Ep 17: Decoding VA Services with Brian Natali

On Episode 17 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show to share his extensive knowledge about accessing care through Veterans Affairs. Brian is the Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps dispel some common myths about VA services and emphasizes the significance of effective outreach to raise awareness among veterans.He provides a comprehensive guide for veterans seeking assistance, underscores the importance of having the proper perception of your needs and your situation, and delivers a potent message that will help anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by those who have bravely served our nation.Highlights of this episode:1:23 – Brian’s background in the Marine Corps and his experience helping veterans over the past several years.3:30 – How the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs helps veterans daily.6:20 – Steps veterans can take to get help with mental health, disabilities, and all kinds of other needs.11:45 – What do veterans need on hand when they seek help?15:30 – “The most dangerous thing is perception.” Hear Brian’s direct advice to veterans.More About Brian Natali:Brian served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1995. While in the Marines, Brian served as an engineer equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Communications Squadron – 28 and Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1995 after being honorably discharged from the Marines, Brian returned to civilian life as a Diesel Mechanic for a major Peterbilt and International truck dealership until 2009.In 2009 Brian became a Veterans Service Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In 2011 Brian was promoted to his current position of Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs. Brian is responsible for the department’s six veterans’ programs, two grant programs, the Pa Veterans Memorial, and daily coordination with all 67 County Directors of Veterans Affairs and three field offices.Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Pennsylvania): https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Pages/default.aspxResources:Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text, or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzgVoice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoyCompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryUInformation on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWSView more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0QFinancial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.