VDA Seminar - "Conquering Debt: A Shared Mission" | Chicago, IL · June 28, 2026
VDA Strategic Advisors Lead Financial Wellness Session at DoD's Yellow Ribbon Program in Chicago
VDA Strategic Advisors Angel Torres and Steve Parker recently led a financial wellness session during the Department of Defense's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) and Returning Warrior Workshop (RWW) in Chicago.
Their presentation, Conquering Debt: A Shared Mission, is part of an educational program that Veteran Debt Assistance (VDA) is delivering nationwide to promote financial wellness and debt management within the veteran community.
Meeting Families Where They Are
For the VDA team, the chance to make a difference is what drives the work. "The purpose of the Returning Warrior Workshop is to provide Navy Reservists and their spouses with tools to reconnect, learn to improve financial competency, communication skills and support their spiritual wellness, in a relaxed setting," Torres said. "Couples struggle to discuss finances and debt. This is where VDA provides value and is proud to partner with these patriots."
A key strength of the program is that its facilitators have served themselves. According to Navy Reserve Warrior Family Support Specialist Mr. Shannon Heberling (USN, ret.), "Having VDA's subject matter experts, who have actually worn the uniform, provides a unique insight into what works financially for our attendees. Each one of the facilitators knows what these families are going through. We are grateful to have VDA as a partner and look forward to expanding this program to provide this resource, nationally."
Supporting Service Members Beyond Deployment
The YRRP and RWW mission is to connect National Guard and Reserve members and their families with valuable resources before, during, and after deployment, ensuring service members have the support they need to successfully navigate life beyond deployment.
At Veteran Debt Assistance, the commitment is to bring vital financial education directly to the military community, recognizing that it is more than just the service member who needs help. The team does this one conversation, one presentation, and one life at a time.
