First and foremost, we want to thank Paul Rieckhoff and his team at IAVA for reminding Americans that caring for our troops is a non-partisan moral obligation. Most of the content below can be found at their website, www.iava.org.

"I am proud of my service. I am American to the core: My blood is red, my bones are white and my eyes are blue. Political party does not matter. "

- Todd Bowers, IAVA Director of Government Affairs

Join IAVA

Are you an a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan? If so, then you can join IAVA now. Membership is free, and you'll be linked in on the latest resources, local events, IAVA campaigns and news for and about veterans. To join IAVA, click here.

Find a Veterans Service Officer

Looking for help with your VA claim? Many organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, VVA, DAV, and AmVets can provide you with a Veterans Service Officer. Veterans Service Officers will give you free advice and guidance about filing your claims. Click on one of the links below to find a VSO in your area. The following links to find a Veterans Service Office are pdf files. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view these files. You can download a free copy here.

Veterans of Foreign Wars pdf
American Legion pdf
Disabled American Veterans pdf

Additional Links

Vets 4 Vets
HBO War Documentary
ACVOW.ORG
Warrior Foundation

Other Resources

Below are links to additional resources

General Resources
Health
Mental Health
Employment
Housing
Legal Assistance
Military Families
Women’s Issues
Resources in Your Neighborhood

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General

The Department of Veterans Affairs
Find out about health and education benefits, employment assistance, home loans, life insurance, pensions, and memorial services for veterans. Plus special information for minorities and women in the military, and services for homeless and disabled vets. You can read the official guide to your benefits here.

The American Legion
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans' organization. A community-service organization, The American Legion now numbers nearly 3 million members in nearly 15,000 Posts worldwide. Among the resources offered are military family support and service assistance resources.

National Veterans Foundation
Call their national hotline for veterans seeking resource referral, benefits information, or emotional support: 1-888-777-4443.

Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has a rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects. From providing free phone cards to our nation's active-duty military personnel to raising money for the World War II memorial, the VFW is there, "honoring the dead by helping the living."

Vietnam Veterans of America
Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA is organized as a not-for-profit corporation and is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

AMVETS
Offers free counseling and claims assistance for honorably discharged veterans and dependants. For almost 60 years, AMVETS has provided service and support to America's veterans and their communities.

Blinded Veterans Association
Through service programs, groups, and benefits, BVA promotes the welfare of blinded veterans.

National Gulf War Resource Center
The National Gulf War Resource Center is an international coalition of advocates and organizations providing a resource for information, support, and referrals for all those concerned with the complexities of Persian Gulf War issues, especially Gulf War illnesses and those held prisoner or missing in action.

Veterans Service Organization Directory
Check the VA directory for a complete listing of veterans organizations chartered by Congress and/or recognized by the VA for claim representation.

Iraq War Veterans Organization
The Iraq War Veterans Organization website has links to information about Veterans Administration health care, readjustment after deployment, education, employment, military discounts, PTSD issues, support-chat forums, family support and deployment information.

VA Watchdog dot Org
A comprehensive website that provides updated news as well as information about VA benefits, health resources and political action.

Stand Up For Veterans
Stand Up For Veterans is a special advocacy campaign of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Its purpose is to generate greater public awareness and support for strengthening federal policies that provide assistance to disabled veterans.

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Health

National Center for PTSD
US Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD offers a variety of programs as well as resources for education. They publish numerous journals and answer questions concerning PTSD. The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to provide social services and care to veterans suffering from PTSD and other stress-related disorders.

Mental Health Self-Assessment Program
A free, voluntary and anonymous mental health and alcohol-screening program for military personnel and their families. Funded by the Department of Defense Office of Health Affairs and coordinated by Screening For Mental Health, Inc.

TRICARE
Find out more about the military health system.

NGWRC's Self Help Guide
Great information for those suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, or anyone attempting to file a claim with the VA or Social Security.

Disabled American Veterans
Formed in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932, the million-member DAV is the official voice of America's service-connected disabled veterans -- a strong, insistent voice that represents all of America's 2.1 million disabled veterans, their families and survivors. Its nationwide network of services -- free of charge to all veterans and members of their families -- is totally supported by membership dues and contributions from the American public. Not a government agency, the DAV's national organization receives no government funds.

Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation's greatest citizens. The Project seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots around the world.

Veterans Eye Care
Launched by the nation's largest group of Eye M.D.s, VeteransEyeCare.com is a website dedicated to providing quality eye care information and resources for U.S. Veterans.

Amputee Coalition of America
This organization, in conjuction with the National Limb Loss Information Center, provides resources for people with limb loss. On their website, you can find parity information for your state, as well as an online support group and a listing for support groups in your area.

Blinded Veterans Association
If you are a blind or visually impaired veteran, if you are a relative or a friend or if you just want to get involved, write, email or give us a call. We are the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), an organization specifically established to promote the welfare of blinded veterans. We are here to help veterans and their families meet the challenges of blindness.

Paralyzed Veterans of America
The PVA Veterans Benefits Department (VBD) provides assistance and representation before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), without charge, to veterans with spinal cord injury or dysfunction, and their eligible dependents. We assist clients with applying for health care, as well as other benefits they may be entitled to.

Lariam Action USA
Lariam Action is an information and support service for people who have questions about the effects of the antimalaria drug Lariam® (mefloquine).

The Military Vaccine Education Center
The Military Vaccine Education Center provides an overview of the anthrax vaccine, the latest news, support groups, health care tips, medical and legal resources, and more for those who are concerned about the military's mandatory bioterrorism vaccines, including the anthrax vaccine. Significant questions have been raised about the effectiveness and necessity of the anthrax vaccine.Reactions to the vaccine include rashes, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, fever, and nausea. With the anthrax vaccine now declared illegal, they work to prevent any further use of Investigational New Drugs on our troops without their informed consent, and continue to help the ill and those who have refused the vaccines.

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Mental Health

Veterans and Families
Veterans and Families is a national non-profit community service and support organization, founded and directed by veterans, parents, grandparents, family members, employers, mental health professionals,academics and community leaders.

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The National Center for PTSD is a part of the VA that works to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. Their website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.

Give An Hour
Give An Hour is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a national network of volunteers to respond to acute and chronic needs within our society. They are currently establishing a national network of mental health professionals and reaching out to their first target population, the U.S. troops and families affected by the current military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

PTSD Alliance
"Vets Helping Vets": PTSD Alliance works with all people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, including military veterans.

PTSD HelpNet
A practical guide and resource for the Troops, Vets, and their families, who are affected by this pervasive problem. Along with information about PTSD, the site offers tips on navigating the VA and seeking professional treatment.

Vet Centers
Vet Centers are small community organizations managed by the VA and dedicated to providing counseling for combat veterans from combat veterans.

VVA's PTSD Claims Guide
The purpose of this guide is to assist you, the veteran, or your survivor(s), in presenting your claim for benefits based on exposure to psychologically traumatic events during military service that has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Coming Home Project
The Coming Home Project is a non-profit organization devoted to providing compassionate care, support and stress management tools for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

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Employment and Job Searches

Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is a national non-profit organization, which provides career placement assistance to disabled veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our mission is to be the bridge to a fullfilling career for our heroes to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy teh freedoms they fought to preserve.

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary was founded in February 1998 and quickly became a leader in the use of contingency search to place transitioning and veteran personnel in positions in corporate America. RecruitMilitary established its reputation on the basis of unparalleled service, attention to detail in all activities, and perhaps most important, great choices for both its job candidates and its employer clients.

Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats provides the best career opportunities in building and construction trade to those who have earned the nation's support through their years of service and sacrifice, easing the difficult passage into civilian life for military families.

ESGR: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Guardsmen and Reservists have the right to return to their civilian jobs following their service. National Guardsmen and Reservists who think their employers have acted unfairly -- for instance, if they believe they were fired because of their military service -- should contact the ESGR.

VetBiz

Find out more about starting and running a veteran-owned business.

Veteran Job Search at Military.com

Search over 100,000 job postings online.

REALifelines

The Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines initiative is a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bethesda Naval Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It will create a seamless, personalized assistance network to ensure that seriously wounded and injured service members who cannot return to active duty are trained for rewarding new careers in the private sector.

Career Command Post

CCP specializes in bringing transitioning active duty military personnel and armed forces veterans together with civilian employers hiring for executive, managerial, professional, technical, skilled and semi-skilled positions, from the Military Transition Group, Inc.

VetJobs.com

A great site for veterans and transitioning military personnel and their family members. Job openings for all levels and types of jobs. You can search for jobs (by type, keyword, and location), as well as post your resume sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Free to job-seekers.

HireVetsFirst.gov

Veterans seeking employment oppurtunities can use this free site to search for jobs, get help writing a great resume, and find out how military skills translate into occupational skills. Employers can also use this site to post job openings.

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Housing

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition of Homeless Veterans serves to empower homeless veterans so they can support themselves. The NCHV has an excellent page with advice specifically for homeless veterans. To go directly to this page, click here.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET)
HUDVET's goal is to provide veterans and their family members with information on HUD's community-based programs and services. HUDVET is designed especially for homeless veterans to serve as a resource to find housing. You can call their hotline at (800) 998-9999.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA has several resources available to homeless veterans. The best way to contact them is by phone, at 1-800-827-1000. They can provide you with the address and phone number of the VA homeless program coordinator nearest you.

National Coalition for the Homeless
This organization's mission is to end homelessness. This page points to local organizations for anyone who is homeless or who may become homeless, whether or not they are veterans. To directly access their homelessness resource page, click here.

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Legal Assistance

Military Law Task Force
The National Lawyers Guild Military Task Force assists those working on military law issues as well as military law counselors working directly with GIs.

The Center for Constitutional Rights
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) is a non-profit legal organization dedicated to protecting the rights of those with the fewest protections and least access to legal resources.

Board of Veterans Appeals
Find out more about understanding the appeals process.

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program provides: free attorneys to veterans and their qualifying family members who have an appeal pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). If an appellant has filed an appeal with the Court and has been unable to obtain his or her own attorney after 30 days, he or she can request assistance from The Veterans Consortium.

The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel
The mission of the The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel is to improve the effectiveness of legal assistance provided on civil matters to an estimated nine million military personnel and their dependents.

National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
The National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the District of Columbia in 1993 to serve attorneys and non-attorney practitioners admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). NOVA recognizes the need to share information and analysis in order to provide successful advocacy for veterans. NOVA provides continuing legal education and support to individuals representing veterans.

LawHelp
LawHelp helps low and moderate income people find free legal aid programs in their communities, and answers to questions about their legal rights.

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Financial Assistance

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need. The Society provides interest-free loans and grants, needs-based scholarships, budget counseling, and visiting nurse services, and also operates food lockers and thrift shops.

Army Emergency Relief
AER is a private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff. AER's sole mission is to help soldiers and their dependents.

Air Force Aid Society
The official charity of the U.S. Air Force.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
"We Look After Our Own": Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is a non-profit organization providing financial assistance to the Coast Guard community.

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Military Families

Minstrel Boy
Brian Hart of Bedford,MA is the blogger of this page. He dedicates his blog to his late son, PFC John Hart. Here is an excerpt of his blog:"November 2003 at Arlington National Cemetery when PFC John Hart was buried after being killed in an ambush of his unarmored Humvee in northern Iraq. We discussed the armor issue and how to resolve it, and we've been working together ever since to get the troops what they need as quickly as possible."

Military Spouse Resource Center
MilSpouse.org is your resource library for military spouse employment, education, and relocation information.

National Military Family Association
The NMFA is devoted to provide timely and useful information to military families.

Sgt. Mom's
Welcome to SGT MOM'S PLACE - Military Life explained by a Military Wife!

Society of Military Widows
The Society of Military Widows (SMW) was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces. SMW is a nonprofit organization chartered in the State of California under section 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS ) is a national nonprofit organization made up of, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one while serving in any branch of the Armed Forces -- Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Reserves, Service Academies or the Coast Guard. The heart of TAPS is our national military survivor peer support network. We also offer grief-counseling referral, case worker assistance and crisis information, all available to help families and military personnel cope and recover. We provide these services 24 hours a day free of charge!

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Women's Issues

Women Veterans Health
The Women Veterans Health Program specifically addresses the health care needs of eligible women veterans, providing appropriate, timely and compassionate health care at the facility level.

Black Women's Health Organization
BWHO offers the tools and information needed for women to give themselves the best preventative self-care. We help women recognize early warning signs and symptoms, and to understand all of the options available to resolve their specific health situations.

For Women
This web site and toll-free call center were created to provide FREE, reliable health information for women everywhere.

The Miles Foundation
The Miles Foundation has established a toll-free Advocacy Helpline(1-877-570-0688) for victims of interpersonal violence associated with the military.

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Resources in Your Neighborhood

New Directions
For the past 15 years New Directions has provided comprehensive long-term substance abuse treatment to our nation's veterans. New Directions provides a wide variety of services for homeless veterans, including job training and placement, parenting and money management classes, legal and financial assistance, counseling, remedial education and resources for alumni.

Swords to Plowshares
We are a non-profit that has been around since 1974, created by Vietnam Veterans to help veterans. We provide housing, legal, employment and training services, mental health and substance abuse counseling. All our services are FREE to the veteran and we honor all types of discharges, from honorable to dishonorable. Located in San Francisco, CA please contact us and we will help you in every way we can.

Veterans Resource Central
Veterans Resource Central (VRC), a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization, provides transition assistance to returning veterans, active duty military and their families through a corps of volunteers and Internet tools. They provide education, information and guidance to veterans transitioning to civilian life, to military families dealing with life issues at home and to active duty or recently returned military planning for civilian careers.