Once We Serve, We Always Serve
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 8, 2018
When I made the decision to enlist in the Army, I knew it was a lifetime commitment, whether I was in uniform or not. Once we serve, we always serve.
The esprit de corps of the military— integrity, fellowship, and loyalty — is resolute in the veteran community. The core elements — commitment to country, service to others, looking out for one another — are deep-seated. When I moved on with my career, the creed to serve manifested differently. For the last 25 years, I have served with the federal government, always with agencies that share that commitment, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Veterans Affairs, and Social Security. I try to reinforce my commitment in everything I do, especially as I champion veterans’ causes in my work in the Social Security disability program.
Social Security shares the same values and a commitment to be there throughout life’s journey. We are committed to providing high quality and timely service in support of our veterans and their families to help them secure today and tomorrow.
At Social Security, it’s important for us to be there for those who have bravely served our country not only through our benefit programs, but also through our targeted outreach initiatives, expedited processes, recruitment efforts, and collaborations with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
We partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs to electronically exchange thousands of medical records in order to better serve our veterans. We expedite our decisions at all levels of review for wounded warriors and veterans who have a 100 percent “permanent and total” VA rating. These efforts are vital. They allowed us to help a wounded warrior with terminal cancer receive her benefits within a week. They were also critical in getting expedited retroactive benefits to the families of twelve marines who died when their helicopters collided.
Social Security also has a commitment to hiring our veterans by using the special hiring authorities designed specifically for veterans. We maintain our level of service to them and provide resources within the agency to help them to continue leading and improving. We have many diverse career fields available.
As America observes Veterans’ Day this year, my husband, Dale, an Air Force veteran, and I will be joining our family members, Cali, Lexi, and Owen, and their classmates for their Veterans’ Day celebration. We’ll be talking about our experiences and the importance of service to our up-and-coming generation.
Join us in honoring our fellow service members and veterans by sharing our resources with your family and friends to support veterans in your community.
Gina Clemons is the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Disability Policy. She is an Army veteran and has over six years of service at Social Security.
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Tags: Medicaid, Medicare, veterans
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Gina Clemons, Associate Commissioner, Office of Disability Policy
Gina Clemons, Associate Commissioner, Office of Disability Policy
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Jamie A.
I would like to ask about filing a complaint on a DDS worker who has lied to me saying that SSDI will not allow me to obtain my own records and then after 6 month of waiting for so called paperwork I find out she never requested them just put that she was unable to obtain them. I called a a SSDI work said that I could provide my own records and she called DDS worker and now it seems that she is obtaining them again and when called the DDS work about me getting them and again she says I would rather get it from the provider directly so I know they are not false documents…. And when wanting to file a complaint on this DDS worker was told SSDI only funds this agency but they are state workers so we can’t do anything . How do you file on this worker she is not doing what she is paid to do. AND MISS LEADING APPLICANTS AND DENYING THEM THEIR RIGHTS.
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Steve
I was born on 01Jan1947. On 01 Jul 2000, I retired from the USAF.
The VA rated me 100% P&T
Recently, I learned I can opt out of Medicare because I am rated 100% P&T. If I opt out, how does this affect my spouses Tricare For Life benefits?
Sufia A.
How to schedule an appointment in McKinney, Texas for my social security benefits ?
Vonda V.
Hi Sufia, thank you for your question. Keep in mind that you can apply for most Social Security benefits right online, without needing an appointment. You can apply for Social Security retirement, spouses, disability and Medicare all online.
If you are unable to file online or encounter a problem, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and a representative will assist you.
EDGAR H.
I,ve been retire now for about three year, but recently found some papers from ssa, that should my years of Gov. service and the years of earning they relied on too determan my monthly payments; To my surprise, I notice they had missed 3 years that i had been working fulltime. So what do I to get reevaluated.
Jose T.
Great complement for those retiring!!!! Thanks.
Gretchen S.
I haven’t applied for ssn. Due to TBI I need Help in with the paperwork filing. I am 67 yrs old. Suppose to have applied last yr but my court appointed guardian didn’t do it along with other crucial matters.
Gerald H.
Thank you for your service.
Philip W.
Thank you for your service. try to pray daily for the safety of our troops. Myself I spent 20+ years in the Indiana National Guard and am now drawing a pension. Thanks again.
Lesly F.
Thanks Mrs veteran i will get hope.