014: Pastor Bill Staton Advocates for Maui Vets

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This week we welcome Pastor Bill Staton, a retired veteran and veterans’ services counselor on Maui, to the podcast. Originally, Bill’s job was helping veterans navigate the complex systems of veterans’ financial benefits. However, Bill quickly realized the need to advocate for the holistic needs of veterans returning from conflicts and their families.

Bill talks about challenges faced by veterans, including an ingrained military culture of not complaining, which can make it difficult for many veterans to ask for help. We discuss how the perseverance of the Nisei veterans and their families reshaped perceptions of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Bill addresses the ongoing reluctance among Gulf War veterans to seek support.

Bill breaks down the various benefits available to our veterans, including the important question of where to begin. We cover medical care through the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, long term care, burial services, support groups, and education under the GI Bill.

Pastor Bill Staton’s candid observations reflect a deep commitment to advocate on behalf of our veterans.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Evolution of veteran services from financial applications to holistic support
• Nisei veterans' impact on PTSD perception and compensation
• Challenges Gulf War veterans face in seeking PTSD support
• Overview of veteran benefits, including medical care, compensation, burial, long term care
• Importance of tailored support for National Guard and Reserve members

Note: Bill observed in the interview that when he was working, Hale Makua Health Services did not have a contract with the VA due to a difference in pharmacy packaging. We reached out to Hale Makua and were happy to learn that they do now have a contract with the VA, and residents are able to fill prescriptions with the VA if they choose.

Resources from this Episode

Veterans Service Council, 333 Dairy Road, Kahului, Maui: Start Here!

Community Based Outreach Clinic (CBOC) - Maui Clinic: Find out if you are eligible for medical care

Vets Center - Rehab & Counseling Center in Maui Lani

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