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VA advisors help with transition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  When Airmen separate from the Air Force, they have to adapt to civilian life. The Veterans Affairs Advisors are one way to help the transition.

There are more than 300 VA benefits advisors at more than 280 military installations around the world. Almost all of them are Veterans or military spouses.

"Fairchild's two Veterans benefits advisors ensure an effective delivery of services and maintain communication and collaboration with eligible members and their families," said Christopher Marble, 92nd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center chief.

The VA advisors deliver outreach, employment and initiatives during the transition from military service to post-military career and economic outcomes. They work closely with the Department of Defense transition managers and are responsible for coordinating and providing instructions and education to service members and their dependents on Veteran-related benefits and programs.

"VA advisors are important because they help direct service members and veterans access to benefits, which may lead to a healthier and happier life," Marble said.

There are two briefings that instruct service members and their dependents on all VA benefits and programs they may be eligible for. Classes can host up to 50 participants and are normally held in a classroom, auditorium or conference room.

Another briefing that is offered is the Facilitating the Career Technical Training Track. These briefings include: transition, employment and economic impact, how to complete licensing, certifications and other education after transition.

In addition, the advisors can provide Fairchild community access to education, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, disability compensation, VA home loans, life insurance, VA healthcare, burial benefits and more, Marble added.

"The advisors can potentially improve quality of life indicators such as employment, career, financial status, health, home loan, education and more," concluded Marble.

For more information on what Fairchild's VA Benefits advisors can offer or to find out about the briefings, contact Randolph Crawford and Gerd Scheller at (509) 247-3760, or visit the VA Benefits advisor's office at the Base Education Center room 122, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.