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- VA Awards $4.3M to Prevent Veteran Suicide
VA Awards $4.3M to Prevent Veteran Suicide
Plus, how Doc Spartan's journey from battlefield to hometown is healing communities.
Nick Kellermeyer
October 08, 2024
The Homefront Report brings you the best news and resources that U.S. military veterans need to know.
This week we cover:
Legal News: VA Awards $4.3M to Prevent Veteran Suicide
Health & Wellness: Brain Lesion Study Reveals Promising PTSD Treatment
Product Of The Week: Doc Spartan
Finance: How Child Support Can Affect Your VA Loan
LEGAL NEWS
VA Awards $4.3M to Prevent Veteran Suicide
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of more than $4.3 million in cooperative agreements to states and territories to support suicide mortality review committees. These committees aim to identify and characterize local Veteran suicide deaths to better inform prevention strategies.
Veteran suicide remains a critical issue. This fiscal year's cooperative agreements will support 10 states and two territories in establishing local understanding of Veteran suicide, identifying at-risk populations or locations, and informing data-driven prevention efforts.
"It is our responsibility to be at the forefront of researching the drivers of Veteran suicide, all with the goal of ensuring no Veteran is lost to suicide.”
This initiative is part of the VA’s broader National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to reduce military and Veteran suicide. Additionally, the VA has awarded another $52.5 million in grants to community organizations for tailored suicide prevention programs.
These efforts are expected to provide critical support and resources to Veterans and their families, potentially saving countless lives.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Wesley Young, an Army veteran, founded Band of Heroes Outdoors to honor his friend who died by suicide and to help other veterans battling mental health issues. The nonprofit has assisted about 150 veterans through various outdoor activities and sporting events, providing camaraderie and positive experiences to those struggling with post-service challenges.
Researchers have identified specific brain regions associated with reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans, suggesting a potential target for non-invasive treatment. The study, which examined brain lesions in Vietnam War veterans, found that this could lead to breakthrough treatments for trauma survivors.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has rolled out its tele-emergency care program across the country, connecting veterans with clinical triage nurses for immediate health evaluations. This service aims to save veterans time and travel, with nearly 60% of callers resolving their issues without visiting an emergency room.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Doc Spartan - Healing Heroes, One Ointment at a Time
The Product: Doc Spartan offers all-natural, military-grade skincare and first aid products designed to heal and protect even in the toughest conditions.
The Story: Doc Spartan was founded by Dale King, an Iraq War veteran, and Renee Wallace, a mother of three. After returning home from service, Dale was disheartened to find his once-thriving community devastated by job loss and the opioid epidemic. He opened a CrossFit gym to help people heal and regain a sense of purpose.
Renee, a member of Dale's gym, began making natural skincare products for her family and gym members. Together, they developed an all-natural ointment tough enough for soldiers and gentle enough for families. Doc Spartan was born with a mission to revitalize their hometown by creating jobs and supporting those in addiction recovery.
Their journey took them from a kitchen napkin agreement to the bright lights of Shark Tank, where they secured a deal with Robert Herjavec. Since then, Doc Spartan has expanded its product line and reached nearly $2 million in revenue, all while staying true to its mission of revitalizing their hometown.
The company now employs local residents, many of whom are in recovery from addiction, through their Neighborhood Internal Defense program. They've also partnered with Team Some Assembly Required, a non-profit supporting adaptive athletes.
“Pain is not your enemy - it is your call to greatness. We believe each day is a gift, and we don't want to live a life haunted by regrets. This daily reminder motivates us to build something that will leave a lasting legacy.”
FINANCE
How Child Support Can Affect Your VA Loan
For divorced veterans looking to secure a VA home loan, child support payments can play a critical role in the approval process. Lenders may count child support received as effective income, potentially increasing loan eligibility. However, veterans paying child support will have those payments counted as an outgoing liability, which could impact debt-to-income ratios and overall qualification chances. It's essential for veterans to understand how child support factors into the VA loan process and to be prepared with the necessary documentation to streamline their application.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.”
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontGroup.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.