Active Military and Veterans Services.
It’s estimated that within King County there are 127,000 veterans who have served the U.S. Military. Of these, 20,000 veterans have likely experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Based on national trends, there may be as many as 12,000 of those who are reluctant to seek treatment or support. There are also many thousands of veterans who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and/or unemployment. Additionally, every year up to a thousand veterans return home to King County and face significant transitional challenges due to unemployment and/or serious disabilities.
Active Military and Veterans Services at Valley Cities exists to extend services to these veterans and their family members by offering a unique two-pronged approach:
Veteran Navigators
Army veterans Josh Jones and Victor Wong are available to help King County veterans to navigate through the sometimes confusing maze of available local resources. This assistance often includes helping them obtain their DD-214 (proof of having served in the military) and applying for benefits with VA Puget Sound. As needed, they can also help with housing, financial benefits, medical benefits, employment, upgrading discharge, education or other specific issues.
Veteran Therapists
Navy veterans Bob Wilson and Starr Lehnus are available to provide military culturally sensitive therapy to veterans.
Eligibility Criteria
Clients who have served in any branch of the United States Military and have been given an Honorable, Medical, or General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge. Current spouses or dependent children may also be eligible. The Navigators will help determine eligibility based on individual circumstances.
All services are free to eligible veterans, active duty, National Guard, army reservists, and their family members.
For more information or to begin services with the Veterans team,Call (866) 326-5520
Veterans Program Staff
Army veterans Josh Jones and Victor Wong are available to help King County veterans to navigate through the sometimes confusing maze of available local resources. This assistance often includes helping them obtain their DD-214 (proof of having served in the military) and applying for benefits with VA Puget Sound. As needed, they can also help with housing, financial benefits, medical benefits, employment, upgrading discharge, education or other specific issues.
Navy veterans Bob Wilson and Starr Lehnus are available to provide military culturally sensitive therapy to veterans.
Robert Wilson, LMHC, CDP
Robert is a retired U.S Navy Chief Petty Officer and a veteran of Desert Storm. Prior to joining this team, he worked as a school counselor, case manager, chemical dependency counselor, and court clinician at King County Regional Veterans Court and Seattle Veterans Court.
Starr Lehnus, LICSW, CDP
Starr is a U.S. Navy veteran. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a legal secretary, mental health therapist and Chemical Dependency Professional. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Washington School of Social Work.
Joshua Jones
Joshua is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom having served honorably in the U.S. Army from 2010-2014. During this time, he served in multiple leadership roles and other positions including Preventative Medicine Specialist, Combat LifeSaver, Instructor, Chemical Defense Trainer, Unit Resiliency Trainer, and Industrial Hygienist. He last served at the 62nd Med Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Helpful Links
- Review other support services available at Valley Cities.
- Get an overview of our healthcare programs.
- Learn more about us and our health care philosophy.
- Find out how you can support our work.
This program received funding from the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy.