October 2021
The Be Connected Support Line, 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387) is available for any Arizona service member, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their families and caregivers. This is a statewide support line offered at no cost that is answered by an Arizona-based team that specializes in providing resources and support for veterans, people in the military and anyone who supports them. These are real stories that showcase the support that Arizona veterans received by reaching out. How can we help you?
A Helpful Letter
A disabled Vietnam veteran requested assistance with filing claims for a service-connected disability. The Be Connected navigator working with this veteran assisted him in writing a letter that described the veteran’s injuries and lifelong treatments. The letter also described how the veteran’s current disability is a result of the injuries sustained while on active duty. The navigator directed the veteran to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (AZDVS), who filed the claims with the letter on behalf of the veteran. The veteran was soon granted 100% service connected disability status.
New Use
A young man recently lost his father, who was a veteran, and was left with many of his father’s belongings. Among these items was his father’s medical equipment, which included a power wheelchair. Although the man no longer needed these items, he felt someone else might so he called the Be Connected support line. The navigator working with the man contacted the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) to help identify someone who is in need of a power wheelchair. After successfully finding a recipient, the navigator coordinated a meeting between the veteran’s son and the client receiving the wheelchair. The veteran’s belongings would live on to support someone else in need.
