Found a good "Veteran Support Organizations" link? Let Us Know!

Veterans supporters:
Before you give, INVESTIGATE!! There are charities out there claiming to make a difference who are making a difference for themselves, alone. They are NOT helping the veterans! Please exercise due diligence before you support a group whose sole beneficiaries are the people operating the so-called charity. SSRsi will endeavor to "vet" the listings on this page - but we could be wrong or things could change. If you find a listing here that is keeping more than 30-50% of the funds donated for "administrative costs", please let us know ASAP! If there is no grade, we haven't been able to find a reporting agency and just plain don't know.

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a free U.S. Department of Education program designed to help eligible U.S. military veterans refresh their academic skills so that they can successfully complete the postsecondary school of their choosing.

ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible for participation in a VUB program an individual must be a low-income and/or first-generation college (meaning that neither of your parents have a four-year college degree) student, having served at least 180 days of active federal service, and have a discharge that is OTHER than dishonorable.

Currently, there are 46 VUB programs nationwide and in Puerto Rico and Guam ready to serve veterans. Here are some of the areas in which VUB programs can help you:

ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION IN: Mathematics, foreign language, composition, laboratory science, reading, literature, computer basics and instruction in other subjects as necessary for academic success in education beyond high school; Instruction designed to prepare veterans participating in the project for careers in which persons from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly underrepresented; Tutorial and study skills assistance.

OTHER SERVICES MAY INCLUDE: Intensive basic skills development in those academic subjects required for successful completion of a high school equivalency program and/or admission to postsecondary education programs; Short-term remedial or refresher classes for veterans who are high school graduates but have delayed pursuing a postsecondary school education; Assistance with applications to the postsecondary school of choice; Assistance with applying for financial aid; Personal Counseling; Academic advice and assistance; Activities designed to acquaint veterans participating in the project with the range of career options available to them; Assistance in securing veterans services from other locally available resources; Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other educational activities not usually available to disadvantaged people.

There are a variety of Veterans Upward Bound programs around the country that serve U.S. military veterans. go To the top of the navigator bar and click on "VUB Program Locator" to find the nearest program to you.

So, if you want to go back to school, but its been a few years since you’ve been in a classroom setting, or if you could use a free refresher program to help “knock the rust off of your skills,” contact the veteran-friendly folks at a VUB program near you.

Mesothelioma - Veterans Assistance Assistance with VA Claims & Other Potential Benefits: Asbestos.com's Veterans Assistance Department can help you with questions about veterans and asbestos-related illnesses or about potential benefits. While the website provides a wealth of information online, they have a form you can fill out which will put you in contact with one of their "Experienced Navy Veterans" who will assist you with your questions about potential VA Benefits. SSRsi has had no reports - pro or con - regarding this site or this service, so any additional information from viewers would be appreciated.

LOOK FOR THE GRADE!!! (A-F)

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund & Fisher House Foundation (A+)

Air Force Enlisted Village (A) The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent widows of retired Air Force personnel. The Village's primary goal and focus is to provide a home and financial assistance to these women. The surviving spouse with the greatest need is cared for first and none are refused assistance due to financial status. Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets. Surviving spouses requiring financial assistance live here among peers sharing memories of Air Force life without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing facilities. 87% goes towards programs!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (C-) traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

The American Legion (N/a) was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. A community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members -- men and women -- in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. These Posts are organized into 55 Departments -- one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

USO (United Service Organizations) (C+)

AMVETS (F) As one of America’s foremost veterans service organizations, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms.

American Veterans Relief Foundation (F) Spends 86% on fundraising and only 6% on programs.

American Ex-Prisoners of War Service Foundation (F)

Blinded Veterans Association (D+) Though 73% of funds goes to programs, nearly a quarter is spent on fundraising.

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (A+) 99% spent on programs!!! The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust is dedicated to one, single purpose: building better lives for our nation's disabled veterans and their families. To carry out this responsibility, the Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, meets the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities such as amputation and blindness, and aids and shelters homeless veterans. In addition, the Trust is a grant maker, expending more than $48.5 million in service to disabled veterans and their dependents since 1988. Do not confuse with the next entry - same parent org, different fund (I think)!

Disabled American Veterans (D) 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. Definitely do not confuse with next entry -

Disabled Veterans Associations (F) 71% spent on fundraising, and the Exec. Dir. STILL chomps on $73k salary. Rocky River, OH

Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation (F) 71% spent on fundraising, and the COO siphons off $121k.

Former Military POW Foundation (F) 73% spent on fundraising, only 13% on programs.

Jewish War Veterans of the USA (N/a) & Catholic War Veterans (N/a)

American Ex-Prisoners Of War (F) The American Ex-Prisoners of War organization is a national organization for American citizens who were captured by the enemy. Membership is open to all former prisoners of war from any theater in any war, all former civilian internees and to the families of such persons. There is no such thing as an "associate" member and we have no auxiliaries. Each and every member is entitled to all privileges of membership.

Military Officers Assn. of America (N/a) MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. With about 370,000 members from every branch of service – including active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, and former officers and their families – we are a powerful force speaking for a strong national defense and representing the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers. MOAA’s highest priority is providing first-class service to our members. We are the leading voice on compensation and benefit matters for members of the military community. We provide expert advice and guidance to our members.

Non-Commissioned Officers Assn. (F - National Defense Foundation) 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.

The Retired Enlisted Assn. (N/a) Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life for uniformed services enlisted personnel, their families and survivors-
including active components, Reserves, and National Guard, and all retirees; to stop the erosion of earned benefits through our legislative efforts, to maintain our esprit de corps, dedication and patriotism, and to continue our devotion and allegiance to God and Country.

Military Order of the Purple Heart (F) The only Congressionally chartered veterans organization exclusively for combat wounded veterans.

The Legion of Valor is a chartered national veterans organization comprised of recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross.

United Veterans Union seeks to ensure after service benefits to all members of the US Armed Forces who served and will serve our country.

Arlington National Cemetery web site, devoted To America's Most Hallowed Ground And To The Heroes And Pathfinders Who Rest At Peace There.

The National Personnel Records Center can provide access to lost service records through this web site. Both military and civilian personnel records are maintained and can be accessed by filing the forms available here.

American Merchant Marine Veterans are working for the benefit of the many vets of the Merchant Marine.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute is an unforgettable exhibit that pays tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Its visual centerpiece is a 4/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, standing 8 feet high at the apex and spanning 378 feet!

ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee (Queensland). On April 25 both countries are in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride for all Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers, men and women, who have fought and died in all wars.

Berlin Airlift Veterans Association hosts the worlds largest web site dedicated to everyone involved with the Worlds Greatest Humanitarian Mission. From that immortal day when the words rang out "General, The Air Force can Move Anything" we now celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Berlin airlift.

Chuck's Military Site remembers and supports veterans from all wars including today's headlines, but especially those KIA/MIA and living vets of Vietnam. A very personal and moving memorial and remembrance.

Delta Omicron Sigma is a college fraternity open to all honorably discharged veterans. See also: DOS News

Freedom Alliance (F)

Gulf War Veterans Resource Pages provides support for individuals, activist groups, locator services, chat and other information or resources aimed at vets of the Persian Gulf war. The Gulf War Veterans Support Ring can be entered from our Ring page. By following the links from site to site, you have access to all of these sites related to the Gulf War.

Helmets to Hardhats is a company that is funded by the US Department of Defense to help transitioning military and veterans find careers in the building and constructions trades.

Help Hospitalized Veterans/Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (F)

Kitchen Table Gang is an organization of veterans helping hospitalized veterans and troops overseas.

Korean War Veterans Association "Forgotten soldiers of a forgotten victory, forgotten no more!"

National Military Family Association (A)

National Veteran's Hall of Honor wishes to commemorate all Veterans in the history of the United States of America. They plan a museum to be located in Omaha, NE with many exhibits commemorating the wartime experiences of all the military services and time periods.

National Veterans Legal Services Program helps veterans who have problems resulting from their military service and require legal help to resolve the matter.

National Veterans Services Fund (F)

National Vietnam Veterans Committee (D)

No Quarter is the Vietnam casualty search page. They maintain a database which is searchable by name, location, unit and many other ways.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, (F) a Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, was formed following World War II to serve veterans with spinal cord injury or disease.

P.O.W. Network is dedicated to information distribution on our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action servicemen.

The Retired Military Advocate is in the thick of efforts to obtain full promised benefits to all veterans, particularly medical care. Conducts e-mail writing campaigns and other lobbying efforts.

Veterans.com has a locator, eyewitness accounts of war experience, discussion groups, news, events, and much more.

Veterans News and Information Service is tailored to the needs of veterans regarding world news, legislation, military changes and benefits along with chat and more on-line services.

Veterans of America Honor Guard There are over 150 pages on this web site made up of honor guard pages and announcements of military burial ceremonies. These pages are here to honor our American military veterans both living and those who have gone on before us. While history may overlook many of the brave deeds of our gallant men and women, their memory will ever live in the hearts and minds of freedom loving people of this great nation.

Vet Friends.com is a free membership service that helps you locate your friends who are on active duty, reserve, or a veteran of the U.S. military. Site has news, stories, a message board and other features for Vets. Register for free and encourage your friends to do the same.

Vietnam Veteran's organizations and support groups throughout the world

Vietnam Veterans Home Page. Resource site focused on the needs of veterans of the war in Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program/Veterans Community Initiatives, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1993 to assist all veterans and their immediate family members in their job searching efforts. VVLP is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA and has been serving veterans and family members in western Pennsylvania since 1982.

Veterans of the Vietnam War & The Veterans Coalition (D)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (D)

Vietnow National Headquarters (F)

Women In Military Service For America Memorial is a unique, living memorial honoring all military women - past, present & future. Situated on 4.2 acres of land at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the Women's Memorial is the United States' first major national memorial honoring women who have served in the U.S. armed forces during all eras and in all services.

World War II U.S. Veterans Website. This site is dedicated to the millions of men and women from the United States who made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of free people everywhere. By and for vets, it's contents are continually updated.

Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America: (C) Founded in 1946, Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America (AZPVA) works to improve the quality of life of U.S. military veterans and all who have experienced spinal cord injury/dysfunction through advocacy for proper health care, promotion of sports, education, and communication. AZPVA became a chartered member of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) in 1966 and became a chartered member of the U.S. Congress in 1981. The founding goal of national PVA was supporting veterans and improving their quality of life. Since its founding, PVA has made significant strides in reaching out to all segments of society to cultivate the concept of inclusion. 32% spent on admin and fundraising

World War II Veterans Committee, a program of American Studies Center (D)

Lost and Found This section is a World Wide Web Vietnam Veteran Location Service. The purpose of this section is to help other Veterans and friends of Vietnam Veterans locate Veterans and others who served in Vietnam during the war years. See Also: "Information and Search Aids" Index

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