Military Community Resources

If you are in the process of transitioning from the military or recently left the service here are a few tips from my personal experience as well as from working with other veterans. These tips have been shared on LinkedIn and are part of my Corporate Soldier newsletter. Please read Military Transition Tips I Learned The Hard Way and click on the subscription link to get future articles.

If you are an employer, watch this video:

Click image to see the full roadmap document

Transition Programs

Transition Guides

Government Sponsored Programs

Other publications

Military Times – Featured Sections

  • Transition Checklist
  • School
  • VA Benefits
  • Job hunt
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Where to live
  • Spouses
  • Civilian Life 101

Military Wallet – Featured Sections

  • Planning for transition
  • Financial considerations
  • Expectations
  • Employment
  • Joining the National Guard or Reserves
  • Transition
  • Benefits

TA Online – Featured Sections

  • Financial Planning
  • Career Planning
  • Resume Writing
  • Veterans Advantages
  • Interview Tactics

US Chamber Foundation – Offers download of PDF developed in partnership with the Bush Center.

Transition Guides from Employers

Transition Guides requiring registration

Transition and Other Training Programs

Just like we go through training to enter the military, transitioning service members and veterans will require training to return as a civilian. It is important to note that every service also provides specific training for drill sergeants, and companies should also look into training programs to help them understand how to get the most from the training and experiences of not only veterans, but military spouses as well.

SkillBridge

The DoD SkillBridge program (Army version is called the Career Skills Program) is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

For Service members SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience.

SkillBridge is an excellent benefit for installation and Unit Commanders who have members nearing military separation. SkillBridge can help Service members bridge the gap between the end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers. Commanders can greatly ease this transition to civilian life by supporting their reports’ interest in SkillBridge. When mission permits, Commanders who support SkillBridge participation are helping their personnel transition more seamlessly from service to a civilian career with a trusted employer.

Separating Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after unit commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) provides written authorization and approval. These industry partners offer real-world training and work experience in in-demand fields of work while having the opportunity to evaluate the Service member’s suitability for the work.

Other training or educational programs

The following is a list of organizations with training programs that offer career transition programs or more. Organizations that support the military community in other ways are listed in a section further down this page.

  • AMVETS – provides free-of-charge career training and employment assistance for veterans and service members from the active, guard and reserve, and their spouses. CharityWatch does not recommend investing in this organization.
  • Bridge My Return (BMR) – an online Military Hiring Platform that connects Veterans and Transitioning Military to career opportunities with military-ready employers. BMR’s technology includes a skill translator that converts military skills into civilian skills, software that automatically creates a resume, and a job-matching algorithm. BMR also provides education support and advice to service members. BMR seeks to provide a more effective and less stressful job search experience for veterans and serve as a magnet of high character talent for employers.
  • Centurion Military Alliance – CMA provides transition assistance workshops at military bases.
  • Combined Arms – Combined Arms streamlines the connection between veterans and their families from all branches of the military with organizations that serve them. Check website for current locations.
  • The Commit Foundation – Offers in person and digital training that can aid in transition. The also offer programs to support companies wishing to hire veterans.
  • Deloitte CORE Leadership Program – Deloitte offers an in person, all expense paid 3 day program for people within 12 months (before or after) their transition from the military.
  • Easterseals Military and Veteran Services – Provide employment programs as well as other resources that aid in veteran, spouses, and caregivers. The bottom of the page provides a link to services in local areas.
  • FourBlock – Provides in person and digital training for transitioning service members.
  • Hire Our Heroes Foundation – Offers virtual training and fellowship programs with companies that support transitioning service members and military spouses. The program for service members allows for connections as part of the SkillBridge program.
  • Microsoft Systems and Software Academy – Microsoft Software & Systems Academy provides an 18-week (or two 9-week terms) training for high-demand careers in cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity administration, or database and business intelligence administration. near multiple installations. Program graduates have an opportunity to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of their hiring partners. Use of GI Bill required.
  • PsychArmor – Provides short video training, some that is accredited with SHRM, for employers, health care providers, veterans and their supporters.
  • Semper Fi & America’s Fund – is dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. They offer three areas of support: service member and family support, transition assistance, and integrative wellness.
  • Sesame Street – Sesame Street in the Communities offers information to help communicate with children about serious issues and this link if for content specific to military families.
  • USO Pathfinder – Whether an individual needs help finding a civilian job that suits their skills and interest, securing financial stability, researching education options, taking advantage of their GI Bill, utilizing their VA Home Loan or any other veteran programs, maintaining family strength and personal wellness through the process, or more – participants will get a personalized Action Plan and one-on-one support from a USO Pathfinder Scout.
  • Workforce Opportunity Services – is a nonprofit committed to developing the skills of untapped talent from underserved and veteran communities through partnerships with organizations dedicated to diversifying their workforce. Utilizing a scientifically-based model derived from research conducted at Columbia University, we recruit, educate, train, and place high-potential candidates with leading organizations around the world. 
  • Wounded Warrior Project – Provides multiple services to support veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. 

Credentials

  • Army COOL
  • Marine Corps COOL
  • Navy COOL
  • Onward to Opportunity – Onward to Opportunity (O2O), part of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, is a no-cost industry-focused and validated career skills program that connects transitioning service members and active duty military spouses to high-demand careers in Customer Service Excellence, Information Technology, and Business Management. 
  • Vetforce – The Trailhead Military program offers active duty military, veterans, and military spouses access to Salesforce training course preparation classes and exam vouchers.
  • HirePatriots – links to other courses

Career Placement

It is important to understand that recruiters work differently depending on the organization they support. This is an article I wrote a few years ago but is still relevant today: A Guide for Military Veterans to Understand Recruiters.

The following organizations can provide assistance to veterans and military spouses in their search for employment.

  • Candorful – connects transitioning military veterans and military spouses with qualified interview coaches for personal practice job interviews at no cost to them.
  • Corporate America Supports You – CASY provides assistance in developing a resume, preparing for interviews and offers live webinar training that covers such things as resume writing, federal resume writing, interview skills, and job search skills..
  • Hire Heroes USA – Provides assistance in developing a resume, preparing for interviews but also provides partnerships with training organizations.
  • Work for Warriors – Work for Warriors (WFW) is a free job placement program in California only. We assist all Service Members, Veterans, their families, natural disaster survivors, and Youth Academy graduates. They also offer free training in security, IT, heavy equipment operation and employment readiness. WFW has a team of 18 who run the program that can help connect you with CA employers.

Resume Tools

  • Hiring Our Heroes Resume Engine
  • Indeed – Indeed veterans page provides a resume service for veterans and military spouses
  • Jobscan – compare resume with job description
  • Resumes4Vets – To assist fellow Veterans in the civilian sector by providing free resume reviews, recommendations, and guidance as a component of their complete professional profile.

Free LinkedIn Premium and courses

Scroll to page bottom to see “Organizations requiring companies pay for their services” for other career placement or recruiting fair organizations.

Mentorship Programs

As you prepare to speak with other veterans or mentors who have not served I recommend you read this article I wrote first: Two words veterans should stop using

  • American Corporate Partners – ACP’s free Mentoring Program connects post-9/11 veterans, active duty spouses and eligible military spouses (Protégés) with corporate professionals (Mentors) for customized mentorships. ACP assists veterans and eligible spouses on their path towards fulfilling, long-term careers, whether the veteran is job searching or newly employed.
  • Boots to Shoes – trains volunteers from the business community to be mentors for transitioning veterans. BTS mentors are trained to provide coaching for resumes, job search plans, and interview skills serving Washington state greater Puget Sound area.
  • eMentor – eMentor is a cutting-edge online mentoring program for military personnel, veterans and military spouses. 
  • Veteran Mentor Network – This began and continues to operate as a group on LinkedIn. This link is to their website but I also recommend you join the group on LinkedIn.
  • Veterati – Search and select mentors who volunteer time for service members, veterans and military spouses.

Military Spouse Programs

These are some of the programs specifically set up to help spouses. However, some of the resources listed for veterans also support spouses so take time to explore other areas of this page.

  • Armed Services YMCA – Provides support for military families.
  • Easterseals Military and Veteran Services – Provide employment programs as well as other resources that aid in veteran, spouses, and caregivers. The bottom of the page provides a link to services in local areas.
  • Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Are you a caregiver? Not sure? Check out the Hidden Heroes program and other work of this foundation.
  • Hire Our Heroes Foundation – Offers virtual training and fellowship programs with companies that support transitioning service members and military spouses.
  • Military Spouse Employment Partnership – MSEP is part of DoD’s broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, which seeks to strengthen the education and career opportunities of military spouses.
  • Onward to Opportunity – Onward to Opportunity (O2O), part of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, is a no-cost industry-focused and validated career skills program that connects transitioning service members and active duty military spouses to high-demand careers in Customer Service Excellence, Information Technology, and Business Management. 
  • PsychArmor – Provides short video training, some that is accredited with SHRM, for employers, health care providers, veterans and their supporters.
  • The Rosie Network – remains the largest nonprofit focused on solving the military spouse unemployment crisis through entrepreneurship and self-employment.
  • USO Pathfinder – Whether an individual needs help finding a civilian job that suits their skills and interest, securing financial stability, researching education options, taking advantage of their GI Bill, utilizing their VA Home Loan or any other veteran programs, maintaining family strength and personal wellness through the process, or more – participants will get a personalized Action Plan and one-on-one support from a USO Pathfinder Scout.

Mental Health and Well Being Resources

You are not alone and there are people and organizations that want to help you. Transition stress is real, don’t be afraid to admit you need help.

Other resources that can help

  • Cohen Veterans Network – focus is on post-9/11 veterans and families, in order to get ahead of transition challenges before they become chronic or acute. Each Cohen Clinic will assess all veterans based on their specific needs, and we will make every effort to see pre-9/11 veterans based on clinician availability.
  • Give an Hour – focuses on providing free mental health care to active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, veterans, and their families.
  • Health.mil
  • Lifeline for Veterans – serves the crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. Veterans and their families through: management and operation of the nation’s first vet-to-vet toll-free helpline for all veterans and their families.
  • Make the Connection – is an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
  • USASOC Human Performance + Wellness – HPW is the holistic integration of the Physical, Cognitive, Psychological, Social and Spiritual Performance pillars specifically designed to improve operational performance, ensure ARSOF readiness, and build resilience of our Soldiers and their Families.
  • VA.gov
  • Vets4Warriors – To provide sustained, confidential peer support to any veteran, service member, family member, or caregiver whenever they have an issue, wherever they are in the world. We help before challenges turn into crises.
  • Wounded Warrior Project – Provides care to all veterans to include those who may not be covered by the VA.

Government Programs

Federal Veteran Representatives

Did you know that there are people, in many cases other veterans, who are working to try and help you? Here are some details on who they are and how to find them. While their offices may be temporarily shut down, many are still working virtually to help you.

DVOP and LVER

DVOP (Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists) and LVER (Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives) staff provide services to all veterans that Title 38 indicates are eligible for their services, but their efforts are concentrated, according to their respective roles and responsibilities, on outreach and the provision and facilitation of direct client services to those who have been identified as most in need of intensive employment and training assistance. DVOP and LVER staff, through outreach with employers, develop increased hiring opportunities within the local work force by raising the awareness of employers of the availability and the benefit of hiring veterans.

Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP)

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans, with the maximum emphasis directed toward serving those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless veterans, and veterans with barriers to employment. DVOP specialists are actively involved in outreach efforts to increase program participation among those with the greatest barriers to employment which may include but should not be limited to: outplacement in Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program offices; DVA Medical Centers; routine site visits to Veterans’ Service Organization meetings; Native American Trust Territories; Military installations; and, other areas of known concentrations of veterans or transitioning service members. The case management approach, taught by the National Veterans’ Training Institute, is generally accepted as the method to use when providing vocational guidance or related services to eligible veterans identified as needing intensive services.

Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER)

Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives conduct outreach to employers and engage in advocacy efforts with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for veterans, encourage the hiring of disabled veterans, and generally assist veterans to gain and retain employment. LVER staff conduct seminars for employers and job search workshops for veterans seeking employment, and facilitate priority of service in regard to employment, training, and placement services furnished to veterans by all staff of the employment service delivery system.

To meet the specific needs of veterans, particularly veterans with barriers to employment, DVOP and LVER staff are thoroughly familiar with the full range of job development services and training programs available at the State Workforce Agency One-Stop Career Centers and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program locations.

Search Tool for Veteran Representatives

State Government Veteran Representatives

Definitions from TAOnline.com

Partners from the George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Program

The following organizations have had representatives participate in the Veteran Leadership Program at the George W. Bush Institute. While some of these may appear in other categories above or below, I want to highlight these are organizations willing to collaborate with each other and companies with a focus on helping the military community.

  • Battle Tested Veterans – Battle Tested Veterans (BTV) is a non-profit organization that uses the power of first-person narratives to challenge veteran stereotypes and bridge the gap between transitioning military members and civilian hiring influencers.
  • Bunker Labs – a national network of veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping the military connected community start their own business.
  • Combined Arms – Combined Arms streamlines the connection between veterans and their families from all branches of the military with organizations that serve them. Check website for current locations.
  • The Commit Foundation – Offers in person and digital training that can aid in transition. The also offer programs to support companies wishing to hire veterans.
  • Community Building Art Works – CBAW is a charitable organization that builds healthy and connected communities through workshops led by professional artists where veterans and civilians share creative expression, mutual understanding, and support.
  • CreatiVets – CreatiVets’ mission is to empower wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music.
  • Dog Tag, Inc – Dog Tag Inc. seeks to build a bridge to employment and a productive civilian life for veterans and military families that have served our country so well. We provide a transformative opportunity for veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, and caregivers through a five-month fellowship, offering an education at Georgetown University and real life work experience in our small business, Dog Tag Bakery.
  • Foundation for Women Warriors – is a unique support organization created exclusively for the women veteran community of Southern California. We provide essential programs to empower the resiliency and professional development of Women Warriors.
  • Help for Heroes – is a TRICARE-certified program designed to meet the recovery needs of active-duty service members, veterans and first responders who are dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues brought on by role-related challenges.
  • Heroes’ Movement – is a non-profit that bridges the gap from therapy – whether mental or physical – to getting strong again through free small group coached strength and conditioning workouts for US veterans.
  • IThrive Network – is a global life support system created to empower and bridge the gap between  women who are currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, globally. Their mission is to foster a community that fosters networking, career, social, financial, physical, and mental wellbeing.
  • The Mission Continues – is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers veterans to continue their service, and empowers communities with veteran talent, skills and preparedness to generate visible impact.
  • MISSIONLicense – We help licensed professionals maintain career continuity with minimal disruption when transferring to another jurisdiction. First consultation is free.
  • Mission Roll Call – is a movement providing veterans, spouses and caregivers with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities. We take the messages, views, experiences and insights shared by our veterans and deliver them directly to our leaders in order to speak unfiltered, accurate truth and enact positive change.
  • Mission43 – is designed to provide Idaho’s post-9/11 servicemen, women, and their spouses with the resources to excel academically, in their next career, and in the community.
  • NextOp Vets – helps bridge the gap between veterans in need of work and aging industries that desperately need the skills our veteran clients have to offer by recruiting and placing currently transitioning military professionals into meaningful careers where their unique skills and experience are fully-utilized.
  • Project Recovery – Project Recover is a collaborative effort to enlist 21st-century science and technology in a quest to find and repatriate Americans missing in action since World War II, in order to provide recognition and closure for families and the Nation.
  • PROMOTE – PROMOTE’s mission is educating, connecting, and developing leaders to ensure more diverse and inclusive organizations.
  • Salute Military Golf Association – The SMGA’s mission is to provide rehabilitative golf programs, experiences, and family inclusive golf opportunities for post 9/11 wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.
  • Service to School – The mission at Service to School is to prepare transitioning military veterans for their next chapter of leadership by helping them gain admission to the best college or graduate school possible.
  • Soldier Strong – SoldierStrong provides revolutionary technology, innovative advancements and educational opportunities to veterans to better their lives and the lives of their families.
  • Student Veterans of America – With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.
  • Travis Manion Foundation – strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them.
  • Veterans Community Project – is determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless Veterans, a task accomplished by the community for the community. Currently operates in Kansas City.
  • Veterans Village of San Diego – is the only program of its kind in the United States and is nationally recognized as the leader in serving homeless military veterans. 
  • Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center – help women veteran owned businesses (WVOBs) scale for success, we establish strategic alliances, leverage public/private-sector opportunities, advocate for relevant research, services and funding, while simultaneously providing on-site the personal and professional resources they need to succeed.
  • Vet it – For far too long, the military connected community has needed a dedicated career platform that enables it to identify and share which schools and companies have resulted in the best outcomes.
  • Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation – Through the experience of fly fishing in Montana, WQW is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones.

Community Support

Here are other organizations that either I have worked with or have been told about.

  • Adaptive Sports Center – enhances the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities.
  • Air Warrior Courage Foundation – focuses on active duty, guard, reserve and retired military personnel and their families needing financial assistance for medical, educational, and other extraordinary expenses not covered by other military, veterans’, or charitable institutions.
  • American Legion – is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. There is a career center on their website that connects to job fairs.
  • AmericaServes – AmericaServes is the country’s first coordinated system of public, private, and non-profit organizations working together to serve veterans, service members, and their families. Our vision is that every service member, Veteran, and their family can easily access the full range of comprehensive services required to achieve their unique goals, and to provide a first-class service experience to match service member and veterans’ first class military service.
  • America’s Vet Dogs – mission is to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.  All services are provided at no cost — including transportation to and from our campus in Smithtown, New York, instruction, and more.  
  • America Warrior Partnership – empowers communities to empower veterans. Our approach to accomplishing this mission takes many forms, but it always starts with connecting community organizations with local veterans to understand their unique situations. Our ultimate goal is to create a better quality of life for all veterans by empowering local communities to proactively and holistically serve them.
  • Army Emergency Relief – Army Emergency Relief was founded in 1942 by Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Marshall. Charged with relieving undue financial stress on the force, AER serves the enduring priorities of the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Since 1942, AER has provided $2 billion to nearly 4 million Soldiers, including $1 billion since 9/11. Through zero-interest loans, grants, and educational scholarships, AER ensures no Soldier faces financial hardship on their own.
  • Blue Star Families – is committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations – to create vibrant communities of mutual support. 
  • Blue Star Mothers – We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism.
  • Bob Woodruff Foundation – BWF leverages partnerships with leading nonprofits, corporations, the military and the government to find, fund and shape programs that meet the emerging and long-term needs of today’s veterans and their families.
  • Breakline – programs are designed for veterans pursuing careers in technology. They have a virtual program as well as in person programs in Austin, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC
  • Brian Bill Foundation – Warrior Healing Program begins with individual four day therapeutic retreats for Special Operations Forces, active duty, veterans and their spouses who have been deployed since 911 and as a result have mild traumatic brain injuries, combat post traumatic stress and chronic pain.
  • Challenge Aspen – is dedicated to impacting lives through year-round adaptive experiences for individuals faced with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.
  • Disabled American Veterans – DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. There is a career center on their website that connects to job fairs.
  • EOD Warrior Foundation – serves the EOD community by providing financial assistance and support to Active-Duty, Reserve and National Guard, Retired and Veteran EOD technicians and their families.
  • Fallen Patriots – mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
  • Fisher House – Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world.
  • Freedom Service Dogs of America – unleashes the potential of dogs by transforming them into custom-trained, life-changing assistance dogs for people in need.
  • Gallant Few – mission is to prevent veteran isolation by connecting new veterans with hometown veteran mentors, thereby facilitating a peaceful, successful transition from military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.
  • Gary Sinise Foundation – At the Gary Sinise Foundation, they serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. They do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
  • Grace After Fire – mission is to provide the means for women Veterans to gain self-knowledge and self-renewal.
  • Home for our Troops – builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured Post-9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.
  • Hope for the Warriors – provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources.
  • Institute of Veterans and Military Families – provides research, training and community programs to support veterans.
  • Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund – The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund serves United States military personnel experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – is a veterans advocacy and support organization that connects, unites and empowers over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide.
  • The Mesothelioma Center – Veterans who served in certain military occupations between 1930 and 1980 have a high risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Veterans account for 30% of the estimated 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually. Veterans who develop mesothelioma because of military asbestos exposure can file for VA benefits. Get free assistance with your VA Claim.
  • National Association of Veteran-Serving Organizations (NAVSO) – a nonprofit organization exclusively focused on transforming the veteran services marketplace to improve the lives of veterans and military families.
  • National Military Family Association – NMFA is the voice of military families because, for 50 years, we have proven that we stand behind service members, their spouses, and their children. Our Association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families.
  • Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society – provides, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Service of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.
  • Operation Gratitude – is the largest nonprofit in the country for hands-on volunteerism in support of military, veterans and first responders.
  • Operation Home Front – builds strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply struggle to get by — in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
  • Operation Healing Forces – serves the needs of our active-duty and recent-veteran wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their spouses by starting or continuing the process of mentally, physically and emotionally healing in preparation to return to the fight or transition successfully into civilian life.
  • Operation New Uniform (ONU) – treats each veteran as an individual, serving as many veterans as possible without reducing quality, and meticulously tracking the results and successes of our veterans and programs. Program is run from Jacksonville, FL.
  • Return to Work – reengages veterans, especially injured military service members and their spouses, disabled civilians, and diverse communities by helping them find productive and fulfilling jobs.
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
  • Team Red, White and Blue – has a mission to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
  • Team Rubicon – serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises.
  • TexVet – TexVet is the state clearinghouse for trusted information, resources, data, technical support, and research relevant to service members, veterans, their families, and those who serve them.
  • Veterans Community Project – Their solution to provide critical support services is two-fold: The Veteran Outreach Center: A walk-in center to serve as a one-stop-shop for every type of veteran facing every type of problem. VCP Village: Built by Veterans for Veterans, VCP Village is a specialized community of tiny homes combined with wrap-around, onsite services to get homeless Veterans off the street and transition them to permanent housing. 
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. Link connects to their employment center.
  • Veteran Jobs Mission – see some of the companies that are interested in hiring veterans who are part of this program
  • Veteran Transition Support – is an All Volunteer Orange County, California based 501(c)(3) Nonprofit created specifically to help transitioning service members and veterans bridge the gap from military life into civilian life.
  • VetsFirst – is a program of United Spinal Association that assists veterans and their eligible family members in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to, deserve and need.
  • Volunteers of America – is committed to promoting the well-being of all veterans and their families, whether they are newly transitioning from military to civilian life or have long been returned but are struggling with homelessness, unemployment, mental health and substance use challenges, suicide risks, and the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sexual trauma. 
  • Wounded Warriors Family Support – provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.

Other Lists

I have not reviewed all the links from these sites due to the number they provide.

  • Call of Duty Foundation – The Call of Duty Endowment provides substantial restricted grants to organizations that prove themselves to be among the most effective and efficient at connecting veterans with high-quality jobs.
  • Military-Transition.org – This site was started to collect data from veterans about military transition and has expanded to sharing information about organizations that can help veterans.
  • Operation We Are Here – One of the most comprehensive lists I have seen with resources for military and veteran families and their supporters.

Organizations requiring companies pay for their services

Their are pros and cons with connecting with an organization that is paid for their work by the company that hires you. The pro is that you know the company is serious about hiring veterans. You will get a great deal of support from these companies because they do not get paid until you are hired. The con is you are limited to the companies that agree to work with them and their interest in you as a candidate could be limited if you restrict your search based on location or type or role or company you want.

For Entrepreneurs

  • ARSENAL: Arming You For Success in Entrepreneurship – The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University is committed to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey. For more than a decade, the IVMF has served over 120,000 veterans.
  • Bunker Labs – a national network of veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping the military connected community start their own business.
  • FranNet – Not specific for veterans but provides free advice and mentorship for someone starting a franchise.
  • Global Good Fund – For the second year in a row, The Smithfield Foundation, philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, will contribute $400,000 to provide 10 veteran entrepreneurs with The Global Good Fund Fellowship to invigorate their leadership and accelerate their social impact.
  • SCORE – Not specific for veterans but provides free advice and mentorship for someone starting a business.
  • Syracuse University Library – Online resources for entrepreneurs
  • Syracuse University Programs for Entrepreneurs

For Employers

  • America Warrior Partnership – empowers communities to empower veterans by holding an annual meeting usually in August.
  • PsychArmor – Provides short video training, some that is accredited with SHRM, for employers, health care providers, veterans and their supporters.
  • Salesforce Guide
  • SHRM Veteran Certification – The SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work Certificate, developed for HR professionals, hiring managers, and front-line supervisors. Earn10 professional development credits toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.
  • Veterans Job Mission – Resources provided by the coalition of companies that hire veterans.

Avoid These Veterans Charities

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a list of bogus charities to avoid. In some cases, the FTC says, the following charities pocketed up to 95% of donations intended for veterans:

  • Act of Valor
  • American Disabled Veterans Foundation
  • Donate Your Car
  • Donate That Car, LLC
  • Help the Vets, Inc.
  • Medal of Honor
  • Military Families of America
  • Saving Our Soldiers
  • Vehicles for Veterans, LLC
  • Veterans Emergency Blood Bank
  • Veterans Fighting Breast Cancer
  • Veterans of America
  • Vets Fighting Breast Cancer