Empowering Veterans to Lead in Washington State Politics

Know Your Benefits: What Every Washington Veteran Needs to Know About VSOs

You've heard it in transition — go see a service officer, file a claim — but what does that actually mean, and where do you even start? This week, Paul sits down with his friend Todd Gruchalla, a 32-year Navy veteran and one of the most experienced Veterans Service Officer (VSO) professionals in the Western United States. Todd breaks down exactly what a VSO does, how to find one, what to bring, and — critically — who to avoid. Whether you just got out, have been out for 20 years, or are helping an elderly parent navigate the VA system, this episode is your roadmap. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN * What a VSO actually does (hint: it's a lot more than claims) * Why VSO services are 100% free * The biggest misconceptions veterans have when they walk through the door * How to start a claim the right way with an "intent to file" * What to do if your service-connected condition has gotten worse * The "claim shark" warning every veteran and family member needs to hear * How Washington state compares to the rest of the country for veteran support * The VA form every family member assisting a veteran needs to know about (VA Form 0845) KEY RESOURCES MENTIONED * Find a VSO in Washington State: https://dva.wa.gov/resourceswdva.wa.gov [http://wdva.wa.gov] — search by county, state, or VSO organization * Department of Washington VFW: https://vfwwa.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=84307vfwwa.org [http://vfwwa.org] → Resources → Service Officers * VA Form 0845: va.gov [http://va.gov] — Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party (essential for family members assisting veterans) EPISODE TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 — Welcome & intro to Todd Gruchalla * 3:46 — What is a VSO and why does it matter? * 8:26 — Biggest misconceptions veterans have walking in the door * 12:03 — What VSOs help with beyond claims: healthcare, taxes, education, housing, and more * 15:34 — County service officers and the benefits unique to Washington * 17:50 — How to prepare for your first VSO appointment * 18:44 — What is an "intent to file" and why it matters * 20:45 — Upgrading a claim when your condition has gotten worse * 22:20 — Temporary 100% rating during surgery and recovery * 23:06 — VA Form 0845: What family members need to know * 31:06 — Where to find a VSO near you ABOUT RALLY POINT: WASHINGTON Rally Point: Washington is a podcast by Washington Veterans Vote — a grassroots effort focused on advocacy and voter engagement for Washington's more than 500,000 veterans, 500,000 military and veteran family members, and 73,000+ active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel. Listen & Subscribe:  Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rally-point-washington/id1873437236] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7M1XDQyitp6LrPtqgMRaet] YouTube  [https://www.youtube.com/@waveteransvote] Website [https://www.waveterans.org/]

Empowering Veterans to Lead in Washington State Politics

In this episode of Rally Point: Washington, Andy Stevens discusses the vital role veterans can play in shaping local communities in Washington through civic service and running for public office. Whether you're a veteran considering a political start or know someone who should, this episode provides motivation, practical guidance, and resources to get involved. Key topics: * The unique leadership qualities veterans bring to public office, including decision-making under pressure and mission focus * The importance of veteran representation in local, state, and community decision-making * How nonpartisan local races can be an accessible entry point for veterans * Practical steps for veterans to consider running for office using resources from the Washington Secretary of State * The power of being asked: encouraging veterans to support peers in running for office * Washington Veterans Vote's four priorities: employment, veteran-friendly business climate, safe communities, and veteran support services * The current demographic significance of veterans and military families in Washington State Timestamps:  00:00 - Why veterans are uniquely suited for public office  00:31 - The impact of veteran leadership in politics  00:41 - Core qualities: leadership under pressure, mission focus, real-world experience, and credibility  01:07 - Enduring trust and nonpartisan advantages for veteran candidates  01:52 - Imagining local leadership from city councils to state legislatures  02:52 - Practical advice: How to run using resources from the Secretary of State  03:00 - The importance of taking action now; you are ready  03:34 - How to support fellow veterans to run for office  04:21 - Washington Veterans Vote’s mission and priorities  05:02 - The significance of veteran presence in shaping state policies  05:23 - Resources and next steps for aspiring candidates  05:48 - Closing and encouragement to stay engaged Resources & Links: * Washington Secretary of State 2026 State Candidates Guide [https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/StateCandidatesGuide2026.pdf] * Washington Public Disclosure Candidate Resources [https://www.pdc.wa.gov/registration-reporting/candidates-committees] * 2026 Elections Calendar [https://www2.sos.wa.gov/elections/calendar_list.aspx?y=2026] Connect with Washington Veterans Vote: * waveterans.org [http://waveterans.org]

8 Bills, One Short Session: What Washington State Just Passed for Veterans & Military Families

Rally Point: Washington | Episode 8 "Bills, Wins, and What's Next: The 2026 Legislative Session Breakdown" The Washington State Legislature wrapped its short session last month — and the Veterans Legislation Coalition (VLC) was in the room making sure veterans didn't get left out of the conversation. In this episode, host Paul Herrera sits down with Matt Schillingburg, Vice Chair of the VLC, to break down what actually passed, what got left on the table, and what's coming next. The VLC represents 18 veterans organizations across Washington state — advocating for half a million veterans and their families in Olympia so you don't have to go it alone. In this episode, we cover: * VAC Expansion (HB/SB 1541) — Modifies the membership makeup of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, which advises the Governor and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs * Dietary License Compact (HB 2088) — Military spouses can now transfer their dietary license when they PCS to Washington without starting from scratch * Military Code & Victim Rights (HB 2417) — Aligning Washington National Guard protections with federal UCMJ standards * Military Families Education (SB 2534) — Families can now enroll kids in school and transfer transcripts 90 days before a PCS move without a confirmed address  * Veteran Benefits Access (SB 5420) — Expanding which uniformed service corps qualify for pension, retirement, and veteran benefits in Washington * Civil Service Employment (SB 5827) — Veterans can now apply for civil service jobs with their earned preference points before separation and receiving DD-214; now only need a letter from a commander; must turn in DD-214 within 30 days of separation * Civil Air Patrol (SB 6046) — CAP is now officially under the Washington Military Department, putting a powerful disaster response tool in the governor's toolbox * Voting Services (SB 6035) — Electronic ballot access for overseas voters, voters with disabilities, and tribal members on reservations  What didn't make it: * The Global War on Terrorism Memorial  * Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans  The action this week: Know a veteran or military family who could benefit from any of these bills? Share this episode with them. Legislation shapes lives — and staying informed is how we stay in the fight. About the Veterans Legislative Coalition: The VLC is a nonpartisan coalition of 18 veterans organizations representing Washington's half million veterans, their families, and active duty personnel. They testify, advocate, and push for veterans in Olympia every session. Learn more: waveterans.org [http://waveterans.org] Rally Point: Washington is produced by Washington Veterans Vote. Find us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Healing in Nature: Veteran Reintegration & Mental Wellness | Rally Point: Washington

Explore how Cassie Glaspey, an Army veteran and founder of Mother RUCKer, utilizes nature, rucking, breathwork, and community engagement to promote healing and resilience among veterans. This episode offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and accessible outdoor activities to support mental health and reconnect with oneself outside traditional therapy. In this episode: * Cassie’s military background and how her service shaped her approach to healing * The role of rucking in physical and mental recovery, and tips for beginners * How nature-based practices like Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) restore nervous system balance * Breathing techniques and movement practices to reduce anxiety and trauma effects * Personal stories of trauma, survivor guilt, and finding purpose through community * Accessible outdoor activities for veterans on both sides of Washington state * Practical advice for families to support veterans’ mental health * The importance of reconnecting with lost parts of the soul through outdoor mindfulness Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 01:23 - Introducing Cassie Glaspey and her community-based healing approach 02:48 - Cassie’s military background and transition story 04:56 - Navigating PTSD, anxiety, and trauma after service 07:42 - Military experiences in Iraq and the impact of war on perception of home 10:12 - Survivor’s guilt and the importance of community and healing 12:44 - Why Cassie founded Mother Rucker and the power of rucking 13:37 - The physical and emotional benefits of rucking for trauma recovery 15:01 - How nature and Shinrin-yoku facilitate nervous system regulation 16:48 - Tools for hypervigilance and trauma triggers, including breathwork and movement 18:43 - Supporting veterans and families through open communication and therapy 24:04 - Practical action steps: grounding, breathing, and letting go of unhelpful beliefs 25:31 - Breathing techniques for stress, anxiety, and physical readiness 29:14 - Outdoor organizations and events for veteran engagement Links: * Mother Rucker [http://www.keeponruckin.org] — Connect with Cassie and her community healing programs * Outdoors for Our Heroes [https://outdoorsforourheroes.org/] — Outdoor adventures for disabled veterans * Heroes Homestead [https://www.heroeshomestead.org/] — Veteran outdoor mentorship and events * Irreverent Warriors Spokane Chapter [https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/Spokane] — Veteran hiking events and community gatherings Get outside and engage in a simple ruck, walk, or mindfulness walk in nature — whether in your neighborhood, park, or trail to ground, restore, and reconnect. Remember: Your mental health toolkit is accessible everywhere.

The Next Mission: Empowering Washington Veterans Through Community & Connection w/ A Hero's Promise

Summary: This episode features a candid discussion with Alan Acosta, Army veteran and executive director at A Hero's Promise, about supporting veterans and military families through community programs and volunteerism opportunities to connect veterans with the community. We explore veteran transition challenges, community engagement, and innovative programs making a difference in Washington state.  Chapters: 00:38 - Alan Acosta’s background and transition story from military to nonprofit work  01:34 - Veterans’ ongoing desire to serve through community projects  02:29 - Introduction to A Hero’s Promise and its mission in Washington state  03:29 - Alan’s military career and transition experiences  04:54 - Challenges during military-to-civilian transition and personal healing journey  08:13 - The importance of community engagement and mental health support  12:01 - Origin of A Hero’s Promise  13:24 - Programs offered by Heroes Promise: education, outdoor activities, emergency response  17:34 - Fish and wildlife program details and community impact  20:02 - A Hero’s Promise’s emergency management initiatives and veteran involvement  21:55 - How veterans can get involved through volunteering and skill-sharing  23:48 - Advice for veterans seeking purpose post-service and exploring new opportunities  30:48 - Resources for mental health and suicide prevention: LEARN Saves Lives, PAUSE Lethal Means Safely, Combatting Stigma, Veterans Crisis Line  35:08 - Legislative highlight: Global War on Terror Memorial at the Washington State Capitol  39:08 - Summary of suicide prevention programs and trainings available through Washington VA  40:38 - The importance of knowing and sharing crisis resources like 988 and online support  41:32 - Action of the week: volunteer locally, mentor, or support veteran organizations  Resources & Links: * A Hero's Promise [https://www.aherospromise.org] * A Hero’s Promise Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/AHerospromiseofficial/] * Washington Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention programs [https://www.dva.wa.gov/sp#training-registration] * Veterans Crisis Line [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/] – Dial 988 then press 1 * Washington Legislature House Bill 2514 (Global War on Terror Memorial) [https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2514&Year=2023] Sign up for our email list at waveterans.org [http://waveterans.org] to be the first to know about new episodes. Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote [http://www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote]    www.instagram.com/waveteransvote [http://www.instagram.com/waveteransvote]   www.x.com/WAVetsVote [http://www.x.com/WAVetsVote]