In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic celebrate reaching 1,000 subscribers and discuss the challenges of modern media and recruiting. The highlight of the show is an interview with Rudy Muriel, a veteran and Outreach & Recruitment Specialist for the federal government. Rudy provides invaluable, demystified advice for veterans and military spouses looking to land a federal job.The discussion covers a range of topics including:The "three gatekeepers" of the federal hiring process and why a good resume is about more than just keywords [01:25:54].The biggest hurdles veterans face, such as translating military experience into civilian language, and practical solutions for overcoming them [18:21].Insights into how the federal government views an applicant's military rank versus their actual skills and knowledge [22:15].The VOW Act and how it allows transitioning service members to be onboarded for a federal job up to 120 days before their separation date, preventing a gap in pay [01:20:28].The surprising ability to negotiate a higher starting salary in certain federal jobs [56:57].Rudy’s advice for military spouses on finding and applying for federal positions, even without a resume [01:27:01].How to get free help and training from Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and local employment offices upon landing in a new community [34:01].This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the transition to a civilian career, offering practical, expert advice that goes far beyond what is typically covered in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).Key Timestamps:[00:46] The Military Retirement Podcast hits 1,000 subscribers and discusses future goals.[13:37] Introduction of guest Rudy Muriel, a federal government Outreach and Recruitment Specialist.[18:21] The biggest hurdle for veterans in federal hiring: identifying and translating transferable skills.[22:15] Dispelling the myth of military rank equivalency in federal pay grades.[34:01] The crucial role of Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOPs) counselors.[56:57] How to negotiate a higher step or salary for federal positions.[01:03:04] The importance of "buying back" military time for your federal retirement plan.[01:20:28] Explanation of the VOW Act and its benefits for new hires.[01:25:54] The "Three Gatekeepers" of the USAJOBS application process.[01:32:35] How and where to find Rudy Muriel's workshops and resources.Resources Mentioned:Rudy Muriel's LinkedIn: For job seekers and those interested in his workshops. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-m-165a0515/USAJOBS: The official website for federal employment. https://usajobs.govThe VOW Act: For transitioning service members to get onboarded early. https://www.benefits.va.gov/vow/Military Retirement Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroupPortraits for Patriots: An organization that provides free professional photos for transitioning veterans. https://portraitsforpatriots.org/Operation Headshot: An alternative organization offering similar services and photography education for veterans. https://www.operationheadshot.com/

In this comprehensive episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic welcome Jane Babcock, a veteran and expert educator on VA benefits. Jane, with over a decade of experience helping thousands of veterans and widows, uncovers some of the most underutilized but crucial benefits available.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the Wartime Veteran and Surviving Spouse's Pension, a powerful but often overlooked program that can provide significant financial support. Jane clarifies eligibility, income thresholds, and how this benefit can make a huge difference, especially for older veterans and widows.

The conversation then moves to recent updates and critical advice for navigating VA claims:

New PACT Act Conditions: Learn about the four new conditions signed by the president, specifically related to urinary and kidney cancers, and how to expedite claims for terminal diagnoses like ALS.

The Neer Claim & Back Pay: Jane explains this landmark Supreme Court case that led to substantial back pay for Agent Orange veterans and even their surviving family members.

Understanding VA Claims & Nexus Letters: Get expert advice on what to do when your claim is denied, the importance of reading VA letters, gathering evidence (including "buddy statements"), and when it's time to consider a lawyer.

VA Healthcare Access: Discover how veterans can utilize VA healthcare even with private insurance, including walk-in clinics and emergency room visits covered under the COMPACT Act.

Caregiver Support & Aid and Attendance: Jane outlines benefits for caregivers, including potential compensation and assistance for daily living tasks.

DD214 Importance: Learn why certain copies of your DD214 are crucial and how Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can help retrieve lost records.

This episode is packed with invaluable information, practical tips, and powerful stories designed to empower veterans and their families to access the benefits they've earned.

Key Timestamps:

[00:11:11] The most unused veteran benefit: Wartime Veteran and Surviving Spouse's Pension.

[00:17:01] New conditions added under the PACT Act (urinary/kidney cancers, secondary conditions from SSRIs).

[00:18:45] Reassurance that VA ratings are generally not reduced unless fraud occurred.

[00:19:13] How to expedite VA claims for terminal diagnoses (e.g., ALS, late-stage cancers).

[00:21:16] The crucial role of Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in filing and expediting claims.

[00:25:45] Explanation of the Neer claim and its impact on retroactive benefits for Agent Orange exposure.

[00:32:13] Understanding "Blue Water" Agent Orange exposure and qualifying ships.

[00:36:38] When to consider getting a lawyer for your VA claim and the importance of Nexus letters.

[00:47:44] Advice on honestly describing pain during VA medical exams (CMP exams).

[00:51:13] Insights into the VA rating process and why you rarely speak directly to a rater.

[00:58:16] Information on adaptive housing grants and VA-provided hearing aids.

[01:07:25] Caregiver support, Aid and Attendance benefits, and resources like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

[01:13:06] Clarification on getting extra GI Bill months and the VA Education Benefits phone number.

[01:16:41] Importance of DD214 and how VSOs can help retrieve it.

[01:22:38] Advice for Desert Shield/Storm veterans denied benefits multiple times.

[01:29:06] Using VA Healthcare even with private insurance, including the COMPACT Act.

Resources:

Jane Babcock (Veteran Benefits Educator) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebabcock/

Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF): https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

Grant Chatter (YouTube Channel): For information on grants available to veterans and civilians. @grantchatter

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: For military and veteran caregiver support: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

Military Retirement Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup

In this dynamic episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic kick off 2025 discussing everything from New Year's reflections to crucial veteran updates. They delve into the recent Supreme Court ruling that expands GI Bill benefits to 48 months for veterans with multiple periods of service [04:35], a game-changer for over a million veterans.

The conversation then shifts to the fascinating world of national security with special guest David Van Bennekum, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, lawyer, and author of the self-help book "Searching for True Community." Dave shares his incredible journey from infantry officer to logistics expert, and the challenging path of attending law school while on active duty [18:12]. He offers unique insights into making complex topics like national security accessible to everyone, emphasizing the importance of informed dialogue and the balance between government transparency and security [39:07].

This episode also covers practical aspects of military retirement, including:

The impact of potential government shutdowns on VA benefits [15:07].

Personal stories and advice on making the retirement decision [06:29], managing debt before leaving service [10:56], and the importance of financial planning with tools like the TSP [01:01:24].

A candid comparison of working as a DoD contractor versus a GS employee [48:00], highlighting the cultural differences and challenges in federal hiring (USAJOBS) [01:07:48].

Innovative military talent acquisition programs like the Marine Corps' "recruit to gunny" for cyberspace warfare [32:14] and the Army's "High School to Flight School" for warrant officer pilots [41:59].

Discussions on international travel, immersing in local cultures, and helpful resources for retired military members looking to explore the world [01:10:01].

Key Timestamps:

[04:35] Discussion on the Supreme Court ruling expanding GI Bill benefits to 48 months.

[09:57] Introduction of guest David Van Bennekum, retired Marine LtCol, lawyer, and author.

[11:21] Dave shares his 20-year Marine Corps career and educational journey.

[15:07] Impact of government shutdowns on veteran benefits.

[18:12] Dave's demanding experience attending law school while on active duty.

[27:27] The inspiration and process behind writing "Searching for True Community."

[32:14] Discussion on Marine Corps' "recruit to gunny" talent acquisition program.

[39:07] Blurring lines between government transparency and national security.

[41:59] Army's "High School to Flight School" program for warrant officer pilots.

[48:00] Experiences transitioning from military to DOD contractor to GS employee.

[01:01:24] Financial planning for retirement, debt, and TSP.

[01:10:01] Discussions on international travel and cultural immersion.

[01:16:26] Introduction to the Nomadico Substack for travel tips.

[01:22:35] Where to find Dave Van Den Berg's book and connect with him.

Resources Mentioned:

David Van Bennekum's Book: "Searching for True Community" https://amzn.to/4mOdNat

David Van Bennekum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvanbennekum/

Military Retirement Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): For information on GI Bill benefits and other veteran services.

Nomadico Substack: For travel tips and information on living abroad: https://nomadico.substack.com/

The full episode can be found here: How America’s National Security System Actually Works

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