“If you are going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
These are some of the veteran services I’ve come across in the last couple of years, some that I use now. I’ll continue to update the list as I go.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The mission statement of Veterans Affairs is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans. Most of the news you hear about the VA is negative. I’m sure you’ve heard a news story or two about their bad service or staff. God knows I ran into it myself when I lived in Charlotte. But that’s not the rule, it’s the exception. I have no complaints of the service I’ve received from the JACC Pensacola. The doctors, nurses, specialists, and staff are nothing short of amazing. If you’ve had a bad experience with the VA, don’t let that deter you from receiving the help that you earned.
Veterans Crisis Line
Utilize this resource if you’re in crisis mode, and you need to speak to someone right away. The responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Some of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what you and your family have been through. You are not alone.
Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is available.
Disabled American Veterans
Mission Statement: We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses, and their orphans before Congress, the White House, and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.
- DAV’s mission of hope is extended into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level departments and local chapters.
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through various volunteer programs.
USAA
My family and I have used this great resource for a long time. USAA is an insurance, banking, home loan, investing, and life planning powerhouse. Their services are only open to veterans, and their immediate families, and the rates are exceptionally good. Look into USAA; it could change your entire financial situation for the better!
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mission Statement: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
The Mesothelioma Center
Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships because of its resistance to fire. Veterans who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma even qualify for special benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Check out this educational guide for more information.
Coalition for Homeless Veterans
If you are a homeless veteran or a veteran at risk of becoming homeless, these pages provide information that you can use to seek help. They include addresses, phone numbers, and websites to find out about services, programs, and other available help. Keep in mind that these pages do not include all services offered. What is available in one area may differ from what is available in another, so be sure to check with local agencies to learn about services in your area.
Real Warriors Campaign
The Real Warriors Campaign is a multimedia public awareness campaign through the Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) to promote psychological health, reduce the stigma of psychological health concerns, and encourage help-seeking behavior for service members, veterans, and their families.
PHCoE’s mission is to improve the lives of our nation’s service members, veterans, and families by advancing excellence in psychological health care and the prevention of psychological health disorders.
PHCoE collaborates across the Defense Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, and other agencies to provide leadership and expertise, inform policy, and drive improvements in psychological health outcomes.
Mesothelioma Veterans Center
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center provides information about treatment, clinical trials, and VA benefits to veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. We’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of veterans pursue compensation after developing mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer from their asbestos exposure in the military.
The Recovery Village
At The Recovery Village, we believe that long-lasting sobriety begins with a full continuum of care. That means our drug treatment programs are comprehensive and progressive, with each stage of treatment building on one another for a thorough approach to recovery. If you are looking for the best drug treatment available, we have the resources to help you from start to finish of your treatment.
Consumer Advocate / VA Loan
Between 2011 and 2016, the VA reported that only 6% of veterans made use of VA Loans. Over the years, VA Loans have developed the wrongful reputation of being a hassle to avoid. While veterans need to qualify both with the VA and a lender, these loans often come with much lower credit minimums and higher debt-to-income maximums, can be qualified for multiple times in a veteran’s life, and are a sensible way for young veterans to approach home ownership. ConsumersAdvocate.org, an organization dedicated to making decisions easy, offers this in-depth guide to begin research on VA Loans.
The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health
Located in the heart of South Florida, The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health provides a personalized approach to drug and alcohol addiction. With evidence-based treatment, individual therapy, and recreational amenities, each client is empowered to heal through customized care. Expert clinical and medical staff offer support during each stage of the process as clients learn and apply new skills for lasting recovery. Find the service and treatment you deserve at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health.