Education * Careers * Networking * Resources

• Air Compassion for Veterans – www.aircompassionforveterans.org Wounded warriors and their families are provided FREE medically related flights.

• Brain Line – http://www.brainline.org/  is a national multimedia project offering information about preventing, treating and living with TBI.
•  Brain Injury Association of America – http://www.biausa.org/  Information about brain injuries and living with them for the injured, families and caregivers.
• NEW! Center for Deployment Psychology – http://deploymentpsych.org/training/training-catalog/course-119-online-the-fundamentals-of-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi  Free training about TBI. Click on “Take for Free” and receive a very up-to-date review of TBI and how it may be diagnosed and/or treated. (NOTE: if the link does not connect immediately, follow prompts and it should connect).
• Cognitive Systems – http://www.cog-systems.com/  innovative treatment for mild traumatic brain injury and other neurological injuries that can be done from home.
• NEW! Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center – www.dvbic.org  The mission of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is to serve active duty military, their beneficiaries, and veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through state-of-the-art clinical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs.
• Resurrecting Lives – TBI – www.ResurrectingLives.org  This organization is dedicated to systematically, efficiently and successfully diagnosing and treating veterans who are returning from war primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) while also contributing to the prevention of TBI in the future. Helpful information is available on this site.
• What is TBI – http://www.whatistib.org/  This website has some general information, myths about TBI, and a screening tool and is also linked to “Resurrecting Lives” website.

Homeless Veterans Resources:

• Homeless Veterans 24/7 Hotline 1-877-424-3838. Find a list of veterans homeless assistance by state at http://www.va.gov/homeless/docs/HCHV_Sites_ByState.pdf or go to http://va.gov/homeless/help_a_homeless_veteran_general.asp?gclid=CJ6RqdSNtrECFQQJRQodBD4ALA  for more information about VA benefits.
• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.www.nchv.org . or 1-800-vet-help Resources for homeless veterans and/or veterans facing homelessness.
• US Vets Inc. – www.usvetsinc.org . This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk veterans in their effort to reintegrate to civilian life. 12 locations across the nation and a toll free number for veterans having challenges with reintegration.

Benefits Assistance:

• American Legion – www.legion.org. Go to a post and click on it to find an American Legion office near you. You can also look at the “How we Serve” link that shows the services they can provide Veterans. American Legion can help you file a disability benefits claim.
• American Veterans Organization – www.amvets.org. Whose goals are service to veterans and communities. The agency is also has national service officers trained to help file veterans benefits claims and there are local chapters listed.
• Appealing Veterans Benefits Claims can be difficult. The following agencies may be able to assist you in that process. U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims at www.vetapp.uscourts.gov or (202) 501-5950. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program may be able to help with legal assistance at www.vetsprobono.org or (888) 838-7727. Finally, the National Veterans Legal Services Program may be of assistance for qualified veteran applicants at www.nvlsp.org.
• Disabled American Veterans – www.dav.org. Go to the “Benefits Assistance” link. It will help explain how to file a disability benefits claim, but you will probably want to locate the DAV office and service representative nearest you and that is also available on that link.
• Elder Care Publishing - http://www.eldercaresurvival.com/ ElderCare Publishing Company is a unique on-line publisher of Disability resource manuals and newsletters whose mission is to raise the awareness of individuals and their advisors about the risks and issues relative to filing long term disability claims and successfully collecting benefits.
• Federal Guide for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors: 2011 Edition Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors: 2011 Edition This quick link will take you to detailed and up-to-date information regarding Veterans benefits.
• GI Bill Information www.mygibill.org. Web site launched by The American Legion “to help vets and their families understand the post-9/11 GI Bill that takes effect August 1, 2009. The site includes explanations of different GI Bill benefits, news alerts, online applications.
• The National Archives www.archives.gov.This website offers a robust list of government services, including resources for a veteran’s specific military branch. Plus, veterans can find out about government assistance in their communities, submit requests for lost documents and search for buddies.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Official site of the primary agency. Provides detailed information on claims submission, appeals and local VA contact information. www.va.gov. For and ONLINE APPLICATION for veterans benefits, go to http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/. The form is called VONAPP and can make your application process move much more quickly than the paper version.
• Similar pages: VA Forms – www.va.gov/vaforms/  Disabled Veterans – www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/  Veteran Data – www.va.gov/vetdata. More results from www.va.gov  To register a veteran, you must have his Military ID, his DD214 (proof of military service), and any medical records or exam reports that you have available. Only the soldier can register.
• Veterans of Foreign War – www.vfw.org. Go to the “Assistance” link to find how they can help you apply for Veterans benefits. They will also have a link that will tell you a local office. VFW can help you file a disability benefits claim and advocate for your soldier.
• Vet Centers www.vetcenter.va.gov. Vet Centers offer a wide range of services to help you make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services include-individual & group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical & benefits referrals, employment counseling. To locate the Vet Center nearest you, click on “find a vet center” in the right hand menu.
• Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and serve veterans. In the left hand menu there is a place for “advocacy” and “benefits counseling” and they are very active in legislation to support our wounded warriors home.

Counseling Support:

• Give An Hour – www.giveanhour.org  A non-profit organization offering FREE mental health resources for military and families affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Military One Source - www.militaryonesource.com. This source is a one-stop shop for all branches of the military that includes legal matters, addiction and recovery, readjustment information, immediate counseling and a link to each military branch. They also have a 24/7 phone number at 1-800-342-9647.
• Red Cross – www.redcross.org or  http://servicesarmedforces.redcross.org/reconnection-workshops-g/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=SAFG to “Getting Assistance” and click on “Military Families” to find out about the resources that are offered by the red cross with regard to counseling and other social service needs or call 1-877-272-7337.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. www.samhsa.gov.  The United States Department of Health and Human Services special link to mental health resources. Look in left hand menu under “treatment locators” to find community mental health resources near you.
• Tricare On-Line Counseling – www.tricare.mil The web-based TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) demonstration and the new telemental health care benefit are now available to active duty military families. Use video chat and instant messaging under TRIAP for counseling 24/7. Access behavioral health services including psychotherapy and medications under TRICARE’s telemental health care benefit.
• The Soldiers Project – www.thesoldiersproject.org  A group of licensed mental health professionals who offer FREE psychological treatment to military service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserve and veterans) who have served or expect to serve in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Vet Centers - www.vetcenter.va.gov  Vet Centers offer a wide range of services to help you make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services include -individual & group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical & benefits referrals, employment counseling. To locate the Vet Center nearest you, click on “find a vet center” in the right hand menu.
• Vets 4 Warriors – www.vetsforwarriors.com/ This is a PEER SUPPORT line and not answered by a mental health therapist. The hotline is available 24/7/365 can be reached by calling 1-855-838-8255.

• Justice for Vets - www.justiceforvets.org  Justice for Vets is the National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts. This comprehensive website explains how Veterans Treatment Courts are hybrid Drug and Mental Health Courts that use the Drug Court model to serve veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Lawyers Serving Warriors – www.lawyersservingwarriors.com  New website for veterans who need legal representation regarding war related issues. Has a tab that says "request free legal help".
• National Veterans Legal Services Program – www.nvlsp.org  NVLSP is an independent, nonprofit, veterans service organization dedicated to ensuring that the U.S. government honors its commitment to our veterans and the parent organization for Lawyers Serving Warriors.
• The Veterans Consortium: Pro Bono Program – www.vetsprobono.org  This group of volunteer legal advisors will review your BVA decision and VA claims file if you meet certain criteria. Go to "what we do" on the site for more information. There are also good links that may assist veterans who are filing a claim.
• Veterans for Common Sense’s – www.veteransforcommonsense.org  Their mission is to raise the unique and powerful voices of veterans so that our military, veterans, freedom, and national security are protected and enhanced, for ourselves and for future generations.
• DAV - www.dav.org  Disabled American Veterans function as attorneys-in-fact, assisting veterans and their families in filing claims for VA disability compensation and pension; vocational rehabilitation and employment; education; home loan guaranty; life insurance; death benefits; health care and much more. They provide free services, such as information seminars, counseling and community outreach. NSOs also represent veterans and active duty military personnel before Discharge Review Boards, Boards for Correction of Military Records, Physical Evaluation Boards and other official panels.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

• After Deployment – www.afterdeployment.org  This website provides “self care” solutions targeting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and other behavioral health challenges commonly faced after deployment. There are self assessment tools, videos and other resources for both veterans and family members. It is a joint effort between the Dept. of Defense, Veteran Affairs and civilian agencies.
• Coming Home Project – www.cominghomeproject.net  “Devoted to providing compassionate care, support and stress management tools for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families . . a range of free services: residential retreats; psychological counseling; education, training and consultation; self-care for service providers; and community forums . . . emotional, spiritual, relationship, and reintegration challenges faced by veterans and families before, during and after deployment.”
• Grace After Fire - www.graceafterfire.org Grace After Fire is designed to serve women veterans from all eras and branches of service (currently 1.8M), and is preparing to meet the high numbers of women (approximately 14 percent of the armed services) currently serving. Treatment links and options are listed.
• The Mental Health America Resource Center – www.nmha.org  National Mental Health Association.
• Military Mental Health Assessment – www.militarymentalhealth.org  This has a mental health self-assessment screening and referral program offered to families and service members affected by deployment or mobilization.
• Not Alone – www.notalone.com  This site is intended for Warriors from any branch of service who are currently serving or have served in combat – especially those who have recently come home. Family members and close friends of warriors that deal with the effects of combat stress on a daily basis. · Supporters who care about our warriors and their families. Under the “group” section, you can sign up for 60-90 minute video classes that may be helpful in understanding readjustment issues.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – www.nami.org/veterans  Specific information about Veterans and mental health related illnesses and information for resources for veterans and their families.
• National Institute of Mental Health – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml Scroll down to “Mental Health Topics” to get a description of mental health diagnosis and how to locate resources for assistance.
• National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – www.ptsd.va.gov  Information on PTSD from the National Center for PTSD.
• NEW! Operation Reach Out – FREE! Suicide Prevention Apps for http://militaryfamily.com/downloads/apps/military-suicide-prevention-operation-reach-out/ These apps are designed to encourage people to reach out for help when they are having suicidal thoughts, help those who are concerned about family members, spouses, or fellow service members who may be suicidal, provide a personal contact help center, provide activities to help people who are depressed stay connected to others.
• Red Cross – www.redcross.org  Go to “Getting Assistance” and click on “Military Families” to find out about the resources that are offered by the red cross with regard to counseling and other social service needs or call 1-877-272-7337.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration - www.samhsa.gov  The United States Department of Health and Human Services special link to mental health resources. Look in left hand menu under “treatment locators” to find community mental health resources near you. NEW! For specific information about veterans, visit www.samhsa.gov/vets/
• Suicide Prevention Action Network – www.spanusa.org  A national suicide prevention organization that provides extensive information that may be helpful for veterans and their families. 1-800-273-TALK for 24/7 assistance.
• Suicide Information/Assistance http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1363  and http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ VA Suicide Hotline and other mental Health support and information.
• Vet Centers -www.vetcenter.va.gov  Vet Centers offer a wide range of services to help you make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services include -individual & group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical & benefits referrals, employment counseling. To locate the Vet Center nearest you, click on “find a vet center” in the right hand menu.

• Books for Military Children - http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,121091,00.html. Over 30 books recommended in the advisory column, “Field Problems”, at Military.com.Today.
• Behavioral Health for Children of Military Families – http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/families/index.html. On line videos to help children with all phases of military duty and return. Excellent resource.
• Child Care Aware – www.childcareaware.org/en/operationchildcare. Web site for National Guard and Reservists children issues.
• Crisis Issues for Children of Veterans School Safety and Crisis Resources – http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/index.aspx. This link is to the American Psychological Association web site that addresses crisis issues for children of veterans. You will have to scroll down the page to find the information, but it is an excellent source of ideas and help.
• Military Child – www.militarychild.org. Resources, publications, and educational information for children.
• National Guard Family Program – www.guardfamily.org. National Guard Family Program.
• National Guard Youth Web Site – www.guardfamilyyouth.org. National Guard Family Youth Website.
• Seeds of Hope – www.seedsofhopebooks.com. Finding My Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma (2005) Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D.
• Time to Talk- www.timetotalk.org. Time to Talk provides ways of talking to your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol. They have free, easy-to-use, research-based tools and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-free. Look for the FREE KIT for Military Families.
• Zero to Three – www.zerotothree.org/military . Ways to help children stay connected to deployed servicemen/women.
• Child, Youth and School Services - Army OneSource : Army Child, Youth & School programs exist to support military readiness by ... and resources that help "level the playing field" for transitioning military students. http://www.myarmyonesource.com/ChildYouthandSchoolServices/default.aspx
• Military Kids - Free Summer Camps - Military families can get a head start on their planning by applying for the National Military Family Association's - www.militaryfamily.org/  Operation Purple Summer Camp - program. The nonprofit organization launched this free program nine years ago to support military children, ages 7 to 17, dealing with the stress of war.
• Military Children Scholarships - College Funding Assistance Comes from State Programs: The children of military personnel have a wide range of scholarships and other free tuition programs available to them. The eligibility criteria vary amongst the programs, as do the awards given. It is important to be familiar with all of the application and qualification information in order to receive consideration. http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/children.htm
• Preparing for a PCS with Children - http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/  - Do you have orders for a new duty station? Preparing for a PCS is often part of the military lifestyle. Below are tools and resources to help you stay organized to ensure a smooth move, learn about your new installation, and help your teenager cope with an upcoming relocation - Helping Your Teenager Cope with Relocation
• 10 Things Military Teens Want You to Know (PDF) - http://www.militaryfamily.org/assets/pdf/What-Military-Teens-Want-You-to-Know-Toolkit.pdf  The National Military Family Association created this toolkit to give the people in military teens’ lives a way to help them manage the best and hardest parts of military life.
• Resources for Supporting the Military Child - http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=9004  

Family Support for Veterans:

• The Armed Forces Foundation – www.ArmedForcesFoundation.org  The Armed Forces Foundation is a non profit organization that started in 2010 and is dedicated to providing comfort and solace to members of the military community through financial support, career counseling, housing assistance and recreational therapy programs. Vital programs are offered to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve components, and their loved ones. This website is full of wonderful assistance options for vets/families along with applications for assistance that are only 4 pages long! Go to AFF Programs to get more specific information.
• Air Compassion for Veterans – www.aircompassionforveterans.org Wounded warriors and their families are provided FREE medically related flights.
• Army Home Front - www.armyhomefront.org The Army Homefront Fund provides emergency financial and other support to the families of soldiers, with a focus on wounded warrior care and transition assistance.
• Caring Bridge – www.caringbridge.org CaringBridge provides free websites that connect people experiencing a significant health challenge to family and friends, making each health journey easier.
• NEW! Federal Guide for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors: 2011 Edition Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors: 2011 Edition This quick link will take you to detailed and up-to-date information regarding Veterans benefits.
• Fisher House – www.fisherhouse.org  Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and help individual military families in need. They also administer and sponsor Scholarships for Military Children, the Hero Miles program, and co-sponsor the Newman’s Own Award.
• Hope for the Warriors – www.hopeforthewarriors.org  The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet. Includes assistance for “immediate needs”, “family assistance”, “warriors wish”, etc.
• Military Family Support – www.militaryfamilysupport.org  Military Family Support speaks up on behalf of military families and empower husbands, wives, and children to understand and access their benefits. They provide military members and their families with insightful recommendations, innovative programs, and grassroots efforts to better the quality of life for military families. Helpful links listed at the bottom of the home page
• Quality of Life Foundation – www.qolfoundation.org  Their mission is to honor and serve the families of our severely injured combat service members by helping them face the intense, life-changing challenges unique to their situations.
• Rebuild Hope – www.rebuildhope.org  Rebuild Hope offers an immediate and easy away to help these OEF/OIF families. Our one-of-a-kind, national network “connects” donors to beneficiaries, and we provide complementary services that increase the veteran’s odds of success. Rebuild Hope also recognizes their personal sacrifices and efforts to rebuild their lives by sharing their personal stories.
• Red Cross – www.redcross.org  Go to “Getting Assistance” and click on “Military Families” to find out about the resources that are offered by the red cross with regard to counseling and other social service needs or call 1-877-272-7337.
• NEW! Support Your Vet - http://www.supportyourvet.org/ A veteran’s experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are unimaginable, and returning home isn’t always easy. As a family member or friend of a veteran, you have the power to help, but knowing where to start can be difficult. This site provides “user friendly” tips for families and friends to welcome warriors home.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors – www.taps.org  TAPS is the 24/7 tragedy assistance resource for ANYONE who has suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the death.
• NEW! VA Caregiver Support – www.caregiver.va.gov/ VA knows your focus as a Family Caregiver is taking care of the Veteran you love. It can be an incredibly demanding job, and we want you to know you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about the support and services VA offers Family Caregivers or by calling 1-855-260-3274.
• Military OneSource www.militaryonesource.mil/  is a free service provided by the Department of Defense to service members and their families to help with a broad range of concerns including money management, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, relocation, deployment, reunion, and the particular concerns of families with special-needs members. They can also include more complex issues like relationships, stress, and grief. Services are available 24 hours a day --- 1-800- 342- 9647