A Guide for Veterans – Finding the Support They Need and Deserve

‍As a veteran, you’ve made great sacrifices for your country. Now, you may struggle to make ends meet, find a job, or navigate the government’s complex bureaucracy. That’s why finding the help and support you need and deserve is essential. From job assistance to financial aid and mental health services, countless resources are available to veterans. This guide is designed to help veterans find the resources they need while also exploring the history and culture of the military. 

Understanding VA Benefits

Veterans who have served on active duty can obtain certain benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, health care, housing assistance, and savings bonds. Understanding these benefits and how to obtain them is the first step to accessing the help you need and deserve. 

*Health care benefits – If you have served on active duty for more than two continuous years and received an other than dishonorable discharge, you and your dependents are eligible for health care benefits. These include medical, dental, vision, and mental health care.

*Disability compensation – If you have a service-related disability, you may be eligible for disability compensation from the VA. This is a monetary benefit paid to you monthly. You can learn more about your eligibility and apply online through the VA’s website or use this VA disability calculator.

*Education assistance – Similarly, veterans and their dependents are eligible to receive educational assistance benefits, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. You can find out if you qualify by visiting the GI Bill website.

Connecting with a Support Network

Veterans often thrive best when they have a strong support network of other veterans. Whether you’re seeking a support group or just a friend who understands what you’re going through, connecting with a support network can be incredibly beneficial. Various organizations, such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Team Red, White, and Blue, connect veterans of all branches and all time periods. You can also connect with other veterans in your community by visiting the American Legion website and searching for your local chapter. Various online communities can provide support and camaraderie. Staying informed about current events and opportunities is also important. Regularly keeping up to date with defense industry news and insights can help veterans stay connected to developments in the field and also find opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

Finding Job Assistance

The Department of Labor has a specialized team that helps veterans find jobs. They also have a Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) program that serves as a single point of contact for veterans seeking benefits. Similarly, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers the Employment Services Program, which helps veterans obtain jobs, find training, and receive other employment services. You can also check out the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps service members transition from active duty to civilian life. Many companies also offer veteran hiring initiatives, such as Starbucks’ Vetify program, UPS’ Heroes at Home initiative, and GE’s Vet-Inspired program.

Exploring Mental Health Services

If you’ve served in the military, you know that the job isn’t all medals and glory. In fact, it can be incredibly stressful and traumatizing. For this reason, many veterans have PTSD – this figure is thought to be as high as 83% of serving military personnel and veterans and other mental health issues. This can then translate into addiction problems, with many veterans turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. Fortunately, many organizations like Summit Detox provide addiction detox services to veterans. You can learn more on their site and it is super important to utilize these resources. They can give you the help you need and deserve. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of mental health services for veterans, including group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and couples counseling. Similarly, many private organizations provide mental health services for veterans, including the American Psychological Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Conclusion

Veterans have sacrificed a lot for our country, and we must honor their service and help them find the support they need. Whether you’re a veteran of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, this guide will help you navigate the resources available.