“You Have a Cellphone?”

Counselor Louis Geiger often fields queries that come in on our Lifeline for Vets. “The toll-free number is an easy way to contact us,” he says. “but I often get calls from someone who’s driving, or can’t write anything down at the moment.”

Fine with him. He goes quickly online to research the issue to answer a question or need, then takes a screenshot. “I can send you a text message with what you need to know. What’s your cellphone number?” As easy as that the caller has something that can be referenced later. Genius.

Louis says it’s a way of helping and educating. “Once they see the source in the text message, they feel more confident about checking around online for themselves.”

Louis is a great resource because he thinks ahead of the vet and takes that extra step.