Standing Guard.
A U.S. Soldier during Exercise Combined Resolve 24-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany.
The U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Clarke (2024).
TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE BEGINS WITH THIS!
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and support groups are generally categorized by their mission, whether they are congressionally chartered, and the specific needs they address.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of major organizations and support groups by category.
1. The "Big Six" National Service Organizations
These are the largest, congressionally chartered organizations that advocate for veterans' rights and provide free assistance with VA claims and benefits.
The American Legion: The largest VSO; focuses on community service, patriotism, and veteran advocacy.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Open to those who have served in a theater of combat operations; focuses on camaraderie and legislative advocacy.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Dedicated specifically to helping disabled veterans and their families lead high-quality lives.
AMVETS (American Veterans): Open to all who served honorably; focuses on a broad range of veteran issues.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA): Specifically advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA): Dedicated solely to the needs of Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
2. Physical Health & Disability
These groups provide specialized support for veterans with specific injuries or medical conditions.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): Focuses on post-9/11 veterans with physical and mental injuries.
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA): Supports veterans who are legally blind or have significant vision loss.
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA): Focuses on health and professional benefits for Air Force enlisted members.
Marine Corps League: Provides support for former Marines, including medical and burial assistance.
3. Mental Health & Wellness
Support groups focused on PTSD, transition stress, and crisis prevention.
Veterans Crisis Line: Provides 24/7 confidential support (Dial 988, then press 1).
VA Vet Centers: Community-based centers providing free counseling for combat veterans and their families.
Give an Hour: Provides free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families.
Stop Soldier Suicide: Focused specifically on reducing the suicide rate among the veteran community.
4. Housing & Homelessness Support
These organizations provide immediate shelter, long-term housing solutions, and eviction prevention.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: (1-877-4AID-VET) The primary entry point for VA housing assistance.
Volunteers of America (VOA): Provides transitional housing and "Rapid Rehousing" programs.
U.S. VETS: The largest nonprofit provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk veterans.
The Baltimore Station: A therapeutic residential program for veterans transitioning out of homelessness and addiction.
5. Education & Employment
Groups that assist with the GI Bill, vocational training, and civilian job placement.
Student Veterans of America (SVA): A network of on-campus chapters helping veterans succeed in higher education.
Hire Heroes USA: Provides free personalized career coaching and resume assistance.
American Corporate Partners (ACP): Connects veterans with corporate mentors for career development.
FourBlock: A career transition program for high-potential veterans entering the corporate workforce.
6. Family, Caregiver & Survivor Support
Focuses on the "hidden heroes"—the families and survivors of those who served.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Provides peer support and resources for those grieving the loss of a military loved one.
Gold Star Wives of America: Supports the surviving spouses of those who died while on active duty or from a service-connected disability.
Blue Star Families: Connects military families with their local communities and resources.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation: Specifically supports the 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers.
7. Era & Demographic Specific Groups
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): The primary organization for post-9/11 veterans.
National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS): Focuses on the unique needs of African American veterans.
Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN): Advocates for the rights and needs of women veterans.
Minority Veterans of America (MVA): Supports LGBTQ, racial minority, and women veterans.
Pro Tip: To find a local representative who can help you file a claim for free, you can use the VA VSO Directory. You do not have to be a member of an organization to use their accredited service officers.
This Pin was discovered by Tariq Brown | UX/UI Designer & Product Design Lead. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest.
