Ep 3: How CompeerCORPS Helps Veterans Overcome Struggles with Roy Remone

On episode three of Voice & Vision’s podcast, Untold Valor, we’ll hear again from Roy Remone, the volunteer coordinator with CompeerCORPs, an organization that connects veterans with other veterans in recovery. In this episode, we’ll delve into the background of CompeerCORPS, how it works, and its importance in helping veterans overcome their struggles.

Roy explains his role in identifying particular veterans in need who often get overlooked and the importance of the program in providing a support system for them. Roy also details the message he relays to veterans and the importance of finding matching interests between veterans who are connected through the program.

CompeerCORPS aims to connect veterans with similar interests, providing a platform for them to share their experiences, build relationships, and find a sense of purpose. From social events to volunteer work and outdoor activities, CompeerCORPS also provides a wide range of activities to help veterans connect with each other and find new hobbies or interests.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about CompeerCORPS, its impact on the veteran community, and the opportunities it offers to those in need.

Join us today to learn about these things:

·      Background about CompeerCORPS. (1:05)

·      Roy’s job is to find veterans who aren’t “seen on the streets” and might be fighting their struggles alone. (2:55)

·      Roy describes the message he relays to veterans as he tells them about the CompeerCORPS program. He also details why it’s so important to find matching interests between veterans who get connected through the program. (4:33)

·      Examples of the kinds of activities and events CompeerCORPS organizes and the opportunities available for veterans to take advantage of. (7:07)

A little more about Roy’s story:

Honorable Discharge SH-4 US Navy Reserves 11/80 to 5/86 Active duty 3 years 1/81 to 1/84. Severed aboard AS-18 USS Orion home port in La Maddalena Sardinia Italy 1981-1983, AE-32 USS Flint home port in Concord California 1983-1984, FF 1054 USS Gray home port Oakland California 1984-1986 Served as a Ship Serviceman in S-3 Division. Shipboard Barber school San Diego California 1983 before reporting to AE-32. Received 2 Battle “E” ribbons and a sea service ribbon. Member of Woodworkers union in San Francisco California 1980 – 2006 as a Cabinet Maker. Retired July 2006.

Moved to Pennsylvania in September 2006. Went to rehab for self-medicating with alcohol 11/2009 at Pittsburgh VA Aspen Wall Campus for their 22 day program and then to Butler VA for long term program. By God’s grace it has been 13 years without any use of mind-altering substances. Started the CompeerCORPS program in Butler, PA in January 2014 and was Pennsylvania Compeer Coalition Veteran Outreach Coordinator from 2014–2021 when I became the Intensive Homeless Case Manager for the SPHS Care Center working with families with children. Came back to Compeer Butler in 2022 as a part time coordinator and trainer.

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.’

Resources:

Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/

CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ or call 877-222-8387 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 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://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Documents/Outreach-and-Reintegration/countyprint.pdf

To view more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://www.pa.gov/guides/veterans/

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.