ARMED FORCES

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

New service

WASHINGTON

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a telephone service, Coaching into Care, to provide assistance to family members and friends trying to encourage their veteran to seek health care for possible readjustment and mental-health issues.

“Those closest to veterans are often the first to recognize when [they] are having difficulties,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

To help veterans address problems and support them in making decisions about getting care, the Coaching into Care program offers unlimited, free coaching with family members or friends over a series of telephone calls.

Callers receive professional coaching on solving specific logistical obstacles and encouraging sometimes-reluctant veterans to seek care while still respecting the veteran’s right to make personal decisions.

Coaching into Care, launched in March 2011, has had more than 650 calls with family members or friends of more than 175 veterans to encourage them to seek care.

The phone line is connected to VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, Caregiver Support Line, and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

Callers can reach VA’s Coaching into Care program at the toll-free number, 888-823-7458, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and online at www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/. Veterans can reach immediate help at the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255; press 1 for veterans.

ACTIVE DUTY

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin M. Kahler, a 1990 graduate of Greenville High School, Greenville, Pa., recently reported for duty at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. He joined the Navy in April 1993.

BASIC TRAINING

Navy: Seaman Recruit David M. Deley (Chaney High School, ’11), son of Peter and Karen Deley, Youngstown.

Items of note for the Armed Forces Digest can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780 or emailed to alcorn@vindy.com.