QUESTION:  Have you devoted your life to serving others?

ANSWER: There are approximately two million Women Veterans, making up 10% of the total Veteran population. Many have devoted their lives to serving others while enduring significant barriers and challenges.  Women Veterans are not only overlooked by those around them, but frequently struggle to consider themselves as Veterans.

QUESTION:  What percentage of Women Veterans do we have in Traill County?

ANSWER:  According to the 2021 National Center for Veterans Analysis & Statistics, it is estimated that 7% of the Veterans in Traill County are female and 93% are male.  Additional Traill County demographics include 45% of the Veteran population in Traill County is over the age of 65 and 53% of the Veteran population in Traill County is under the age of 65.

QUESTION: What is Traill County doing to honor the Women Veterans in our community who have devoted their lives to serving others?

ANSWER: Every year the Traill County VSO hosts a Blue Christmas Remembrance Service to honor our beloved Veterans.  This Holiday Remembrance Service will be held on Thursday, December 7^th, 2023, at 7:00pm at the Portland Senior Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.

QUESTION: Who are the 3 Women that Traill County will be honoring at the 2023 Veterans Remembrance Service?

ANSWER: In December 2023, we will be honoring 3 extraordinary Women from Traill County that have devoted their lives to serving others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

(1) Cheryl Rose Engel- She was born and raised in Hatton, ND. At the age of 18 she joined the Air Force and was stationed in Sacramento, CA. Cheryl passed away at the age of 83, on March 20th, 2023. We are forever grateful for her sacrifice.

(2) Frances Marie Lee- She was born and raised in the rural Portland, ND area. Early in her life, she enlisted in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. The United States Cadet Nurse Corps was authorized by the U.S. Congress on June 15,1943 and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The purpose of the law was to help alleviate the nursing shortage that existed before and during World War II.  Frances passed away at the age of 95, on January 6^th , 2023. We are forever grateful for her sacrifice.

(3)Clare Mary Scholand- She was born and raised in Reynolds, ND. She enlisted in the U.S Army Nurse Corps and was stationed at the Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, CO. Clare passed away at the age of 100, on January 5^th, 2023.  We are forever grateful for her sacrifice.

QUESTION: What Resources are available for Women Veterans in Traill County?

ANSWER: The Center for Women Veterans’ (CWV) monitors and coordinates the VA’s administration of health care, benefits, services, and programs for Women Veterans. They serve as an advocate for and raise awareness of the responsibility to treat Women Veterans with dignity and respect.

• National Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636.
• Women Veterans Program in Fargo at 701-239-3700 extension 3893 or 3503.
• VA Advocate 701-239-3700 extension 3738.

Question: How can we honor our Vietnam War Veterans this May?

Answer: On May 11-13, 2023, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will host “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families,” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This national once-in-a-lifetime event will honor Vietnam veterans and their enduring legacy of service and inspire Americans to thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Question: When was the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration authorized?

Answer: The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense, and launched by the president in 2012. By Presidential Proclamation, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration continues through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. The Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location as all were called to serve and none could self-determine where they were stationed.

Question: How many Veterans has the Vietnam War Commemoration publicly thanked?

Answer: Since 2012, more than 3.4million Vietnam veterans and their families have been publicly thanked by friends and neighbors during 24 thousand ceremonies hosted by our dedicated Commemorative Partners.

Question: What activities are happening at the May 2023 Vietnam War Commemoration?

Answer: Activities will include daily musical performances and programs, interactive experiences, historic and static Vietnam period helicopter displays, a veteran services hub and much more. Participating in this event are more than 70 groups including our premier military bands, honor guard units and drill teams, Gold Star families; POW/MIA organizations; veterans associations; government agencies; national, military and Smithsonian museums; high school bands; and Junior ROTC drill teams.

On Thursday, May 11^th  A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will open Camp Legacy, located on the western end of the JFK Hockey Fields adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Camp Legacy will be open May 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and encompasses a second location at West Potomac Park—situated across from Independence Avenue.

On Saturday, May 13 at 1 p.m., a multimedia celebration titled “Welcome Home” will be presented at West Potomac Park. This celebration will feature musical performances, dramatic storytelling, and videos all portraying the story of our Vietnam veterans and the enduring legacy of their service. It also will underscore the sacrifices of their families; and the contributions of our allies and citizen volunteers who supported American troops during the Vietnam War period.

Question: What can I do?

Answer: Join this national-scale event with a humble “Thank You” and “Welcome Home” by thanking a Vietnam Veteran on social media! 

• Use #WelcomeHome2023.
• Read about the 50^th Commemoration at  https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/
• Join the Nation … Thank a Vietnam Veteran!
• Recognizing our Veterans is important. Do you know a Veteran that should be recognized on the Veteran’s Wall in Hillsboro? If you have a name to add please call and email Rich Gehrke at: rich.gehrke@fumic.com 701-436-5777 OR mail the Traill County VSO Office at PO Box 785 Hillsboro, ND 58045

QUITTING TAKES PRACTICE

Question: What is Substance Use Disorder? (SUD)

Answer: (SUD) is a disease that causes people to have difficulty controlling their use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances, including opioids. Untreated, this misuse can begin to influence many aspects of life.

Question: How do I quit?

Answer: You might not quit for good on the first try. Don’t give up! Try a new approach next time. You can be an excellent source of information and inspiration to others who want to quit but are not sure how to get started. Be proud of this new healthy path you have chosen for your life!

Question: Where can I find help?

Answer: There are several resources available to Veterans who are ready to make the commitment to quit:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
  1. Fargo, ND 701-235-7355  
  2. Grand Forks, ND 701-330-4339
• Smokefree
  1. Website: Smokefree.gov
  2. 1-855-QUIT-VET, 8am to 8pm Mon-Fri.
  3. Text message program Text VET to 47848
  4. Smartphone app mobile.va.gov/app/stay-quit-coach
• Smart Recovery
  1. Website: www.smartrecovery.org
  2. Text INSIDERS to 41444
• Narcotics Anonymous
  1. Website: www.na.org
  2. Fargo, ND  701-232-3241
• Al-Anon
  1. Website: www.lostandfoundrecoverycenter.org
  2. Moorhead, MN 218-287-2089
• Nar-Anon
  1. Website: www.nar-anon.org
  2. Email: naranonfargo@gmail.com
  3. Fargo, ND 701-235-9226
• Veterans Crisis Line
  1. Call 988 (Press 1)
  2. Text to 838255

COMPACT ACT INFORMATION FOR VETERANS

Question (1): How does the Compact Care help Veterans?

Answer: Section 201 of COMPACT Act states that the VA will provide, pay for and reimburse any emergent suicide treatment for eligible individuals at VA medical facilities and at non-VA facilities. The VA will ensure eligible Veterans are not financially responsible for costs associated with emergent suicide care, including emergency transportation.

Question (2): What is Emergent Suicide Treatment?

Answer: Emergent Suicide Treatment includes inpatient or crisis residential care for no more than 30 days and/or outpatient medical and mental healthcare for no more than 90 days. If the individual remains in acute suicidal crisis, extensions may be provided. Each new crisis is a new episode of eligibility.

Question (3): How can I know if I am Eligible for Compact Care?

Answer: Call 1-844-724-7842 to establish eligibility.

• Former members of the armed forces who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

Question (4): Does the local ER need an agreement with the VA to be paid for Compact Care?

Answer: No. Compact Care does not require an existing contract or agreement between the VA and a local community emergency department. Veterans are encouraged to immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department during a medical or mental health emergency.

Question (5): What should I do after receiving Compact Care at my local ER?

Answer: All mental health care should be reported to the VA as soon as possible by calling 1-844-724-7842. Veterans should submit a signed, written request for reimbursement to their local VA Medical Center Community Care Office along with an after-visit summary and a billing statement from the rendering provider showing the diagnosis code information and an itemized list of charges. 

• Be suspicious of media advertisements from companies which provide information about Settlements and suggest you can ONLY obtain compensation with THEIR help. These predatory companies are not with the VA and are targeting Veterans.
• Be cautious of aggressive law firms or companies expressing a sense of urgency and insisting you must act now. Instead, use the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Accreditation Search to confirm and validate the credentials of anyone offering claims assistance at: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp?
• Do not agree to pay any fees to help with your VA claim. There are accredited Veterans Service Organizations, agents and attorneys who will assist you for free.
• Be wary of companies claiming to be contacting you on behalf of the VA. Contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 if you are unsure about the authenticity of a message you’ve received. https://www.fcc.gov/veterans-targeted-benefits-scams
• Veterans and their survivors who think they might be eligible for any PACT Act benefits should visit  www.va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 for more information.
• Apply directly to the VA. You may submit an application securely online at  VA.gov or in person at the Traill County Veterans Service Office. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply because the VA will never charge Veterans or their family members to apply for the benefits that they may be entitled to receive.
• To make an appointment at the Traill County Veterans Service Office please call 701-430-7059.

2023 Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt

WHO: Veterans who are 50% disabled or greater are encouraged to apply. Only 5 hunters allowed per day.

WHEN: Monday, November 13th and Monday, November 20th

WHERE: The Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt will take place at Camp Grafton, ND.

DEADLINE: Applications should be postmarked by April 29, 2023 to be considered.  Applications are available from your local County Veteran Service Office.  

*PLEASE NOTE: This is a shotgun with slug only hunt, no rifles will be allowed or provided this year.*

Guest speakers will provide information on the various programs and resources within their organization that are available to ensure homeless and at risk of homeless Veterans receive the support they deserve.

When:

Thu. Mar 30, 2023, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CT

Where:

This is an online event.

Cost: Free

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Virtual Homeless & Justice-Involved Veteran Outreach Symposium

Symposium Details:  The primary focus of this collaborative effort is to provide training and resources to VBA’s Homeless and Justice-Involved Veteran Outreach Coordinators and external stakeholders, as well as assisting these Veterans in obtaining benefits, services, and resources that may be available to them. Guest speakers will provide information on the various programs and resources within their organization that are available to ensure homeless and at risk of homeless Veterans receive the support they deserve.  This symposium will also provide attendees with information on the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act benefits and claims filing as well as ways to seek additional VA support.

Date:  Thursday, March 30, 2023

Time:  12:00-4:00PM(EST)  

Location:  WebEx Virtual Platform      

Quick Join:  Click Here to Join the Symposium

Phone:  1-404-397-1596, Access Code:  2762 132 4479

https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/webappng/sites/veteransaffairs/meeting/info/8f6f53181cc846f4b8f312d231f2b46a?siteurl=veteransaffairs&MTID=mafd7fa38c214edcd9ee0e3994822bb26