VSO Links

Our Military Kids Our Military Kids, a nonprofit organization, is providing grants to school-aged children (grades K thru 12) of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard service members. Thanks to the generosity of foundations, government, corporations and individuals, Our Military Kids will cover fees not to exceed $500 per child to participate in one sport, fine art or tutoring program for a period of up to 6 months.
Hunts for Heroes Hunts for Heroes is dedicated to providing hunting and outdoor activities to those who’ve been wounded in the war against terrorism. HFH organizes hunts led by professional guides and outfitters throughout the country with chapters in Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi and California. All hunts are free for servicemen and some travel expenses may be provided.
Outward Bound Wilderness Veterans Program Outward Bound Wilderness offers special courses for veterans, including the injured and disabled, and their family members.
CRSC CRSC restores military retired pay that is off-set when a Retiree accepts compensation from the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) for a disability. The disability must be attributed to a combat-related event as defined by the DOD program guidance. CRSC is available to retirees from all components - Active, Reserve, or National Guard; and all branches of Service.
TSGLI Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) helps Soldiers after suffering a qualifying traumatic injury by providing a one-time, lump-sum, tax-free payment of up to $100,000 per traumatic event. The TSGLI benefit is not meant to be an income replacement—it is meant to give Soldiers and their Families financial relief to help get through the immediate aftermath of the injury. TSGLI is available to Soldiers from all components—Active, Reserve, or National Guard and members of all branches of Service.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Paralyzed Veterans of America works to maximize the quality of life for all people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction as a leading advocate for health care, research and education, veterans’ benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs, and disability rights. It is the only Congressionally-chartered veterans organization dedicated solely to serving the needs of SCI/SCD veterans.
America Supports You America Supports You is a Department of Defense program that connects individuals, organizations and companies to hundreds of homefront groups offering support to the military community.
Valor Healthcare Valor Healthcare, Inc. is a national leader in providing the startup, operations and clinical management of primary care and outpatient mental health services for the United States Government.
Hire Heroes USA Hire Heroes USA provides free career placement services and links veterans to employment opportunities that match their interests and skills.
Operation Homefront Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance to Soldiers, families they leave behind, and wounded warriors when they return home. Programs include providing emergency aid such as food, baby care items, auto donation and repair, financial aid and social outreach.
Operation Homelink Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers to spouses or parents of deployed junior enlisted (E1-E5) military personnel to enable e-mail communication with their loved ones overseas.
Homes For Our Troops "Homes For Our Troops" assists severely injured military members and their families by raising money, building materials and professional labor to build a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. For more information about "Homes For Our Troops" call (866) 7-TROOPS or visit their Web site.
Segs4Vets The Segs4Vets program provides Segways to military members who were injured while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom resulting in permanent disability and difficulty walking.
Heroes for Heroes Heroes for Heroes supports injured military members and their families, and the Armed Services YMCA, at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and Camp Pendleton.
Transition Assistance Program The Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program smooths the transition of military personnel and family members from active duty back to the civilian world. For full-time active-duty service members the program consists of four components: DoD Preseparation Counseling, Department of Labor Employment Workshops, VA Benefits Briefing, and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program. After completing these workshops military personnel are eligible for one-on-one counseling and employment assistance training.
Veterans Airlift Command The Veterans Airlift Command arranges air transportation for veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a nationwide network of volunteer pilots and their aircraft. Visit www.veteransairlift.org to learn how to schedule a flight as well as mobility and health requirements for passengers. Information is also available by calling (952) 582-2911.
Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides funds and support to Explosive Ordnance Disposal families caring for their loved ones at military medical facilities. The support can include plane fare, accommodations, food vouchers or other travel expenses. Eligible families can also use benefits for other needs such as childcare, mortgage and rent relief while visiting service members. The foundation depends on fundraisers and donations. It's the generosity of others that allows us to offer "compassionate solutions" to our Wounded EOD Warriors and their families during difficult times.
Amputee Coalition of America / Military in-Step The Amputee Coalition of America’s mission is to reach out to people with limb loss and to empower them through education, support and advocacy. ACA promotes full implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and informs policy makers of the issues of amputees. ACA publishes “inMotion,” a magazine for amputees and those who care for them, and distributes educational resources—booklets, video tapes and fact sheets. ACA also publishes, in cooperation with the United States Armed Forces Amputee Patient Care Program, “Military in-Step,” a publication for military amputees. For more information about ACA go to: www.amputee-coalition.org or go directly to Military in-Step atwww.amputee-coalition.org/military-instep.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Our goal is to provide excellence in patient care, veterans' benefits and customer satisfaction. We have reformed our department internally and are striving for high quality, prompt and seamless service to veterans. Our department's employees continue to offer their dedication and commitment to help veterans get the services they have earned. Our nation's veterans deserve no less. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population – approximately 70 million people – are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans. Contact VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Strategic Outreach to Families of all Reservists Strategic Outreach to Families helps Reservist families reduce their stress and prepare for the possibility that their Reservist or Guard member may exhibit symptoms of trauma from serving in a combat zone. The goal of SOFAR is to provide a flexible and diverse range of psychological services that fosters stabilization, aids in formulating prevention plans to avoid crises, and helps families to manage acute problems effectively when they occur.
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder The National Center for PTSD aims to advance the clinical care and social welfare of U.S. Veterans through research, education and training on PTSD and stress-related disorders.
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes was created to provide a way for individuals, corporations and others to help severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families. Founded in 2004 the coalition works with corporate sponsors, individual contributors and volunteers to provide an easy way for individuals and corporations to help veterans and their families rebuild their lives. You can help through tax-deductible donations, participating in programs that raise money, giving your time and by corporate sponsorships. Ninety-one percent of all money contributed goes directly to service members and their families.
Air Compassion for Veterans The mission of Air Compassion for Veterans is to provide medically-related air transport to service member, veterans and their families affected by military deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. For more information, visit the website or call (888) 662-6794.
VA POLYTRAUMA SYSTEM OF CARE Polytrauma care is for veterans and returning service members with injuries to more than one physical region or organ system, one of which may be life threatening, and which results in physical, cognitive, psychological, or psychosocial impairments and functional disability.
Warrior Transition Unit Cadre Support Course The Warrior Transition Unit Support Training Program is available on ATRRS. The program consists of three courses—6I-F7/300-F35, Warrior Transition Unit Support; Orientation Course; 6I-F6/300-F34, Warrior Transition Unit Cadre Support Course; and 6E-F2, Nurse Case Management Course.
Operation Life Transformed Operation Life Transformed provides military spouses, war-wounded caregivers and wounded Soldiers funding for training in careers that are portable and flexible; the types suited to the military lifestyle. OLT partners with colleges and corporations for training, certification and licensing programs that lead to appropriate jobs.
American Veterans (AMVETS) For almost 60 years, AMVETS has provided service and support to America’s veterans and their communities. At every level of the organization, people are involved in making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much to this country. Contact AMVETS at (301) 459-9600.
Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) The ACAP serves transitioning Soldiers, veterans, retirees, and their family members. Services include a wide range of transition and job assistance activities. The ACAP has 53 centers and satellite offices, in locations around the world, which provide on-site services. Additionally, the ACAP On-Line Web site provides contact information for each center and satellite office, as well as a wealth of information and tools for clients who are not located near an ACAP facility. ACAP is also dedicated to serving Soldiers, retirees, and veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. The Army AW2 Soldier Connection Web site provides employers and disabled Soldiers the ability to connect. Participating employers make employment opportunities available and provide a AW2 point of contact, who can provide interested Soldiers with more information about employment opportunities for disabled veterans. Contact ACAP at (571) 226-5043.
Sentinels Of Freedom Sentinels Of Freedom's mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for servicemembers who have suffered severe injuries and need the support of grateful communities to realize their dreams. Unlike any other time in history many more severely wounded are coming home faced with the challenges of putting their lives back together. Sentinels Of Freedom provides “life scholarships” to help vets become self sufficient. Sentinels succeeds because whole communities help. Local businesses and individuals not only give money, but also time, goods and services, housing and transportation.
HireVetsFirst A comprehensive career website for hiring veterans of America's military.
Helmets to Hardhats Helmets to Hardhats places service members into promising building and construction careers.
Computer/Electonics Accommodations Program (CAP) The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program is the centrally funded program to provide assistive technology to accommodate people with disabilities throughout the Federal Government. CAP purchases and delivers assistive technology and services that enable people with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Within the military health system, CAP’s mission is to support wounded servicemembers during the recovery and rehabilitation process by working with the intensive care unit employees, occupational and physical therapists, and audiologists. CAP also works to integrate assistive technologies into the housing facilities and employment training centers to fully support reemployment efforts. CAP works with DoD and the VA to assist in the “reemployment process.” For servicemembers that remain on active duty, or become a civilian federal employee, CAP will provide the work related accommodation to the agency free of charge. The CAP staff is dedicated to ensuring all resources and assistive devices are available to assist our nation’s servicemembers in their rehabilitation process, successful treatment outcomes and future employment opportunities. For more information, contact CAP at (703) 681-8813 (V/TTY).
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) The BVA is an organization specifically established to promote the welfare of blinded veterans. The BVA helps veterans and their families meet the challenges of blindness. Contact BVA at (202) 371-8880.
USA Cares USA Cares is a world wide charitable organization serving military service members and their families of all ranks and branches with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life issues caused by military service. To date, USA Cares has assisted thousands of service members and families with millions of dollars in organizational and found resources.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) The DAV is dedicated to one single purpose: building better lives for all of our Nation’s disabled veterans and their families. DAV provides a variety of free services to America’s veterans and service members, which includes reviewing Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) results, representation before a Personnel Evaluation Board (PEB), and submission of claims before the VA for disability compensation, rehabilitation and other benefit programs. Contact DAV at (202) 554-3501, or fax at (202) 554-3581.
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA (MOPH) The Military Order of the Purple Heart represents combat wounded veterans in the Nation’s Capitol. This means that the voice of the combat wounded veteran is heard in Congress, at the Department of Defense and at the Veterans Administration. The MOPH is constantly alert to any legislation which affects its members. The MOPH also works on combat wounded veterans’ behalf. Contact MOPH at (703) 642-5360.
National Amputation Foundation, Inc. (NAF) The National Amputation Foundation (NAF) was founded in 1919. For over 80 years, the NAF has offered valuable assistance to veterans of World War I, II, Korea, the Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. The Foundation has expanded its facilities, and also includes civilian amputees. Contact NAF at (516) 887-3600.
The American Legion Since its founding in 1919, The American Legion has been an advocate for America’s veterans, a friend of the U.S. military, a sponsor of community-based youth programs and a spokesman for patriotic values. It is the nations largest veterans organization with nearly 2.7 million members and about 15,000 local “posts” in most communities and 6 foreign countries. The Legion provides free, professional assistance – for any veteran and any veteran’s survivor – in filing and pursuing claims before the VA; it helps deployed service members’ families with things ranging from errands to household chores to providing someone to talk to; and offers Temporary Financial Assistance to help families of troops meet their children’s needs. Contact the American Legion at (202) 861-2700, Ext. 1403, or fax at (202) 833-4452.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The Veterans of Foreign Wars has a rich tradition of enhancing the lives of millions through its legislative advocacy program that speaks out on Capitol Hill in support of servicemembers, veterans and their families, and through community service programs and special projects. From assisting servicemembers in procuring entitlements, to providing free phone cards to the nation’s active-duty military personnel, to supporting numerous community-based projects, the VFW is committed to honoring our fallen comrades by helping the living. Contact the VFW at (202) 453-5230, or fax at (202) 547-3196.
Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) The KWVA serves to organize, promote and maintain for benevolent and charitable purposes an association of persons who have seen honorable service during the Korean War at any time between June 25, 1950 and 31 January 1955. Contact the KWVA at (937) 426-5105, or by fax at (937) 426-4551
National Military Family Association (NMFA) Serving the Families of Those Who Serve, The National Military Family Association – “The Voice for Military Families” – is dedicated to serving the families and survivors of the seven uniformed services through education, information, and advocacy. NMFA is the only national organization dedicated to identifying and resolving issues of concern to military families. Contact NMFA at 1-800-260-0218, (703) 931-6632, or fax at (703) 931-4600.
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve. Contact AUSA at 1-800-336-4570, (703) 841-4300, or by fax at (703) 841-1050.
Noncommissioned Officers Accociation (NCOA) NCOA was established in 1960 to enhance and maintain the quality of life for noncommissioned and petty officers in all branches of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserves. The Association offers its members a wide range of benefits and services designed especially for current and former enlisted service members and their families. Those benefits fall into these categories: Social Improvement Programs to help ensure your Well-Being during your active military career, your transition to civilian life and throughout your retirement; Legislative Representation to serve as your legislative advocate on issues that affect you and your family, through our National Capital Office in Alexandria, Va.; Today’s Services to help save you money through merchant program discounts. Contact NCOA at 1-800-662-2620.
The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) The Retired Enlisted Association was chartered by Congress Oct. 23, 1992, and lobbies to protect benefits of retired Soldiers. Contact TREA at 1-800-338-9337.
Marine Corps League The Marine Corps Leauge was founded by Maj. Gen. Commandant, John A. Lejeune, in 1923 and chartered by an Act of Congress on Aug. 4, 1937. Its membership of 51,500 is comprised of honorably discharged, active-duty and reserve Marines with 90 days of service or more, and retired Marines. Contact the Marine Corps League at 1-800-625-1775, (703) 207-9588, or fax at (703)207-0047.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered (May 23, 1986) and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families – 45,000 members. "Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another," is VVA's Founding Principle. Contact VVA at 1-800-882-1316, (301) 585-4000, or by fax at (301)585-0519.
U.S. VETS U.S. VETS is dedicated to helping homeless veterans. More than 250,000 veterans will sleep on the streets of our nation tonight. Our vision is that one day there will no longer be homeless veterans in America. Contact U.S. VETS at (202) 546-6994, or by fax at (202) 546-6748.
The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Chartered by Congress Oct. 12, 1998. The purpose of the Reserve Officers Association is to support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate national security. Contact ROA at 1-800-809-9448.
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) "Serving Those Who Serve America." Nearly 400,000 members of the uniformed services – active duty, former and retired, National Guard and reserve – are members of MOAA. Contact MOAA at 1-800-245-8762.
American G.I. Forum The American GI Forum, organized in March 1948, is a national veteran's family organization that serves 141,000 members. The forum’s motto is "Education is Freedom and Freedom should be Everybody's Business." Contact the American G.I. Forum at (303) 458-1700, or by fax at (303) 458-1634.
Catholic War Veterans, USA, Inc. Catholic War Veterans was chartered by Congress Aug. 17, 1984, with a mission to make the entire nation acutely aware of the struggle and needs of many veterans, their widows and children. We, as survivors, have an obligation to our fallen brothers and sisters to inform the people of our country that many veterans and their families need asistance; that these veterans have made sacrifices for their country and deserve to be treated accordingly, with proper respect and support. It is also the responsibility of the Catholic War Veterans to help protect, preserve and defend the Constitution of the United States and the laws of our government. Contact the CWV at (703) 549-3622, or by fax at (703) 684-5196.
Military Order of the World Wars The Military Order of the World Wars was chartered by Congress Oct. 23, 1992 and serves about 12,000 members. Contact the Military Order of the World Wars at (703) 683-4911, or by fax at (703) 683-4501.
National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc., was organized in 1969 and serves about 10,000 members with the goal of creating a positive lifestyle for veterans. Contact the National Association of Black Veterans at (202) 289-8387, (414) 342-8387, or by fax at 1-888-393-4878.
Association of Graduates, USMA, West Point (AOG) The AOG was founded in 1869 to reunite Academy graduates who found themselves on opposing sides during the American Civil War. Today, the AOG continues to strengthen the bonds of the “Long Gray Line” through assistance to graduates, West Point societies and USMA Classes worldwide. Contact the AOG at 1-800-232-4723.
American Bar Association The mission of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel is to help the military and the Department of Defense improve the effectiveness of legal assistance provided on civil matters to an estimated nine million military personnel and their dependents.
Veterans of the Vietnam War, USA, Inc. The Veterans of the Vietnam War, USA, Inc. was founded May 5, 1980 and currently serves about 25,000 members. The organization’s mott is “Service without reward – Dedication to brotherhood.” Contact the Veterans of the Vietnam War at 1-800-843-8626, (717) 825-7215, or by fax at (570) 603-9740.
Always a Soldier Program The Always A Soldier Program is an Army Materiel Command initiative to assist wounded veterans after their service to our nation. The program provides disabled veterans opportunities for employment, career advancement, job mobility, family economic well being and greater financial security.
Army Reserve Warrior and Family Assistance Center The Army Reserve Warrior and Family Assistance Center assists Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families with issues concerning medical care, military and VA benefits, personnel actions, financial difficulties, family counseling and more. They're staffed 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Call 1-866-436-6290 or e-mail scotty.grigsby@usar.army.mil.
USA Together USA Together lets you directly help an injured service member. Browse a list to find those who need help near you or search for needs that match the help you can offer. You can also be notified by e-mail when a need arises that matches your interest.
DRAFT - Disability Rights Advocates For Technology DRAFT represents people with disabilities who are, by virtue of new developments in technology and more widespread use of the principles of universal design, finding the opportunity to more fully participate in our society and enhance the quality of their lives.
Social Security Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is for military service members who became disabled on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services provides services to help Virginians with disabilities become more independent and self-sufficient. The staff work in partnership with people with disabilities, their families, and public and private service providers to ensure high quality and efficient service.
Army Wife Talk Radio Army Wife Talk Radio is the original Internet talk radio show designed specifically for Army wives by Army wives. The show features up-to-the-minute information, special reports, stories and interviews that affect Army wives. Listen to the show, and sign up for the AWTR newsletter.
Care.com Care.com is an online service that helps people locate care and service providers in their area, and helps providors find jobs.
U.S. Welcome Home Foundation The United States Welcome Home Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides services and resources beyond the budgetary and mission capabilities of the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other national, state and local veterans’ agencies.
Operation First Response The Mission of Operation First Response, Inc. is to support the nation's wounded heroes and their families with personal and financial needs. For many families financial hardship starts quickly and for others it’s the domino effect of extra costs and lost wages. OFR is committed to support these families with aid such as rent or mortgage payments, money to pay overdue bills, purchase clothing, groceries and for transportation for medical treatment.