Faces of Combat

Where to Get Help

“U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, D-California, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, held a hearing recently that found the VA is not reaching the vets who need help.

“‘The VA mental health system is broken in function and understaffed in operation,’ testified Mike Bowman, father of Spec. Tim Bowman, who committed suicide in 2005. ‘There are many cases of soldiers coming to the VA for help and being turned away or misdiagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and then losing the battle with their demons. Those soldiers, as well as our son Timothy, can never be brought back. No one can change that fact. But you can change this system so this trend can be slowed dramatically or even stopped.’” – Faces of Combat

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For immediate or emergency assistance, please call: The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.

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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.
web: www.va.gov
VA benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Education: 1-888-442-4551
Health Care: 1877-222-8387

The American Legion

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, wartime 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.
web: www.legion.org
Veterans Affairs and Rehab: 202-861-2700

National Veterans Foundation

Call their national hotline for veterans seeking resource referral, benefits information, or emotional support.
web: www.nvf.org
phone: 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.”
web: www.vfw.org
phone: 816-756-3390

Vietnam Veterans of America

Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is the only national Vietnam veteran’s 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.
web: www.vva.org
phone: 1-800-882-1316

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.
web: www.amvets.org
phone: 1-877-726-8387

Blinded Veterans Association

Through service programs, groups, and benefits, BVA promotes the welfare of blinded veterans.
web: www.bva.org
phone: 1-800-669-7079

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.
web: www.ngwrc.org
phone: 1-866-531-7183

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.
on-line directory: www.va.gov/vso/

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.
web: www.iraqwarveterans.org

VA Watchdog dot Org

A comprehensive website that provides updated news as well as information about VA benefits, health resources, and political action.
web: www.vawatchdog.org

PTSD Support

Support for veterans who have PTSD. Health care and information resources for all aspects of the veteran’s life.
web: www.ptsdsupport.net

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.
web: www.standup4vets.org

Health

National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

US Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD offers a variety of programs as well as resources for education. It publishes 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.
web: www.ncptsd.va.gov
phone: 802-296-6300

Mental Health Self-Assessment Program

The Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (MHSAP) is a mental health and alcohol screening and referral program provided for military families and service members affected by deployment and mobilization. Anonymous, self-assessments are available for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder and are offered online, by phone, and at special installations. It is funded by the Department of Defense Office of Health Affairs and coordinated by Screening For Mental Health, Inc.
web: www.mentalhealthscreening.org/military/index.aspx or www.militarymentalhealth.org
phone: 781-239-0071 or 1-877-877-3647

TRICARE

Find out more about the military managed care system.
web: www.tricare.mil/
phone: North: 1-877-874-2273
South: 1-800-444-5445
West: 1-888-874-9378

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.
web: www.gulfweb.org/bigdoc/selfhelp.cfm
phone: 202-628-2700 ext. 162

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.
web: www.dav.org
phone: 877-I Am A Vet (877-426-2838)

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.
web: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
phone: 877-TEAM-WWP

Mesothelioma Center

Providing the latest, up-to-date information about the dangers of asbestos cancer. A one-stop resource on all asbestos issues ranging from occupational exposure to mesothelioma treatment options. More than 3,000 pages of information.
web: http://www.asbestos.com/

Mesothelioma Cancer Network

An extensive source of information that covers the details of symptoms and various ranges of prognosis and treatments that are available.
web: http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/

Veterans Eye Care

Launched by the nation’s largest group of Eye MDs, VeteransEyeCare.com is a website dedicated to providing quality eye care information and resources for U.S. Veterans.
web: www.veteranseyecare.com

Amputee Coalition of America

This organization, in conjunction with the National Limb Loss Information Center, provides resources for people with limb loss. On its 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.
web: www.amputee-coalition.org
phone: 1-888-AMP-KNOW (1-888-267-5669)

Blinded Veterans Association

BVA is for those who are a blind or visually impaired veteran, their relatives, or friends. It is an organization specifically established to promote the welfare of blinded veterans.
web: www.bva.org
phone: 202-371-8880

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 and their eligible dependents. They help clients apply for health care, as well as other benefits they may be entitled to.
web: www.pva.org
phone: 1-800-555-9140

Lariam Action USA

Lariam Action is an information and support service for people who have questions about the effects of the anti-malaria drug Lariam (mefloquine).
web: www.lariaminfo.org

The Military Vaccine Resource Directory

The Military Vaccine Resource Directory provides an overview of the anthrax vaccine, the latest news, support groups, health care tips, medical, and legal resources 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 vaccine now declared illegal, they work to prevent any f
urther use of investigational new drugs on troops without their informed consent. It also helps the ill and those who have refused the vaccines.
web: www.mvrd.org

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.
web: www.veteransandfamilies.org
phone: 916-422-5005

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 other stress-related disorders. Its website is an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.
web: www.ncptsd.va.gov

Sgt. Brandi

A warrior’s guide from the battlefield to a productive life. The primary focus is on our Troops, past and present. The website explains what it takes to understand the role of a warrior and to make the transition back to a productive future.
web: sgtbrandi.com/

NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals

The Association for Addiction Professionals web site has FAQs about NAADAC and addiction counseling, a locator so you can find an addiction counselor near you, and a public forum for people who need more information about addiction counseling.
web: www.naadac.org/
phone: 800-548-0497

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. It is currently establishing a national network of mental health professionals and reaching out to its first target population, the U.S. troops and families affected by the current military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
web: www.giveanhour.org

PTSD HelpNet

A practical guide and resource for the troops, vets, and their families who are affected by the pervasive problem of PTSD. The site also offers tips on navigating the VA and seeking professional treatment.
web: www.ptsdhelp.net

Vet Centers

Vet Centers are small community organizations managed by the VA and dedicated to providing counseling for combat veterans from combat veterans.
web: www.vetcenter.va.gov
phone: 800-905-4675

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).
web: www.vva.org/Benefits/ptsd.htm

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.
web: www.cominghomeproject.net

Mental Health Self-Assessment Program

The Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (MHSAP) is a mental health and alcohol screening and referral program provided for military families and service members affected by deployment and mobilization. Anonymous, self-assessments are available for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder and are offered online, by phone, and at special installations. It is funded by the Department of Defense Office of Health Affairs and coordinated by Screening For Mental Health, Inc.
web: www.mentalhealthscreening.org/military/index.aspx or www.militarymentalhealth.org
phone: 781-239-0071 or 1-877-877-3647

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. Its mission is to be the bridge to a fulfilling career for our heroes to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms they fought to preserve.
web: www.hireheroesusa.org
phone: 1-866-915-HERO

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 great choices for both its job candidates and its employer clients.
web: www.recruitmilitary.com
phone: 513-683-5020

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.
web: helmetstohardhats.org
phone: 866-741-6210

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.
web: www.esgr.org
phone: 800-336-4590

VetBiz

Find out more about starting and running a veteran-owned business.
web: www.vetbiz.gov
phone: 866-584-2344

Veteran Job Search at Military.com

Search over 100,000 job postings online.
web: www.military.com/jobsearch

HireVetsFirst

Veterans seeking employment opportunities can use this free site to search for jobs, get help writing a great résumé, and find out how military skills translate into occupational skills. Employers can also use this site to post job openings.
web: www.hirevetsfirst.gov
phone: 202-693-4700

REALifelines (Part of HireVetsFirst)

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.
web: www.hirevetsfirst.gov/realifelines
phone: 202-693-4700

Career Command Post

CCP specializes in bringing transitioning active duty military personnel and armed forces veterans together with civilian employers that are hiring for executive, managerial, professional, technical, skilled, and semi-skilled positions, from the Military Transition Group, Inc.
web: www.careercommandpost.com
phone: 1-800-219-0408

VetJobs.com

A great site for veterans and transitioning military personnel and their family members. Featured are openings for all levels and types of jobs. You can search for jobs (by type, keyword, and location), as well as post your résumé. It is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and it’s free to job seekers.
web: www.vetjobs.com
phone: 1-877-VETJOBS

Return to Work

This organization works to provide vocational rehabilitation to veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Job seekers and employers can post profiles and connect to help veterans return to work.
web: www.return2work.org
phone: 303-415-9187

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.
web: www.nchv.org
phone: 800-VET-HELP

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.
web: www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/hudvet
phone: 1-800-998-9999

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.
web: www.va.gov
phone: 1-800-827-1000

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.
web: www.nationalhomeless.org
phone: 202-462-4822

Education

GI Bill Info from the VA

The official GI Bill Wesite from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
web: www.gibill.va.gov
phone: 888-442-4551

Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school.
web: studentaid.ed.gov
phone: 800-4-FED-AID

The Fund for Veterans Education

The Fund for Veterans’ Education was established to provide scholarships to veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan or Iraq since September 11, 2001, and who are now enrolled in college or vocational-technical school.
web: www.veteransfund.org
phone: 507-931-1682

Federal Tuition Assistance

The Army Reserve National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Program provides financial assistance to part-time ARNG soldiers in support of their professional and personal self-development goals.
web: minuteman.ngb.army.mil/Benefits/

Legal Assistance

National Veterans Legal Service Program

Provides training and educational publications to help veterans and their dependents obtain all of the benefits that they deserve, and represents veterans and their dependents who are seeking benefits before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and in court.
web: www.nvlsp.org

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.
web: www.nlgmltf.org
phone: 619-463-2369

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.
web: www.ccrjustice.org
phone: 212-614-6464.

Board of Veterans Appeals

Find out more about understanding the appeals process.
web: www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

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.
web: www.vetsprobono.org
phone: 1-888-838-7727

ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel

The mission of 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.
web: www.abanet.org/legalservices/lamp

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.
web: www.navao.org

LawHelp

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

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.
web: www.nmcrs.org

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.
web: www.aerhq.org
phone: 1-866-878-6378

Air Force Aid Society

The official charity of the U.S. Air Force.
web: www.afas.org
phone: 1-800-769-8951

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.
web: www.cgmahq.org
phone: 1-800-881-2462

Military Families

Minstrel Boy

Brian Hart of Bedford, Massachusetts is the blogger of this page. He dedicates it 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.”
web: minstrelboy.blogspot.com

Military Spouse Resource Center

A resource library for military spouse employment, education, and relocation information.
web: www.milspouse.org

National Military Family Association

The NMFA provides timely and useful information to military families.
web: www.nmfa.org
phone: 1-800-260-0218

Sgt. Mom’s

Military Life explained by a Military Wife!
web: www.sgtmoms.com

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: 1) while on active military duty; 2) of a service-connected illness; or 3) 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.
web: www.militarywidows.org

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 its national military survivor peer support network. It also offers grief counseling, referral, case worker assistance, and crisis information, all available to help families and military personnel cope and recover. It provides these services 24 hours a day free of charge.
web: www.taps.org
phone: 800-959-TAPS

VFW National Home for Children

By contacting the VFW National Home for Children Helpline at 800-851-0238, assistance and connection to supportive services nationwide is available to children and families of veterans. In some situations, the children and/or families may be able to become a part of the National Home’s campus community where they can live for a time with the opportunity to build a better life. The National Home has four Family Programs to assist families of active duty military members and veterans. Call the National Home Helpline or go to www.vfwnationalhome.org to learn more.
web: www.vfwnationalhome.org
phone: 1-800-424-8360

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.
web: www1.va.gov/wvhp

For Women

This website and toll-free call center were created to provide free, reliable health information for women everywhere.
web: www.4woman.gov
phone: 1-800-994-9662

The Miles Foundation

The Miles Foundation has established a toll-free Advocacy Helpline for victims of interpersonal violence associated with the military.
web: hometown.aol.com/milesfdn
phone: 1-877-570-0688

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.
web: www.newdirectionsbrooklyn.com
phone: 718-398-0800

Swords to Plowshares

This is a non-profit that has been around since 1974, created by Vietnam Veterans to help veterans. It provides housing, legal, employment, and training services, mental health and substance abuse counseling. All their services are free to the veteran and they honor all types of discharges, from honorable to dishonorable. Located in San Francisco, California.
web: www.swords-to-plowshares.org
phone: 415-252-4788

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. It provides 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 who are planning their civilian careers.
web: www.veteransresourcecentral.org

Project Healing Waters

Project Healing Waters serves those who have come home wounded. PHW aids in their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly-fishing and fly tying.
web: www.projecthealingwaters.org