Best Veteransbenefits Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Buy a House Part 2: Lenders, Real Estate Agents & Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualification 22:16

5+ y ago22:16

22:16

On this episode of The Dog Tag, our hosts Jim Bob Mickler, Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Director for Marketing & Outreach, and Jimmy Smaragdis, VLB Marketing Specialist, talk about how to find a lender, prequalify for a mortgage and why you need a good real estate agent. Their guests include Director of Strategic Products Elizabeth Robertson and…

1
How to Buy a House Part 1: Credit Scores & Budgeting 20:18

6y ago20:18

20:18

On this episode of The Dog Tag, our hosts Jim Bob Mickler, VLB Deputy Director for Marketing & Outreach, and Jimmy Smaragdis, VLB Marketing Specialist, talk about the first steps to take when buying a home. Their guests include Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Strategic Products at Gateway Mortgage Group, Marcia Boyer, Loan Officer for Gateway Mort…

1
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans 14:30

6y ago14:30

14:30

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Terry Tottenham the founder of Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (TLTV). Mr. Tottenham established this program with the State Bar of Texas to develop and assist pro bono legal clinics throughout the state for Veterans who otherwise cannot afford, or do not have access to, the legal services th…

1
Find Employment After the Military with the Texas Workforce Commission 40:40

6y ago40:40

40:40

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge takes a deeper look at the variety of programs and assistance for Military Members and Veterans provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Matt’s guests are Dale Robertson, Manager of the Office of Employer Initiatives and Outreach and Project Development, and Jeff Singh, Program Manager for Colle…

1
Texas State Veterans Homes 30:04

6y ago30:04

30:04

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Deputy Director, John Berkely, and Program Administrator, Kathy Johanns of the Texas State Veterans Homes. The VLB Texas State Veterans Homes provide affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Located across Texas, each first-class facility is d…

1
Home Improvement Loans for Texas Veterans & Military 20:10

6y ago20:10

20:10

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Bill McLemore, Deputy Director for the VLB Veterans Land & Housing Program, and Charlotte Mumphord, Director of the Land & Housing Program, about the Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program (VHIP). Matt and his guests break down the home improvement loan process including how to apply for pre-…

1
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries 30:49

6+ y ago30:49

30:49

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge sits down with Deputy Director, Eric Brown, and Chief On-Site Representative, Doug Gault, of the VLB Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. VLB Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are special resting places, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. These hallowed grounds are an expression …

1
TMW 032: Disney Military Discounts and Shades of Green Resort 25:39

7y ago25:39

25:39

My wife and I recently took our daughters on a Disney vacation. What does this have to do with military benefits? Well, we saved a ton of money on our tickets with the Disney Armed Forces Salute discounted Park Hopper passes, and we also stayed at the Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World, one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers around th…

1
TMW 031: Military Life Insurance 48:35

7y ago48:35

48:35

Life Insurance is one of the most important parts of your financial toolbox. It provides money to your family members when they need it the most. In today's podcast, we discuss life insurance as it pertains to military members, veterans, and their families. We discuss why you and your family members need life insurance, the types of life insurance,…

1
Health Care for Women Veterans 50:44

7+ y ago50:44

50:44

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Pam Maercklein, the Women Veterans Healthcare Liaison for the Women Veterans Program at the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Pam served eight years in the United States Air Force and has a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She's worked at the Texas Veterans C…

1
Employment for Women Veterans 21:03

7+ y ago21:03

21:03

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Nicole Anderson, the Women Veterans Employment Coordinator for the Women Veterans Program at the Texas Veterans Commission. Nicole and Matt discuss topics such as career counseling, resume assistance and interview techniques. They also cover some of the unique challenges that Women Veterans fa…

1
TMW 030: Military Discharge Upgrade 47:10

7+ y ago47:10

47:10

Did you know it may be possible to upgrade your military discharge characterization? Today, our expert, a retired US Air Force Judge Advocate, walks us through the military Discharge Review Board Process and how to apply to have your discharge upgraded. Special attention is given to recent DoD guidance directing leniency for discharge upgrades for …

1
TMW 029: How to Automate Your Finances 37:20

7+ y ago37:20

37:20

Military members are frequently on the move. That's part of the gig, and part of the fun! In this podcast, we discuss how you can automate your finances so you don't have to worry about your money during a PCS, TDY, or deployment. Tips include automating your income, investments, expenses, paying bills, and tracking everything with free software. W…

1
How to Ace Any Military Job Fair 40:22

7+ y ago40:22

40:22

On this episode of The Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Martin Traylor, the Transition Service Manager for the SFL-TAP at Fort Hood. Martin shares his insights on how to get the most out of any military career fair. Martin and Matt have several years of experience working together on Fort Hood to help transitioning service members find their post-m…

1
Education Benefits for Veterans 57:45

7+ y ago57:45

57:45

On this episode of The Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge talks with two Veterans Education Coordinators from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Fernando "Fuzzy" Conejo and Rand Bindford break down the different types of education benefits available to military members, Veterans and their dependents. Matt, Fuzzy and Rand discuss the different GI Bill…

1
TMW 028: Tricare Roundtable - The Good, The Bad, and How to Improve TRICARE 36:03

7+ y ago36:03

36:03

TRICARE is the military medical program, and is available to active duty, retirees, Guard / Reserve, and their family members. In today's podcast, we're doing a roundtable interview to discuss TRICARE - the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this episode we primarily focus on TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Reserve Select. We cover a lot of ground, includin…

1
TMW 027: Thrift Savings Plan Contributions 21:35

7+ y ago21:35

21:35

The Thrift Savings Plan is the government version of a 401k. It is used by military members, civil service workers, and other employees of government agencies. In today's podcast, we discuss Thrift Savings Plan contributions. Topics covered include the Traditional TSP, Roth TSP, annual contribution limits, catch-up contributions, making TSP contrib…

1
Land Loans for Texas Veterans & Military 41:31

7+ y ago41:31

41:31

On this episode of The Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge talks to a panel of Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan experts to better understand the Land Loan Program available to Veterans and military members in Texas. The panel includes Bill McLemore, Deputy Director of the Land and Housing Program, Charlotte Mumphord, Director of Loan Operations, and…

1
A Guide for Veterans to Write & Publish a Book 39:06

8y ago39:06

39:06

It's vitally important that Veterans share their own unique stories. On this episode of the Dog Tag, Matt Elledge talks with Honorèe Corder, author of You Must Write a Book. Honorèe is a writer, speaker and coach for business professionals, writers, and aspiring non-fiction authors who want to publish their own books. Honoree and Matt cover topics …

1
TMW 026: Guard & Reserve Retirement Points 45:14

8y ago45:14

45:14

Most military members know how active duty retirement works. But do you know how retirement works through the National Guard and Reserves? The Reserve retirement system is based on earning Retirement Points for your service. In this Guard & Reserve Retirement Point Guide, we discuss what Points are, how to earn them, the minimum and maximum Points …

1
After Action Review 13:44

8y ago13:44

13:44

On this tenth episode of the Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge leads us through an after action review of the first nine episodes. Whether you're currently serving in the military, transitioning out, or a Veteran already, listen to this debrief and discover the topics Matt discussed with his guests, and why they are relevant to you and your family. In…

1
TMW 025: VA Disability Claim Myths 34:59

8y ago34:59

34:59

Did you know that many military veterans don’t want to file a service-connected disability claim with the VA when they separate from active duty? There are many reasons for this, but some of them aren’t based on facts. Today we’re going to cover 12 VA Disability Claim Myths and the facts you need to know when filing a VA service-connected disabilit…

1
The Women Veterans Program at the Texas Veterans Commission 50:18

8y ago50:18

50:18

On this episode of the Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge talks with four amazing Veterans who run the Women Veterans Program at the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Women Veterans are a historically underserved segment of our our Veteran population, but this small team of Women Veterans intends to change that here in Texas. Matt and his guests discuss…

1
How The Texas Veterans Commission Serves Veterans in Texas 1:01:52

8y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

On this episode of The Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge sits down with Col. (ret.) Tom Palladino, the Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). This Texas State Agency has been serving Veterans in Texas since 1927 and has many programs for Texas Veterans, their dependents and survivors. The TVC has disability claims officers and Vete…

1
Find Your Dream Job with Hiring Our Heroes 28:41

8y ago28:41

28:41

On this episode of the Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge talks with Col. (ret.) Chuck Hodges, Senior Director of Events and Programs at Hiring Our Heroes. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched this program in March 2011, as a nationwide initiative to help Veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employmen…

1
TMW 024: Survivor Benefits Plan 34:54

8y ago34:54

34:54

The Survivor Benefit Plan provides a continued source of income for survivors of military retirees. If a military retiree elects to buy into the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), his spouse or other eligible survivor will be eligible to receive 55% of the retiree’s retirement pay after the retiree passes away. This can provide ongoing income and stabili…

1
U.S. Army's Soldier for Life Program 37:51

8y ago37:51

37:51

The best time to prepare for your post-service career is before you leave the military. On this episode of the Dog Tag, our host, Matt Elledge, talks with Charlie Green, Director of Human Resources on Fort Hood, about the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program and the Army Career Skills Program. Both programs were initiated under the Vetera…

1
TMW 023: Hale Koa Hotel & Resort in Hawaii 43:36

8y ago43:36

43:36

My family and I just returned from an amazing family vacation on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where we stayed at the Hale Koa, an Armed Forces Recreation Center located in the Waikiki Beach area of Honolulu. The Hale Koa is one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers around the world run by the Army. AFRCs are resorts that were built for the milita…

1
How to be Successful in Your First Year as a Veteran 38:55

8y ago38:55

38:55

In this pilot episode of the Dog Tag, subject matter experts from the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) come together for a round table discussion about your first year out of the military. Transitioning out of the military can be a bumpy ride, but the more information you have about all the benefits, resources…

1
Find Your Post-Military Career 40:13

8y ago40:13

40:13

Finding a new career after you leave the military can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider including where to live and the job market in that area, educational requirements for particular positions, the minimum income you need to support yourself and your family, and more. In this episode of the Dog Tag, our host, Matt Elledge, tal…

1
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush 26:01

8y ago26:01

26:01

On this episode of the Dog Tag, host Matt Elledge talks with George P. Bush, the 28th Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office and Chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB). Born in Houston, Texas, Commissioner Bush received his undergraduate degree from Rice University. After graduating, he taught history to at-risk students at Homestea…

1
Unlocking VA Disability Claims Part 2 57:15

8y ago57:15

57:15

In this episode of the Dog Tag, our host, Matt Elledge, and subject matter experts from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and the VLB, return to their comprehensive explanation of the VA Disability Claims process. Victor Polanco, Operations Manager, for TVC Claims Representation and Counseling, and Bill McLemore, Deputy Director of Land and Housi…

1
Unlocking VA Disability Claims Part 1 1:04:41

8y ago1:04:41

1:04:41

In this episode of the Dog Tag, our host, Matt Elledge, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) and Senior Deputy Director of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), talks with three subject matter experts from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and the VLB on the subject of VA Disability Claims. Jesus Simental, Director, and Victor Polanco, Operations Manager, for…

1
TMW 022: How Long Should You Keep Military Records? Forever. 20:01

8y ago20:01

20:01

How Long Should You Keep Military Records? Forever. Yourmilitary records are important for a variety of reasons. In thisepisode, we discuss why you need to keep excellent copies of yourmilitary records to ensure you have access to your military andveterans benefits. Simply put, no system is perfect, whether it beat the organizational level or natio…

1
TMW 021: Buy Back Military Time for Civil Service Retirement Credits 42:22

8+ y ago42:22

42:22

Did you know that military veterans who join the Civil Service or other Federal agencies are eligible to buy back their military time and apply it to their federal time? Doing so helps them earn leave at a faster rate, vest their TSP contributions more quickly, and even retire earlier. Want to learn more? Then stick around for our interview with Ed…

1
TMW 020: Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer 33:28

8+ y ago33:28

33:28

Did you know the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to your spouse or children? This podcast discusses how to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pay for your spouse or children's education. We tell you how to transfer your GI Bill benefits, and why you should do this as soon as possible. And don't worry - you can change your mind at any time w…

1
TMW 019: Starting a Business - an Interview with Todd Conner from Bunker Labs 42:07

8+ y ago42:07

42:07

Have you ever thought about starting a business? If you are like many military veterans, the answer is yes! Military veterans make good entrepreneurs for a variety of reasons. But they may have a disadvantage - they often don't know where to start. Let me introduce you to Todd Conner, a military veteran and the founder of Bunker Labs, an incubator …

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