Veterans Service Organizations: Find One that Fits Your Needs

By Corina Notyce, DCoE Strategic Communications

If you’re a veteran, you might have already connected with a veterans service organization (VSO) and are familiar with the services and benefits offered by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, for service members who haven’t yet transitioned or will be transitioning to veteran status soon, Real Warriors Campaign recently published an article, “What VSOs Can Do For You” that’s quite helpful.

When it comes to a VSO specifically, it’s important to note that some VSOs are chartered, which means these organizations are federally authorized to represent veterans before VA, and some are non-chartered. For example, chartered VSOs may prepare and present veterans benefit claims to VA. Non-chartered VSOs may provide veterans and their dependents with information on how to obtain veterans services and benefits, but they cannot serve as a representative before VA. Your specific need may determine the VSO that’s best for you to explore and reach out to.

Here’s a brief look at a few chartered VSOs partnered with the Real Warriors Campaign:

 ■The American Legion: the largest VSO in the United States providing claim and appeal support to veterans. To learn more, visit www.legion.org or call 800-433-3318

■American Red Cross: provides support to military personnel and families, including emergency communications, access to financial assistance, counseling and referral to community resources. To learn more, visit www.redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)

■Blue Star Mothers of America: comprised of mothers who currently have or have had children honorably serving in the military and focuses on supporting veterans while promoting patriotism. Their worldwide campaign, “Sew Much Comfort,” delivers more than 1,200 clothing items and accessories to returning service members each month. To find a chapter in your area, visit www.bluestarmothers.org

■Congressional Medal of Honor Society: comprised of recipients of the prestigious Medal of Honor. The society provides aid to all Medal of Honor recipients, their widows or their children. To learn more, visit www.cmohs.org or call 843-884-8862

■Disabled American Veterans: provides support to disabled veterans and their families as well as free claims representation and transition service for active-duty and reserve component members. To learn more, visit www.dav.org or call 877-I AM A Vet (877-426-2838)

■Gold Star Wives of America: comprised of widows and widowers whose spouses lost their lives while on active duty or as the result of a service-connected cause. They assist with understanding and obtaining veterans benefits. To learn more, visit www.goldstarwives.org or call 888-751-6350

■United Service Organizations (USO): a global organization that provides morale, welfare and recreation services to support service members and their families. Today, there are 135 USO centers worldwide, which are visited approximately 6.9 million times annually. To learn more, visit www.uso.org or call 888-484-3876

For additional information and resources from other Real Warriors Campaign partners, click here. In addition to getting assistance from VSOs as you transition to veteran status, you can reach the VA at 800-827-1000 or in-person at a VA regional office nearest you. The Real Warriors Campaign three-part series, “Transitioning to the VA” can also help as you begin exploring the services and applying for benefits offered by the VA including:

■Disability

■Education and training
■Vocational rehabilitation
■Home loan guaranty
■Dependent and survivor benefits
■Medical treatment
■Life insurance and burial benefits

Take advantage of these resources, or share them with another veteran. Sometimes just being informed about your options can make all the difference.