program that helps eligible family members of veterans pay for certain health care services and supplies: spouses, widowers, and children.
Interested in free tickets to concerts, and sporting events, or admissions to Parks? This is the show for you.
This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿 we talk With Jason Burgener, the Director of Veterans Services for Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District and Hailee Fullen, Director of Veterans Services for the Town of Auburn.
The Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act would ensure the VA has enough funding to keep paying veterans’ compensation, pension and readjustment benefits for the rest of fiscal 2024.
Without a solution on the funding gap by Sept. 20, some benefits checks to veterans and dependents could be delayed in October.
This week we talk with Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County Superintendent
Andrew Tangen, JD, MBA, MS. Andrew
served in the US Navy, where he deployed eight times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his service. He has led the VACLC since May 17, 2017.
This episodes’ special guest is—Jack Chamberland, Event Coordinator for "A Salute to Soldiers." Jack is deeply involved with an organization that has made a tremendous impact on our veteran community, America’s VetDogs (AVD). We’re excited to hear about his journey and the incredible work being done by AVD.
On today's episode, we’ll be discussing the critical role that caregivers play in supporting our veterans. We'll explore VA programs available to caregivers and talk about the challenges they face, from mental health struggles to financial pressures.
This week we discussed the Hero Act, signed into Law by Governor Healey on this week.
It is the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in over 20 years, which includes more than 30 provisions designed to benefit veterans – including VFW-supported legislation that targets the predatory practices of Claim Sharks.
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. This deadline was established by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, providing families with a 2-year statute of limitations to file their legal claims.
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs).
DBQs help collect necessary medical information to process your disability claims. You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers. This information helps to support your claims for disability benefits.
Karen Smietanski, Assistant Superintendent Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County, IL
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify.
We will discuss a couple of topics that came to us from you, our listeners. The first topic is Individual Unemployability, a program that allows veterans to receive 100% compensation even if their service-connected disabilities are not rated at that level and BDD Claims also known as Pre-Discharge Claims.
The Massachusetts Senate passed the Hero Act and added a few amendments to enhance the house passed bill. We discuss the content of the bill and the amendments.
This is one of the largest Veterans enhancement bills in decades.
The VA is including three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act. We also discuss the proposed changes coming to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, specifically pertaining to the respiratory, auditory, and mental disorders body systems.
You could owe the VA money for different reasons. These are 2 of the most common reasons:
Copayments. You received care at a VA health facility and you're in a priority group that requires you to pay copayments.
Benefit overpayments. The VA paid you, or your school, more than you were eligible to receive for a VA benefit payment. The VA often refer to this type of debt as an overpayment.
VA's Fiduciary Program was established to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. VA will only determine an individual to be unable to manage his or her financial affairs after receipt of medical documentation or if a court of competent jurisdiction has already made the determination.
This week as we prepare to honor those lost in war in Memorial Day Observances, We talked with Gold Star Mother Tracy Taylor who lost her son Spc Kenneth J. Iwasinski KIA 10.14.2007.
My HealtheVet is a web-based personal health record that gives Veterans information and tools to improve their health. Registration is required to have full access to all features like, Secure messaging, Prescription refills and tracking, and more.
Did you know…..
If you’re an eligible Veteran, you can get urgent care at VA medical centers and in‑network urgent care providers near you.
This week on #VSOTR #VSOTalkRadio we discuss VA Urgent Care Coverage and Getting emergency care at non-VA facilities
VASP is a new, last-resort tool in VA’s comprehensive suite of home retention options for eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed home loans who are experiencing severe financial hardship.
This week we talk all things VA Burial Benefits
▪️who is eligible
▪️what is covered
▪️Monetary Benefits eligibility
▪️Markers, Medallions and more
David West is the Veterans Services Officer for Nevada County, CA and he served honorably for five years in the United States Marine Corps.
David is familiar with the struggles that veterans face when transitioning from the military service back to civilian life and uses his own life experiences to connect with the veterans.
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs
If you’re a Veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality.
March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a day meant to pay tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were prisoners of war or who were listed as missing in action. We dedicate this show to all our Vietnam Veterans.
We discussed the recently announced by the VA that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.
We talk with Bill Moore, President and CEO of Project New Hope, Inc. . Project New Hope was founded on providing wellness resources for Veterans and their Families. Our no cost retreats have been offering safe and supportive places for our Veterans to begin rebuilding with honor.
Veterans who wish to increase their VA disability benefits can take several different approaches, including filing a claim for an increase in benefits, adding additional service-connected conditions, appealing a rating decision, (which we discussed in Part 4) or seeking individual unemployability benefits.
Wwe previously discussed in part 1: type of disability claims, How to file a claim, and in part 2 we discussed evidence, types of evidence needed for your claim. Part 3: Your claim is filed, your evidence is submitted, what happens next? Now we going into part 4: your claim has been decided, in your favor or not. What are your options.
Your claim is filed, the evidence is submitted, now what? What happens next?
we previously discussed in part 1: type of disability claims, How to file a claim, and in part 2 we discussed evidence, types of evidence, what is needed for your claim. Today we are going to talk about what happens next. Your claim is filed, your evidence is submitted, what happens next?
This week we talk with Marc D. Massey, Field Representative, Massachusetts Division of The Salvation Army. Tell us about programs and services available to assist Veterans and their families.
This week we continue with Part 2 of Disability Claims: Evidence needed when submitting your claim.
This week we talk about filing a VA disability Claim, what the process is, what you need to do before you file, and what evidence you should submit with your claim.
This week we talk about Public Aid/Assistance for Veterans. Separate from the VA, many states have programs to assist veterans and their families with financial assistance.
This week on #vsotalkradio we talked with Troy Henke, Veterans of Foreign Wars Massachusetts, State Jr Vice Commander about his military service, his service in the VFW and his current chairmanship of the #VFWMA Special Project: Medic Now Foundation Inc..
If you missed the show, you can listen to us on ITunes Podcast, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on our website www.ludlowveterans.us
🎧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚, 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙩:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1E3dVgBZapQVtREKVneMQz
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vso-talk-radio/id1655456808
Google:
https://podcasts.google.com/search/Western%20mass%20veterans
𝚟𝚜𝚘𝚝𝚛 #𝚟𝚜𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚘
𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚟𝚎𝚝𝚜
This week we discuss VA Benefits specifically for our Vietnam Veterans and added benefits from the PACT Act.
As we close out 2023 we wanted to recap some of our highlighted shows and some great guest from many organizations that came on air to tell us about there programs and services.
This week we talk about Veterans In Crisis, Crisis Line, Services Available to Veterans and families to help you!
This week we recap the Army/Navy Game, Jered sings army!
We touch on the VA’s Million Veterans Program, Gulf War And Burn Pit Registries and the importance.
This Week we discussed Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), complance, accredition and more.
Don't Feed the Sharks
What is a “Claim Shark”?
• A Claim Shark is an individual or company that charges hefty fees to “assist” or “consult” veterans with filing their VA benefit claims – this practice is illegal!
• Claim Sharks are not VA accredited, meaning they aren’t required to adhere to the well-established professional and ethical standards of VA accreditation, so their advice can often be misleading or even fraudulent.
• Like a “Loan Shark,” once you’re in, you can’t get out, and may be subject to new and hidden fees whenever you get a new rating, no matter who does the work.
This week with talk with a few organizations that are supporting Veterans.
▪️State Treasury-Welcome Home Bonuses
▪️New England Center and Home for Veterans
▪️Mike Raymond, Past State Commander for the VFW
▪️SAR: Suicide Awareness Flag
This week on Western Mass Veterans Radio we discussed Governor Maura T. Healey’s filed legislation to increase benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans. An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans (HERO Act) will have positive impacts for hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Massachusetts, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans. This historic legislation marks the first time in 20 years that a Massachusetts Governor has specifically introduced a comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans.
This week we talked with Jason Berger, VSO of Eastern Hampden District, Ally Rodriquez, VSO Taunton MA, and Kim Emerling, VSO of Salem, MA. We get their propective as VSOs and learn what they do in their communities.
BUILDING BRIDGES VETERANS INITIATIVEUniting Food, Friends, and Veterans
Hosting Veteran Communities Of Mutual Support, Camaraderie And Gratitude Around Complimentary Meals At Fifteen Sites In New England
Building Bridges has organically evolved from a single site experiment to gather a handful of veterans, to an organized network of fifteen sites in four New England states, all in pursuit of the same mission: to address veteran social isolation, depression and suicide ideation by building veteran communities of mutual support and healing.
This week we talk with Patrick George, President of the Massachusetts Veterans Services Officers Association and Watertown, MA VSO. He talks about the association, its mission, and vision for the future.
As the Veterans needs change with age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that address a variety of issues including the changing health risks they face, as well as financial challenges through VA benefits and health services. Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits and we discuss these programs.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, it is WAA mission to Remember, Honor and Teach and its carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000+ locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
The Medic Now Foundation broadens health care access for our military families, veterans, and active duty service members
by easing the burden of out-of-pocket expenses through our "Healthcare Cost Assistance Program (HCAP).
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care and left the military between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the PACT Act.This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for disability compensation benefits.
You Are Not Forgotten -- that's the central phrase behind the POW/MIA remembrance movement that honors America's prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families.
Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during several decades of varying conflicts. While some of them made it home, tens of thousands more never did.
As September 11th approaches , we look back on that faithful day and the wars that followed.
The VA pays eligible Veterans and caregivers back for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. We break down this benefit and let you know what your entitlements are.
Ludlow will be Celebrating its 250th and we had Linda Collette and Bruce Durand to talk about the celebration and all the events coming up!
A momentous day this past week with the groundbreaking of the future soldiers home in holyoke.
We discuss the past, present, and future of the home.
This week we talked about the PACT Act, as the deadline for retroactive payment come to an end, what you need to know.
Note: PACT ACT intent to file was extended to Monday, August 14th.
This week’s show we spoke with Christian Diluzio of Veterans Inc. He shares with us all the available programs and services.
This week we interviewed Donna Salo, one of the co-founder of the Veterans Dragon Boat, USA Team & Stan Hilton who is currently a member of the Veterans dragon boat team
Western Mass Veterans radio on Classic Hits 977 with Jesus Pereira, @Holyoke veterans services Jered Sasen, Wilbraham Veteran Services and Eric Segundo, Ludlow Veterans Services.
This week’s in studio guest is Amanda Winslow, Sexual Assault and Victim Advocate for Western MA, for the Department of Defense.
John Hurley’s Veteran history project, John interviewed Dick Brodeur, USMC Veteran.
If you missed the show, you can listen to us on ITunes Podcast, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on our website www.ludlowveterans.us
WMVR
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1E3dVgBZapQVtREKVneMQz
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/western-mass-veterans-radio/id1655456808
Google:
https://podcasts.google.com/search/Western%20mass%20veterans
With the new fiscal year come with it the start of the new filing year. Property Tax Exemptions applications on now available in your local assessor’s office.
New VA Benefits Verification Letter was sent out in late June, you should have received them already.
John Hurley’s Veteran of the Week is Archie Archible, US Marine, Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran.
Operation Veteran Vacation is a non-profit charity dedicated to providing veterans and their families with a much-needed break from the everyday. We believe that the best way to help veterans come to terms with the physical and mental trauma of their service is to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Tina Marie from CapTel joins us to take about CapTel Telephones. Ideal for people with some degree of hearing loss, the Captioned Telephone, or CapTel, works like any other telephone with one important addition:
It displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation. CapTel phone users can listen to the caller, and can also read the written captions in the CapTel’s bright display window.
The mission of HomeFront Strong, formerly known as the Brookfield Institute, is to build resilience in veterans and military families through targeted programs and resources.
Their vision is to ensure every military and veteran family has the necessary support to achieve optimal social, spiritual, physical and mental health for joyful, meaningful lives.
•BACKGROUND ON HOW THE TREATMENT COURT STARTED •
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM ABOUT
•WHO DOES IT BENEFITS
•WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM
•HOW HAS THE PROGRAM DEVELOP OVER THE YEARS
HOW YOU CAN HELP (MENTORSHIP PROGRAM)
Non Service Connected Disability Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income who are no longer able to work.
Survivors Pension is a tax-free benefit payable by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and unmarried dependent child(ren) of a deceased wartime Veteran.
Special in studio Guest: Earl Bonett from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is the lead U.S. Defense Department program promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees.
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUED THE DISCUSSION ON SERVICES Available FOR OUR ELDERLY VETERANS
POPULATION, specifically provided by the VA.
As Veterans needs change with age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that
address a variety of issues.
Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans.
Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
Geriatrics Program includes:
Homemaker and home health aid care
Skilled home health care
Home base primary care
Veteran-directed Care
Adult day health care
Respite care
Palliative care
Hospice care
John Hurley’s Veterans History Project Veteran is Jeff Roule, US Air Force
PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—is introducing and teaching golf to Veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.
The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.
This week we talked with our expert VSO, Rick Voutour, Director of Veterans Services for Leominster, Lancaster and Sterling and we are talking about the VA Aid & Attendance Program. What is A & A, Who is eligible, and how do you apply.
Each Week we bring you the stories of Veterans in our community as a way to highlight their service to country and the community. This segment is called “Veterans History Project” By John Hurley, This week John interviewed Rob Chauvin, US Air Force Veteran.
When you apply for VA Health Care, the VA assigns you (the Veteran) into priority groups between 1-8. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need care right away can get signed up quickly. It also helps to make sure they can provide high quality care to all Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. We break down the eligibility and benefits for each group.
Each Week we bring you the stories of Veterans in our community as a way to highlight their service to country and the community. This segment is called “Veterans History Project” By John Hurley, This week John interviewed Phil Sorenson, US ARMY VETERAN
We discussed newly introduced federal legislation in support of veterans and their families.
- Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act, known as the GUARD VA Benefits Act
- Major Richard Star Act
- Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act
- Caring for Survivors Act of 2023
- Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act
Guess: Bruce Stebbins, Commissioner, Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
We discussed veterans from the cannabis industry perspective?
What opportunities are there for veterans to participate in the legal cannabis industry?
How else is the Commission and regulated cannabis industry supporting veterans in Massachusetts?
We also discussed Federal Legislation recently introduced in regards to Cannabis and Veterans.
VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling.
Western Mass Veterans Radio 🎙️ on Classic Hits 977 with Jered Scott of Wilbraham Veteran Services, our newest “Official” co-host, Jesus Pereira of Holyoke Veterans' Services and Eric Segundo, Ludlow Veterans Services.
On this week’s show, we had Rick Bettencourt, also know as the the “VA Guy”. We discussed all everything you need to know about VA Mortgage Loans.
John Hurley’s Veteran’s History Project: John talked with Jim Fiztell, 32 years of service in the Marines, Army and Air Force.
On this week’s show we are honored to have Tom Kelley, Medal of Honor Recipient and former Secretary of Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services
We discuss:
🔹Military Service
🔹Naming of Navy Destroyer DDG140
🔹his time as Secretary of Veterans Services under 4 Governors
*New Expanded Care for Veterans in Crisis
*Veterans Crisis Line provides:
· Access free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year.
· Live Connection: Connect with a real person qualified to support Veterans.
· The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
*The New VA Life Insurance, VALife
Stephanie Shaw, Director of Veterans Services for the City if Chicopee breaks down the VA for us. VA Basic 101 and what to expect.
Non Service Connected Disability Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income who are no longer able to work.
Survivors Pension is a tax-free benefit payable by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and unmarried dependent child(ren) of a deceased wartime Veteran.
Bryan Doe from the Springfield Vet Center shares with us all the programs and services available to Veterans and their families.
The Veterans Advocacy Coalition, composed of former leaders who had previously established the Holyoke coalition in May of 2020 in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak at the Holyoke veterans’ home.
The new coalition consists of leaders from local Veterans’ organizations, family members and concerned citizens.
The Coalition’s mission is to champion the interests of military veterans and their family members.
Property Abatement
State Annuity
Sales Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Other benefits for Service-Connected Veterans
This week we bring back our good friend Jesus Pereira of Holyoke Veterans' Services as we discuss Filing a VA Claim, what’s the process, and what to expect from start to finish!
Western Mass Veterans Radio #WMVR on Classic Hits 977/1250AM with Jered Sasen, Wilbraham Veteran Services & Eric Segundo, Ludlow Veterans Services
In Studio Guest this week : Steve Connor, Director Central Hampshire Veteran Services
On this weeks show we will talk about Veterans Homelessness and VA Housing Program and services available for Veterans.
Our Veteran of the week: David Mendoza, US Air Force.
If you miss the show, you can always listen to us on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcast or on our website www.ludlowveterans.us
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1E3dVgBZapQVtREKVneMQz
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/western-mass-veterans-radio/id1655456808
Google:
https://podcasts.google.com/search/Western%20mass%20veterans
ludlowvets
stillserving
wmvr #wmvsoa #MADVS
Western Mass Veterans Radio #WMVR on Classic Hits 977/1250AM with Jered Sasen & myself
Special in Studio Guest this week week : Michael Slater, Director of Veterans Services for the Town of South Hadley and Easthampton Veterans' Services
On this show we will talk about Federal Burial Benefits as well as Massachusetts Burials and services.
Veteran of the week we highlighted: Scott F. Hiorns, Navy, Ludlow Veteran of the Year.
If you missed the show, you can listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Google Podcast or on our website www.ludlowveterans.us
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1E3dVgBZapQVtREKVneMQz
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/western-mass-veterans-radio/id1655456808
Google:
https://podcasts.google.com/search/Western%20mass%20veterans
Western Mass Veterans Radio #WMVR on Classic Hits 977 FM/1250AM
This weeks’ show we talked about VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (Known as DIC). A tax -free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, or parents of Veterans who died in service or from service connected disabilities.
Special in Studio Guest: Charly Nicole, Director of Veterans Services for the Town of Belchertown Veterans' Services
Veteran of the week highlighted: Michael Slater, Army -GWOT Combat Veteran.
If you missed the show, you can listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Google Podcasts or on our website www.ludlowveterans.us
This weeks show we talk about the newly passed #PACTAct and Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Special in Studio Guest: Jesus Pereira, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Holyoke.
Veterans of the week highlight: John Hurley, Marine -Vietnam Combat Veteran who received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained.
Western Mass Veterans Radio Inaugural Show! Special Guest VSO, Stephanie Shaw, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Chicopee. We will interview Stephanie on her military service and her role as Director.
This weeks topic is Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits
🔹what is chapter 115?
🔹Veteran eligibility
🔹benefits & service available under 115
🔹what’s needed to apply
11-19-2022 Inaugural Show. Guest VSO: Stephanie Shaw, Chicopee Veterans Services
Western Mass Veterans Radio Is a Show That Connects Veterans, Active-Duty Military, National Guard, Family Members, and Spouses with Information and Services Available to them on The State and Federal Level.
Each Show Will Provide Information Related To Military Service, VA Benefits, State Benefits, Housing and Education, As Well As In depth Interviews, Special Guests Appearances, and One Of A Kind Prospective On Veterans Issues.