TAA Program
Who we are:
The purpose of the
Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program is to provide a professional in each
state/territory (some states have two TAAs) to serve as the statewide point of contact
to assist Service members in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and healthcare
services. Each TAA also provides assistance in obtaining entitlements through the
TRICARE Military Health System and access to community resources. The TAA initiative
started in May 2005 when the National Guard Bureau (NGB) signed a Memorandum of
Agree-ment with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The TAA program is staffed
by 60 contract positions and two federal technicians.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely
to serve in any war … shall be directly proportional to how
they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated
and appreciated by their nation."
President George Washington
Why we TAAs will be successful in meeting your needs:
- We care about you and your family.
- Over 95% of us are Veterans or spouses ofmilitary members.
- We know your State benefits.
- Many of us have worked through the disabilityprocess and receive disability compensation.
- We have built strong partnerships and coalitions with the Department of Defense
(TRICARE), the VA, State Directors of VA, Veterans Services Organizations, and State
Headquarters groups, such as Family Support, Chaplains Offices, Department of Labor,
and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) -and this translates into
personalized service for you.
Who we serve:
The program is designed to serve National Guard members and their families. Additionally,
we gladly provide services to members in all components.
What we can do for you:
We help you navigate through
the vast myriad of benefits and entitlements in the DoD and VA system. We take the
time to assist you and not toss you into the "800 number desert!" We will
educate you so you will understand the benefits you have earned, such as:
- Guard entitlements and access for healthcare in both the DoD and VA medical facilities.
- TRICARE benefits while you are on active duty and when you return as an OIF/OEF
Veteran.
- Important deadlines that require your action while still on active duty and as a
Veteran so you do not miss these time-sensitive opportunities.
- VA dental care programs (time-sensitive benefit).
- Referral for counseling services for you and your family that will not affect your
career.
- Referral for possible compensation for injuries or illness sustained in OEF and
OIF.
- Insurance information such as SGLI, TSGLI, FSGLI.
- Rehabilitative care management needed to help you return to a normal lifestyle;
CBWTU transition.
- Assistance with job search and connection with ESGR for rights of employment.
- Assistance in connecting you to the Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans
Services Organizations to file disability/compensation claims.
- Assistance in the event of financial hardship, healthcare issues, or unemployment
needs.
- Assistance with locating your medical records, DD 214s and other needed documents.
Where we may travel to ensure that you, your family members, your leadership, and
the local state and federal agencies understand these benefits:
- Mobilization and demobilization sites
- Reintegration meetings
- Unit events/drill weekend gatherings
- Sponsored Guard leadership conferences at the national andstate levels and specialized
organizational agency meetings
- Post Deployment Health Reassessment sites
- Guard Fairs
- AND ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WANT US TO BE!
How we helped others:
"…Mr. DeJesus assisted me in filling out
and submitting a claim for TSGLI after my motorcycle accident. He pinpointed all
the factors, appropriated signatures and required circumstances to produce a corrected
claim. Three months later I received a check for $50,000. I strongly believe that
our TAA offers valuable input, leading to effective support of OIF/OEF Vets."
-Army Guard Member
"I want to express my gratitude and sincere appreciation for the outstanding
contribution you provided to our National Pro-fessional Development Seminar. The
seminar was a complete success; all goals and objectives were met and achieved due
to the excellent support given by you. This year's Seminar established a benchmark
to follow in future years. This singular event represents the first step in our
ongoing commitment toward the growth and advancement of the Warrant Officer Corps
of our Guard. Today our Warrant Officer Corps is stronger since the seminar helped
to strengthen the spirit of true professional comradeship that we must continue
to enrich during these challenging times." -CW5, Army Guard
"…Thank you, Ms. Townsend, so much for coming to our drill weekend and
talking to our Airmen. The information you provided greatly increased their knowledge
of benefits available to them. It also helped to ease their minds that they were
able to talk to someone who had great knowledge and patience. Please keep us in
mind whenever new benefits become available."-NCO, Air Guard
Our dedicated staff:
"It doesn’t matter what colors our Veterans fly;
whether it is Army green, Marines crimson and gold, Air blue or Navy white, they
all served the red, white and blue and for that it is my duty as a fellow Vet to
guarantee they get everything that they have earned." -Dorian M. Bell, Virginia
TAA
"After retiring, I missed the military and the TAA position has provided an
opportunity to reconnect. More importantly, I’m helping Service members and enjoying
it immensely." -Roger Peterman, Indiana TAA
What you mean to us:
You served your country; now
let us serve you.
To learn more, locate the Transition Assistance Advisor near you by contacting the
National Guard Bureau (NGB) Warrior Support Office -warriorsupport@ng.army.mil or
call 703.607.0180.
