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VETERAN CRISIS LINE CALL 988 & PRESS 1

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TEXANS ASK: “Did you or a family member serve?”

A big impact military-veteran populations deal with when accessing services is not feeling understood by those serving them.

Military Veteran Peer Network is TVC Certified

Myth

All Veterans get healthcare through the VA Healthcare system.

Fact

Not all who served in the military are eligible to do so, and some may not consider themselves veterans.

Some who served in the National Guard may not consider themselves veterans.

Some women may say “No” when asked if they are vetereans, but “Yes” when asked “Did you serve?“

Myth

Service members are provided transition assistance before leaving the military which fully equips them for civilian life.

Fact

Transitioning out of the military into a new community means leaving your military culture and relationships behind and entering new communities, circles of friends and employment.

By asking “Have you or an immediate family member ever served in the military?” you begin building rapport and understanding, critical steps in providing the proper referrals and resources.

Ask the Question – Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder

Ask the Question Trifold 2023

Ask the Question – Federal/State/Local/Non-Profit

Ask the Question – Faith-Based Groups

Ask the Question – Health Care & Medical Service

Ask the Question – Housing & Homelessness Services

Ask the Question – Law Enforcement & 1st Responders

“Did You Serve?” How Asking Helps!

Employment and vocational services professionals can:

  • Identify transferable skills.
  • Connect Veterans to military-friendly employers.
  • Help access job training programs.

Faith-based professionals can:

  • Identify families in need of help during transitions out of the military.
  • Motivate communities to come together on behalf of those who serve.
  • Connect former service members & families to the supports and services they need.

Law enforcement professionals can:

  • Keep veterans and their families safe.
  • Build trust and rapport in difficult situations.
  • Partner with providers who help Veterans in crisis.

Healthcare and medical professionals can:

  • Build critical rapport with a reluctant patient.
  • Understand the relationship between military experiences and medical symptoms.
  • Provide effective referrals and resources.

Behavioral health professionals can:

  • Build critical rapport with a reluctant client.
  • Understand the relationship between military experiences and medical symptoms.
  • Help former service members & family understand the emotional effects of transitions out of the military.