A veteran is any person who has served in the US Armed Forces during a time of war or a time of peace. This can include the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Coast Guard or the National Guard. Veterans, whether they served in a combat zone or not, have all given a portion of their lives to the protection and service of their country. They, and their families, willing signed up to make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens, and many have suffered physical and mental repercussions because of it and many have lost their lives. Because of this, the US Government has several programs in place to help them with life after the military.
Government Websites For Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs – This website provides comprehensive information for everything that the US government offers to its veterans.
Veteran History Project – A website dedicated to the history of veterans of every war.
Veterans Business Programs – Provides information on the aid available from the US government to help veterans start their own business.
Veterans Issues – Provides information on current issues facing veterans and the White House’s plans to further aid these veterans.
Transitioning Veterans – The US Department of Labor provides information via this website for veterans about how to transition from the military to the civilian workforce.
Veteran Organizations
American Cold War Vets – This website provides support and information for veterans of the Cold War.
National Veteran Owned Business Association – Provides support and information, including how to start a business, for veterans who own their own business or run a business.
Hope for Veterans – A group that provides support and encouragement for veterans.
Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans – A group that protects the rights of veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Paralyzed Veterans of America – This group provides information, support, and pushes for legal protection of veterans who were paralyzed in the line of duty.
Veterans for Peace – This group is made up of veterans who oppose war.
Vietnam Veterans of America – A group that provides information and resources for veterans of the Vietnam War.
Veterans of Foreign Wars – A veterans organization that provides benefits such as reduced health care and discounts to major retailers with membership.
Wounded Warrior Project – A non-profit organization that collects donations and runs charity drives to help veterans who were wounded in the line of duty.
Swords to Plowshares – An organization that aids veterans and their families with employment issues.
VETPAC – A political action committee that aims to protect the rights of US veterans.
Veterans Campaign – An organization that specializes in preparing veterans to run for public office.
Service Members Legal Defense Network – An organization dedicated to helping veterans who were affected by the don t ask, don t tell policy.
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association – A group dedicated to providing information and aid to veterans who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Military Officers Association of America – A group made up of veteran officers of the military.
Herobox – An organization that provides care packages to active duty military in war zones and provides helps to veterans once they return home.
Disabled American Veterans – A group made up of disabled veterans that provides support and resources to those who were wounded during service.
Marine Corp League – An organization for veterans of the US Marine Corps.
American Veterans – Provides information and resources concerning government and private organization aid to veterans.
American Ex-POWS – A support group for veterans who were prisoners of war.
Veteran Benefits and Services
The US Government offers several services and benefits to military veterans. The most notable of these is paying for college tuition through the GI Bill. Any veteran who has a honorable discharge from the military is typically eligible to have most or all of their college tuition covered, as well as a living stipend. The Government also provides disabled veterans with a program known as Vocational Rehabilitation, which aids veterans in refining their job skills to meet today s market. Outside of education, the Government also provides pension plans as well as a VA loan for mortgages. While the government does not handle the loan process, they do provide banks with a guarantee letter, which often allows military members with a chance of receiving a better interest rate on their mortgage and little to no down-payment. The US Government also provides monthly payments to disabled veterans based on a portion of their monthly salary while in the armed forces.
Veteran Benefits Overview – Provides a basic outline of the benefits available to veterans.
Veteran Pension – Details the different types of pensions available to veterans.
Benefit Finder – An online tool provided by the US government to determine what benefits a veteran is eligible for.
VA Loans – Provides information on VA loans and how they work.
GI Bill – Information concerning the different educational benefits that veterans may be eligible for.
Veteran Disability – Provides an overview of the compensation available to disabled veterans.
Vocational Rehabilitation – Describes the benefits veterans may be eligible for to help them reenter the civilian workforce.
Survivor Benefits – Provides an overview of the three different types of survivor benefits available to veterans and their families.
ETX Veteran’s Resource Center – Longview, Tx
Lonestar Military Resource Center – Jacksonville, Tx
Veterans Health and Well-Being
Due to the nature of military service, many veterans face mild to severe health issues following discharge. This can include any injuries sustained during their service as well as several mental health issues caused by seeing combat. The Government provides several mental health counseling services to these veterans, and disabled veterans are eligible to utilize any of the hundreds of Veteran Medical Centers run by the US Government. Many veterans are also eligible for reduced cost health insurance through the military provider TriCARE. The Government also tracks any potential health issues during periods of service, and may later compensate veterans for potential health issues that may be connected to their service location. An example of this would be compensation for exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange. The health of veterans is of the utmost concern to the US, and there are several programs in place to help them.
Veteran and Military Health – Provides information on the possible health issues facing veterans.
Veteran Health – Describes the Center for Disease Control works to protect the health of active duty service members and veterans.
Veterans and Suicide – An organization dedicated to helping veterans who are entertaining thoughts of suicide and their families.
Tricare – The reduced cost, full coverage health insurance that many veterans are eligible for.