The Dog Tag

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 Loan Officer Marcia Boyer of Gateway Mortgage Group, as well as Kim Mangum, Loan Origination Manager for the VLB Veterans Land & Housing Program. After you’ve established your credit score and calculated how much house you can afford, the next step in the home buying process is finding a good mortgage lender who can help you pre-qualify for a home mortgage. On this episode you can find out how the VA Home Loan Guaranty works, what kind of documents you initially need to provide the lender and how an experienced real estate professional is essential to help you find the perfect home that fits your budget. The information and advice in this episode can help you take the right steps to becoming a homeowner.

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 Mortgage Group, and Kim Mangum, Loan Origination Manager for the VLB Veterans Land & Housing Program. Buying a home can be a very intimidating process, especially if it’s your first time, so we’re going to break it down with some of the most knowledgeable real estate people we know. On this first podcast we’ll cover the first two subjects related to buying a new home: credit scores and budgeting. We’ll discuss what credit is, why it’s important and how to obtain it. We’ll also go over how to read your credit report and fix any incorrect items, so you can raise your credit score. We’ll also talk about how to budget for a home including how to calculate your desired monthly payment. We’ll get into down payments, closing costs, housing-related expenses, loan terms and much more.

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 they need. Matt and Terry discuss the mission of this unique program, how it’s funded, and what kind of legal services they provide to Military Members, Veterans and their family members in Texas. The attorneys who volunteer for TLTV provide legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues including VA disability claims, family law, criminal matters, real estate and tax law, and much more. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Find more episodes at TexasVeteransPodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 College Credit for Heroes. Matt, Dale and Jeff discuss how to find a Workforce Solutions Office in your area and connect with a Veteran Resource & Referral Specialist. You’ll learn how to register as a job seeker on the Work In Texas website and what special priority status is afforded to Veterans looking for work. Whether you’re planning your transition from the military, or you’ve already left, listen to this podcast and let the Texas Workforce Commission help you find a career that’s right for you. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at texasveteranspodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Matt, John and Kathy discuss the origin of these special homes, eligibility requirements, associated costs, quality of life and much more. John Berkely, a Navy Veteran with 23 years of experience in long-term care administration, took on the role of Deputy Director for the Texas State Veterans Homes at the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) on Monday, May 12, 2014. Kathy joined the Texas Veterans Land Board in 2015 and has almost 20 years of experience in the field of long-term care. Her father was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served in both Korea and Vietnam and she is also the spouse of a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Kathy, and her colleague, Sara Rodriguez, a registered nurse who also works for the Texas State Veterans Homes, developed and teach the Post-Traumatic Stress Program to every staff member at all eight Texas State Veterans Homes. The VLB is extremely fortunate to have these very compassionate and dedicated people on our team serving Texas Veterans!

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-approval online, select a contractor and which projects are eligible. These loans are available to Veterans, Military Members and eligible spouses in Texas. Charlotte Mumphord has served Texas Veterans and Military Members in Texas for 32 years at the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), helping them realize their dream of owning their own little piece of Texas. Before Bill McLemore retired from the U.S. Army in April 1986, he deployed on four combat tours — three in Vietnam and one in the Dominican Republic. After leaving the Army, Bill worked as the Travis County Veterans Service Officer until 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed him to the position of Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served until 2008. From 2008 to 2013 he served as a Senior Staff Advisor and Veteran Advocate to the Director of the VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network. In 2013 Bill joined the Texas Veterans Land Board. We are very proud to have these two hardworking, dedicated individuals on board serving Texas Veterans and Military Members. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at texasveteranspodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 of our respect for the men and women who have served our nation with distinction. Matt, Eric and Doug talk about the history of these cemeteries and discuss eligibility, costs, burial options and much more. Eric Brown served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years and in 2012 joined the Texas Veterans Land Board. Doug Gault served in the U.S. Army for 30 years as a Combat Engineer, deploying three times during Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Find more episodes at TexasVeteransPodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 Commission since 2008 and assists Women Veterans with their health care needs. Matt and Pam dive deep into the issues that affect Women Veterans' physical and mental well-being including maternity care, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and more. If you are a Woman Veteran, or know one, please listen to this podcast and find detailed insights about health care for the brave women who have served in our nation's military forces. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 face when seeking employment including child care and homelessness. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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-military careers. Martin and Matt cover the whole spectrum including how to prepare for a hiring fair, what to do and not do at the hiring fair, and how to follow up with recruiters after the hiring fair. Looking for a job is a full time job, but don't let that discourage you. You already have the skills and training to prepare for any mission and this is no different. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 Bills, as well as education benefits for vocational and on-the-job training. Don't let these often confusing and complex processes keep you from furthering your education. These are some of the most valuable benefits you've earned through your service, so don't leave them behind. Going to college, or learning a trade, will change the quality of your life for the better. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 Kim Mangum, Manager of Loan Origination. Buying your own little piece of Texas can sometimes seem like an unattainable dream, but Matt and his team will walk you through the land loan process step by step. They cover everything including how to get pre-approved for a land loan, where to begin your search for land and how the loan process unfolds. *Special Note: After this podcast was recorded the land loan limit wasraised to $150,000. All other rules and guidelines still apply.* The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 including why and how you should write a book, who you should write the book for, and tips on how to self-publish your book. "Please do tell your story," says Honorèe, "Because we won't continue to have the next generation of people who grow up and serve, if you don't tell your story—if you don't tell us what it's really like and why it's so important for us to be patriotic. If we don't continue to have people that stand up and serve, we won't have anything left to protect." The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 the episodes to come, we'll dive deeper into issues pertaining to women Veterans and employment programs. We'll also cover education benefits, how to manage your finances, and the VLB Land, Home and Home Improvement Loan Programs. We encourage all our listeners to reach out and let us know if there is a specific topic you would like us to cover. You can contact us via Facebook, Twitter, email or phone. Listen to the Dog Tag on iTunes, and rate and review us—we welcome your feedback. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 topics including underemployment, homeless Women Veterans, filing VA Disability Claims for military sexual trauma, and much more. Anna Baker, the Women Veterans Program Manager, served as an interpreter in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Pam Maercklein, the Women Veterans Health Care Advisor, served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan, Germany and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Julie Puzan, the Women Veterans Employment Coordinator, served six years in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Loader on the B-2 Bomber. Carrie Sconza, the Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator, served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy Veteran and retired as a Navy Career Counselor. Stay tuned for future podcasts where we'll dive deeper into each of these subjects with the Women Veterans Program. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 Veteran representatives in VA hospitals across the state. They have employment services to help Veterans and their spouses find jobs, and an incredible entrepreneur program dedicated to helping Veterans realize their dream of running their own business. The TVC also runs the Military Veteran Peer Network which provides peer-to-peer counseling and the Women Veterans Program, that offers women Veterans traditional assistance with VA health care, disability claims, and employment and education benefits, as well as specialized services like assistance with VA maternity care and counseling for military sexual trauma. The TVC also provides grants to Veteran Service Organizations that provide direct services to Texas Veterans and their families. While the TVC serves a vast population spread across this great state, they remain focused on their mission and are passionate about the services they provide. "I could think of no other way to spend my foreseeable future than to help Veterans," says Tom Palladino. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 employment opportunities. Over 500,000 Veterans and military spouses have been hired thus far. Chuck Hodges is a 26 year Army Veteran and was Garrison Commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2012 to 2015. He always encourages everyone to prepare for an HOH Hiring Event, and visit each and every table during the event. "You've done military operations your entire career and you never went on an objective without doing proper reconnaissance ahead of time. If you're interested in a certain company, or certain area of the country, do your research—get on their website, LinkedIn and Facebook pages," Hodges says. “Don’t rule out a company. They need people from across the spectrum.” The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act to help the men and women who served our nation find success in today's highly competitive job market. The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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 and programs available to you as a Veteran, the smoother it will be. Topics will include organizations who offer assistance to military members and Veterans; VA health care and disability claims; medical service records; exit strategies, and more. In future podcasts, we’ll dive deep into each of these subjects individually and share detailed information to help you navigate these often turbulent waters. “I had no idea how strong the Veteran community was until I got out of the military,” said Eric Brown, VLB Deputy Director of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. “I can say for a fact, that every step of the way during my transition, there was a Veteran standing there waiting to help me along the way and often times it takes a Veteran to help a Veteran.” The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1-800-252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!

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, talks about employment opportunities for Veterans with Stan Kurtz, Director of Veterans Employment Services, and Shawn Deabay, Director of Program Operations at the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). They will discuss the importance of having a plan and understanding your career goals, so you can find an organization that's a good fit for you. Whether you're still serving in the military, or you've been a Veteran for a while, it's never too early, or too late, to start thinking about your post-military career! The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at medium.com/the-dog-tag. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!