This week’s Borne the Battle episode features Mike Fisher, the Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer for VA’s Health Administration, who discusses some of the unique and generous benefits that Vet Centers offer.

Vet Centers began in 1979 when Vietnam Veterans had difficulty readjusting to civilian life. Vet Centers seek to help and equip Veterans by offering a community-based counseling center that provides a wide array of services. In addition, these Vet Centers actively help Veterans to simply get started, set goals, and eventually accomplish them.

Vet Centers have quickly expanded and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. There are currently over 300 Vet Centers, 80 mobile Vet Centers, and a Veteran Call Line as well. This model seeks to make readjustment smoother and more effective.


This week’s episode covers:

  • Mission, Vision, and Peer-to-Peer Model of Vet Centers
  • Expansive services of Vet Centers, including all types of counseling, opportunities, and trauma rehabilitation resources
  • Inclusive Eligibility requirements, including grandfathering of Vietnam veterans and inclusion of all, regardless of character of discharge


#BtBattle Veteran of the Week:


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Hayoung Oh is a podcast intern with the VA’s Digital Media Engagement Team. He is currently an undergraduate at UC Berkeley studying Public Health.

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11 Comments

  1. emtee music October 14, 2019 at 05:27

    wish there are centers around

  2. Dr Edward H Hartnett Jr September 27, 2019 at 17:49

    Like Jacqueline Williams, the VA was supposed to have the Expanded caregiver Program in place already and the it was delayed until October of 2019 to be implemented. It has already been funded as I understand it through the Mission Act implement June 06, 2019. I also would like someone to provide Veterans with an update on when the Caregiver Program will be implemented for Vietnam Veterans, which are to be the first Group in the expansion.

  3. Greg Campbell September 27, 2019 at 12:40

    I have been receiving counseling from Dr Gilboy at the High Desert Vet Center in VICTORVILLE Ca. The help I have experienced is outstanding as well as a above board professionalism exhibited by the staff at same thanks Dr Gilboy

  4. Russell Tanner September 27, 2019 at 12:19

    when a 10 percent is assign to a change is condition why isnt it added to the disability rating

  5. Jacqueline Williams September 27, 2019 at 09:30

    I filled out an application to be my husbands caregiver and I was told that the program hadn’t been funded yet for Vets past a certain year. Can you tell me anymore about this?

  6. Steve Perkins September 27, 2019 at 03:08

    listening to this guy who thinks he is one of us because he was in ROTC, and a National Guard enlistee for a while is a joke. I appreciate the help, just not the attitude.

  7. KO pty unltd Album September 26, 2019 at 16:43

    wish there are vet centers around

  8. Debra E Gray September 26, 2019 at 15:51

    My husband committed suicide within 6 months of retirement…He served total of 21+ yrs in Active Duty & Reservists in USAF…our sons & me got nothing except a military funeral. We were offered no help or assistance…All doors were closed in my face ..I was told technicalities…the truth of his extramarital affair with an Officer was hid…no investigation..nothing. That was in 1998. Today I still fight this devastating loss & nightmare of our journey. I’ve contacted numerous VA resources, just to be list in the system. Bottom line … I am thankful that Suicide is now being more recognized & help is available…I just hope I finally get the help & Benefits, we earned as a military family…who served together! I will never stop seeking answers….
    Debbie Gray
    Surviving Widow
    Arthur E Gray
    USAF

  9. Greg Campbell September 26, 2019 at 10:12

    I have, for the past 10 months had the priviledge to receive counseling @ the High Desert Vet Center under the direction of Dr. Sean Gilboy. I have received a tremendous amount of mental support and help to overcome the negative effects and problems due to my experiences in Vietnam. It is my strong opinion that any Veteran of any conflict reach out and trust again any ask for help at a Vet Center near you. THANK YOU HIGH DESERT VET CENTER VICTORVILLE Ca.

  10. JOYCE PEREZ September 25, 2019 at 22:35

    HELLO.,FIRST TIME VIEWER,READER. IM A VIETNAM VET DISABLED, NAVY NURSE, SINGLE PARENT, 67yo. IM RECENTLY STARTING TO USE AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. I WORKED MY WAY OUT OF A CHAIR 4 TIMES..BUT BACK AND KNEE HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE.. …IM HAVING TROUBLE GETTING HELP FOR MY SON ,AĢE 27 yo…HE. HAS SEIZURE DISORDER SINCE 2 YRS OLD. HE ALSO HAS BIPOLAR DIAGNOSIS AND NEEDS SERIOUS COUNSELING HELP THAT I CANT AFFORD…WHO CAN HELP ME. I ALSO NEED A HANDICAPPED VAN. THEY REPOED MY CAR WHENN I WAS LATE ON ONE PAYMENT AND WOULDNT REFINACE ME OR WORK WITH ME…ANY HELP or ADVICE WOULD REALLY BE APPRECIATED. I HAVE A LUNG TUMOR NOW AND HAVE ASTHMA ATTACKS TO DEAL WITH. MY SON NEEDS MENTAL HEALTH HELP. PLEASE ADVISE . THANKS .IM IN CANTON,TEXAS. THANKS GOD BLESS THIS WEBSITE .IN JESUS NAME.AMEN. MS JOYCE PEREZ /DIS.NAVY NURSE/.VET. /VIETNAM.1972-1976.

  11. Bill Schulz September 25, 2019 at 20:43

    Wish I had a Vet Center closer to me It’s 150 miles round trip

Comments are closed.

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