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Veteran Resource Center FAQ's

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Frequently Asked Questions from Veterans to Librarians or V.R.C.

 

1. Where can I get a copy of my DD-214?

There are a couple resources that can help you get your DD-214:

  • One way to order a copy of your military records is to go to the website for the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.
  • For any further questions you can contact the Tulare County VSO in Visalia.
    • Ken Cruickshank, County Veterans Service Officer 3348 W Mineral King Ave Visalia, CA 93291. Phone: 559-713-2880. Fax: 559-713-3747

2. I have had some difficulties dealing with the V.A. Where else can I talk to someone about veteran benefits and resources?

  • Other options aside from working with the V.A. may include:
    • The local vet center or the County Veteran Services Officer Ken Cruickshank, at the County Veterans Service Office 3348 W Mineral King Ave Visalia, CA 93291. Phone: 559-713-2880. Fax: 559-713-3747.
  • Many veterans learn ways to ask for help from the V.A. through local chapters of the AMVETS or their local library Veterans Resource Center.
    • AMVETS (American Veterans) Post for Tulare California (Tulare County CA). Post #56. Contact AMVETS Post #56 at: (559) 685-2446

3. What is the difference between the V.A. and CalVet?

  • The U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs provides patient care & Federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. (www.va.gov)
  • CalVet is The California Department of Veteran affairs. It assists veterans with finding housing, healthcare, employment, education, VA claims, and advocacy assistance.(www.calvet.ca.gov)

4. How do I register with calvet?

  • Register at (www.calvet.ca.gov)
    • In the upper right hand corner click the link Log in/ Register
    • On the next page click Register in the middle of the page.

5. Where can I go to search for jobs?

  • EDD. www.edd.ca.gov
    • Employment Development Department-Workforce Service Branch
      Address: 4025 W Noble Ave # B, Visalia, CA 93277
      Phone: (559) 713-5150

6. I want to revise my resume, but I need help. Who can help me with my resume?

  • Tulare Public Library has Laptops and a Chromebook that veterans can use for working on a resume or searching for a job.
  • EDD has monthly classes the second to last Friday of each month. Contact Scott Kilgore-Thursdays @ 559-713-5000 for further information. www.edd.ca.gov
  • Tulare Public Library has study rooms available and VRC staff can help with resumes.

7. I'm not sure if I'm really a veteran. Who do I ask?

  • Contact the local vet center or the County Veteran Services Officer Ken Cruickshank, at the County Veterans Service Office 3348 W Mineral King Ave Visalia, CA 93291. Phone: 559-713-2880. Fax: 559-713-3747
  • If you have served in the military for at least six months, you should register with CalVet. www.calvet.ca.gov
  • Once completed you can speak to a CalVet representative and learn about your benefits.
    • If you have served in the military for at least six months, then you are a veteran, even if you have never seen combat or been deployed.

8. I've always wanted to know about the VA benefit for buying a house. Where do I start? How does it work?

  • The State of California offers benefits for veterans who want to own a home, CalVet representatives are prepared to talk to you about home ownership.

9. Is it true that I can get healthcare at any V.A. hospital, regardless of my income?

  • If you have served in the military, you can learn about your medical benefits through the membership office at the Veteran's Hospital or by registering with CalVet. (www.calvet.ca.gov)
    • Some veterans use their veteran's healthcare benefits to augment their health insurance, even when they are already employed or have health insurance elsewhere.
    • The V.A. uses a rating system to determine the cost of healthcare, and the rating system might change from year to year. Learn more by contacting a CalVet representative. (www.va.gov)
    • Contact the local vet center or the County Veteran Services Officer Ken Cruickshank, at the County Veterans Service Office 3348 W Mineral King Ave Visalia, CA 93291. Phone: 559-713-2880. Fax: 559-713-3747

10. I talked to my V.A. doctor, and he told me that I need to go to another facility for some tests. He told me that the transportation is provided for free by the V.A. Where do I find out about that?

  • You can contact the nearest veteran's hospital. (Fresno V.A. Hospital 559-228-6933)
    • When you call their information desk, they can transfer you to the appropriate office to arrange transportation for veterans.

11. I'm not interested in asking for money or help. But I am interested in talking to other veterans. Where can I find places to hang out with people like me?

  • You can ask your CalVet representative about the nearest vet center. 
  • A CalVet representative can talk to you about the many organizations throughout California that coordinate events for veterans.
    • Our local Tulare County VSO is in Visalia. (Ken Cruickshank, County Veterans Service Officer 3348 W Mineral King Ave Visalia, CA 93291. Phone: 559-713-2880. Fax: 559-713-3747).

12. My spouse keeps bugging me about asking for help for my PTSD or Depression. Who can I talk to?

  • You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 to speak with someone now.
  • You can also visit the website for the Veterans Crisis Line. @ (www.veteranscrisisline.net)
    • The website provides a chat line, text numbers, and resources for veterans and family members to learn more about mental health issues.
      • The V.A. has also published video testimonials from other veterans at Make the Connection. (www.maketheconnection.net)
      • This site includes a searchable video gallery of testimonials from veterans of all ages and backgrounds.

Tulare Public Library • 475 North M Street Tulare, CA 93274 • (559) 685-4500