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VA Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program
Author: Michael J Lohman

VA Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Michael J Lohman

The twenty-first day of April will always be a somber day for me, perhaps for some of you, too. Roland Heaton may have left us, but he is now together with Sharon Doig and many others who served this nation and are honored at our Fort Harrison Cemetery.

The moment I hear a lawnmower, images of the man inhabit my heart and soul, and indeed, I have heard some recently. His kind soul encouraged me to add a little more to my initial 12/5/2025 Letter to the Editor submission - not to mention a nearby neighbor mowing their lawn.

The VA Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) for veterans is still very much alive at Fort Harrison (406) 447-6000 [Mental Health] and (406) 442-6410 [Main phone number].

It was good to have a refresher course. However, to say that it took me away from a place that I hate getting trapped in would be wrong. This isn't about me, but "for" my brothers and sisters who may need help. I have some things to add to the post I didn’t mention earlier.

I forgot to mention that veterans may go there as many times as they feel is necessary to deal with their issues. My “after treatment care” from the Helena Vet Center (406) 457-8060 helps me, and it could help other veterans as well as those who may not need an intensive residential program. Remember also, there's an excellent substance abuse recovery program (SUDS).

If there are questions about benefits, there's someone else you need to contact. You will need to call the Veteran Service Office at Fort Harrison.

They are located in the Administrative Office on post. Currently, that number is (406) 495-2080 and the point of contact is Breanna Richardson, who, coincidentally, comes down to the American Legion every second Wednesday of the month from 12 pm to 2 pm. She can give you more information about that; she's trained extremely well and the information is current.

If you cannot secure a ride, transportation to the hospital can be arranged by the Disabled American Veterans DAV: (406) 447-7760, or by a fairly new group, 'Great Plains Veterans Services Centers’ (406) 519-0401. Either group can get you there.

If you know of a veteran whose life may benefit from the programs at Ft. Harrison, by all means, please give them the (406) 442-6410 number; it’s where they start. You could make an impact on their living or their "just existing".

Michael Lohman

Townsend, MT