Serving Our Newest Veterans
by Michael Dukes

The VA Maryland Health Care System is committed to supporting veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and to making sure that they have the health care services and benefits they need and deserve. Since the war on terror began, over 3,500 veterans have successfully transitioned from the military to the VA Maryland Health Care System. None of these veterans have experienced a backlog in waiting for their care thanks to a coordinated effort by various services and staff members throughout our health care system.

Several programs have been developed to address the needs of this current era of combat veterans, including the Seamless Transition Program and the Returning Veterans Outreach, Education and Care Program (RVOEC). The VA Maryland Health Care System has also identified key staff to bring these programs together and to act as champions for returning veterans.

Seamless Transition

The Seamless Transition Program was created to meet the specific needs of those service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The goal of the program is to ensure that returning veterans receive the highest quality of care in a timely manner and that no veteran is left behind during the transition from the military health care system to the VA.

Returning Veterans Outreach, Education and Care Program

The Returning Veterans Outreach, Education and Care Program(RVOEC) places a special emphasis on the mental health needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The goal of the program is preventive maintenance, which is accomplished by addressing problems early on before they get worse. A variety of outpatient and inpatient services are available to assist returning veterans as they readjust. A life enrichment center was created earlier this year at the Perry Point VA Medical Center to help bring veterans and their families together with social workers, nurses, chaplains and other staff members.

Key Staff

The VA Maryland Health Care System has created specific positions to help provide a consistent quality of care for returning veterans. Chris Buser, the OIF/OEF program manager for the VA Maryland Health Care System, oversees all of the services for returning combat veterans, including any physical and mental concerns that they may have.

Thanks to these new programs and positions, the VA Maryland Health Care System is able to serve the needs of our returning veterans with pride and compassion. If you are a returning veteran and you need assistance receiving health care or navigating the services available to you, please contact Chris Buser, the OIF/OEF program manager, at 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7259.

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