Transitioning Veterans Resource Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of regional and national programs and organizations available to assist transitioning military veterans. From educational benefits and job training to housing, mental health, and community integration, this resource aims to empower veterans and their families during the critical phase of reintegration into civilian life.

We are not partnered, endorsed, or connected to any of these resources as an organization. However, we personally during our own transitioning from the military used many of these resources.

I. EDUCATION SUPPORT

1. GI Bill (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Website: www.va.gov/education
Support: Tuition coverage, housing allowance, and school supplies for qualified programs.

2. Service to School
Website: www.service2school.org
Support: Free college application counseling and mentorship for transitioning service members.

3. Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
Website: onward2opportunity.org
Support: Free career training and certifications with job placement support.

4. Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Website: studentveterans.org
Support: Network of student-led chapters advocating for veterans on campus.

II. EMPLOYMENT & JOB TRAINING

1. Hiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
Website: hiringourheroes.org
Support: Employment workshops, corporate fellowships, and hiring events.

2. Department of Labor VETS Program
Website: dol.gov/agencies/vets
Support: Employment rights, job training, and reintegration support.

3. VetJobs
Website: vetjobs.org
Support: Online job board specifically for transitioning service members and veterans.

4. SkillBridge (Department of Defense)
Website: dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov
Support: Internships and training during the last 180 days of service.

III. HOUSING & BASIC NEEDS

1. HUD-VASH (HUD & VA Supportive Housing Program)
Website: va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
Support: Housing assistance and case management for homeless veterans.

2. Veterans Inc.
Website: veteransinc.org
Support: Housing, food, employment services, and health support.

3. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
Website: nchv.org
Support: Advocacy and housing resources nationwide.

4. Operation Homefront
Website: operationhomefront.org
Support: Transitional housing, financial assistance, and family support.

IV. MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

1. Veterans Crisis Line
Website: veteranscrisisline.net
Support: 24/7 mental health crisis support at 988 then press 1.

2. Wounded Warrior Project
Website: woundedwarriorproject.org
Support: Mental health services, peer support, and rehab resources.

3. Give an Hour
Website: giveanhour.org
Support: Free mental health counseling for veterans and families.

4. Cohen Veterans Network
Website: cohenveteransnetwork.org
Support: Nationwide mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans and families.

V. COMMUNITY & PEER NETWORKS

1. Team RWB (Red, White & Blue)
Website: teamrwb.org
Support: Veteran-led fitness and community events nationwide.

2. The Mission Continues
Website: missioncontinues.org
Support: Service platoons and leadership programs for veterans.

3. VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Website: vfw.org
Support: Advocacy, benefits assistance, and community engagement.

4. AMVETS
Website: amvets.org
Support: Outreach, legislative advocacy, and transition support services.

Note: This guide will be updated quarterly to ensure information remains current and comprehensive. For more support or to recommend additional resources, contact info@stavesofhonor.org

1. AUSA (Association of the United States Army)
Website: ausa.org
Support: Advocacy, professional development, networking, and publications tailored to U.S. Army personnel and veterans.

2. MOAA (Military Officers Association of America)
Website: moaa.org
Support: Advocacy, transition assistance, and financial resources for officers of all service branches.

3. Navy League of the United States
Website: navyleague.org
Support: Supports sea service personnel (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine) through education, advocacy, and youth programs.

4. Marine Corps League
Website: mcleague.org
Support: Provides camaraderie, community engagement, and veteran assistance programs for U.S. Marine veterans.

5. Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)
Website: afa.org
Support: Supports Air Force and Space Force members through scholarships, education initiatives, and policy advocacy.

6. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA)
Website: uscgcpoa.org
Support: Represents the interests and welfare of Coast Guard enlisted personnel and fosters leadership development.

Why Join These Associations:
Joining branch-specific associations offers continued camaraderie, access to resources, job networks, policy advocacy, and opportunities for public service, all while supporting your specific military branch’s legacy and active community. Also, you do not need to be a veteran of that branch to join one of these.