As a country founded by those willing to fight for it, the United States holds its veterans in the highest regard and as such there are many veterans service organizations out there offering assistance and programs to our country’s bravest. Some of these organizations offer job assistance, community opportunity, and help getting the benefits veterans deserve.
The following list contains some of the greatest veterans service organizations that can aid in many different aspects of a veterans life.
1. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW was founded in 1899 after the Spanish-American War to offer support and assistance to American veterans who have served during wartime. The organization currently has more than 2 million members who contribute to both the organization and community through local Auxiliaries. The Veterans of Foreign Wars offers assistance to veterans to help them claim VA benefits, separation benefits and education benefits. They offer scholarships, financial aid, and much more through each of their local chapters.
2. American Legion
Founded in 1919, this veterans organization has more than 14,000 posts with more than 2.4 million members. They offer many programs and assistance to their local communities all the way up to a national level, even helping to lobby on behalf of veterans. The American Legion can help veterans file benefits claims, find work, apply for education benefits, and even gives medical coverage to certain injured or ill veterans through their special programs, the Operations Comfort Warriors and the Heroes to Hometowns. Through their local chapters, the American Legion offers a safe place of camaraderie for veterans and their families.
3. AMVETS – American Veterans
This veterans service organization was chartered by Congress to be the country’s first WWII veterans organization. They welcome anyone who has served or is currently serving in any military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves. AMVETS is known for their lobbying presence in regards to VA funding, veterans benefits, and homeless veterans services. They offer free assistance to its members that includes assisting them with benefits claims, transition assistance, offering scholarships, helping members to find jobs, and much more. AMVETS prides itself on being the “voice” of veterans.
4. American Veterans Committee
As a non-profit veterans organization, the American Veterans Committee was founded to help connect veterans to job opportunities and networking opportunities. This veterans organization is not as old as some of the others, but their message has allowed the American Veterans Committee to grow quickly. They organize networking receptions that help connect veterans with possible employers and they are affiliated with the World Veterans Federation, connecting veterans from different countries to promote more opportunity. As long as a veteran was not dishonorably discharge, any veteran is welcome to become a member of the American Veterans Committee.
5. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Originally established to support World War I veterans in 1920, the Disabled American Veterans serves disabled veterans, their families, and even widowed spouses and orphans through their many programs and benefits. This veterans service organization also spends a great deal of time lobbying for veterans rights alongside other organizations. The DAV can help veterans find jobs, file claims, and transition back to normal life. They offer transportation to its members to VAs and other appointments, disaster relief, and even offer assistance for homeless veterans. The DAV even helps widowed spouses and orphans apply for benefits and receive all of the care and support they need during their difficult time.
Veterans are among the bravest people in the world, deserving every ounce of respect that is available to give. These organizations continue to fight the good fight for veterans and their families, ensuring they receive every benefit and assistance that is available to them. This list contains only a few of, but some of the greatest veterans service organizations in the country that can help veterans lead the very best lives.
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