Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched #VetQ, a new initiative that will provide quick and credible information and vast resources to any veteran, service member or family member seeking answers on a wide array of service-related questions.

The VFW was the first veterans service organization to join VA as an official partner to its latest veterans service endeavor and will play an active role in helping to fulfill #VetQ’s mission.

Anyone with a question pertaining to veterans’ benefits, entitlements, compensation, health care, etc., should submit their question via Twitter using #VetQ. The VFW will be on hand to provide the answers needed, efficiently and expeditiously.

vetqtile1“The VFW knows one of the biggest problems veterans face is getting accurate answers to their questions in a timely fashion. This bold initiative takes a 21st century approach and will undoubtedly help countless veterans and their families. We’re proud to be a part of it,” said VFW Communications Manager Randi Law.

During a time when hashtags are ubiquitous, the VFW knows this effective means of communicating will be utilized on a large scale and will work to assist countless veterans and service members each day. There are 255 million monthly active Twitter users, 78 percent of whom are on mobile. Perhaps more impressive, 500 million tweets are sent each day.

With an estimated 21 million veterans living today, this customer service initiative is the largest of its kind, and the VFW is extremely optimistic about the potential of this progressive approach to helping veterans in today’s world.

The VFW has experienced much success in its social media endeavors in recent years. It was the first, and remains the only, VSO to hold regular Facebook town hall meetings during which users can chat with a VFW subject-matter expert on topics ranging from the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the VA claims process or the VFW’s scholarship program. During the VFW’s recent national convention, hundreds of convention delegates used #VFWconvention to share their experiences.

The VFW maintains a sizable social media following with approximately 480,000 followers on Facebook, more than 21,000 on Twitter and 50,000 on Google+.

This article originated on VFW’s blog.

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10 Comments

  1. Laura August 1, 2014 at 14:52

    Hi, I submitted a Waiver with VFW, for change of dependents . The VA wants to withheld almost $9,000 from my VA compensation. Even though, I submitted my divorce papers as soon I got them from the court .
    The DMC email me that they would make a decision in a few months. But today August 1 my money wasn’t deposited to my bank account. I haven’t heard from them saying anything about my WAIVER been approved or not. And they already got my money.
    My livelihood depends on my compensation. Can the VFW help me in this situation. Since my case hasn’t been considered for a Waiver even though, I SENT A WAIVER IN.
    I thank you in advance for your help in this matter.
    God Bless
    Laura Battistini
    COMBAT VET

  2. John K. August 1, 2014 at 10:13

    How can my organization become part of this initiative? I run a military discount website (and soon to have military/Veteran discount finder apps), and I think we provide a ton of useful information to make the lives of our brothers and sisters a little easier. If we can get move involved, I’d love to know how!

    • Tim Hudak August 1, 2014 at 10:51

      John, nothing stops you from answering questions. E-mail newmedia@va.gov with more information about your organization.

      • John K. August 1, 2014 at 12:01

        Hi Tim,

        Thanks for your reply! We’ll definitely do that.

  3. Paul Ouellette August 1, 2014 at 09:47

    With well over 1,000,000 backlogged claims and thousands of appealed cases, the VA gets into twitter to answer questions. How many VA resources will now be taken away from the claims process to answer twitter tweets? Get real! Most of the veteran’s questions relate to when is his claim going to be addressed/decided. VA would be much better advised to hire the personnel needed to clear the backlog NOW (meaning 6 mos. or less) and then keep up with the load.

    • Tim Hudak August 1, 2014 at 10:50

      No extra personnel are being hired for #VetQ. #VetQ is a collaborative effort with several partners such at the VFW.

  4. ed dooley July 31, 2014 at 16:47

    NO WEB SITE ACCESS TO YOUR NERWSITE -ONLY TWITTER? GET A “CLUE” I WOULD VENTURE TO SPECULATE THAT 80% opf the VETRANS DO NOT USE TWITTER. ESTABLISHINGA COMPUTER WEB SITE WOULD BE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE, USED MORE BY VETS, ETC.

    TYHIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THE VA WOULD DO!

    • Tim Hudak August 1, 2014 at 10:52

      You are right Ed. All Veterans do not have Twitter. The ones who do can ask their questions on #VetQ.

  5. Freddy Lee July 31, 2014 at 16:18

    I ask a question 2 days ago about vehicle grant how do I get my answer

    • Tim Hudak August 1, 2014 at 10:48

      Tweet your question to #VetQ.

Comments are closed.

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