Resources

American Legion

Chartered by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, the American Legion offers numerous services for veterans, families and wounded warriors while also encouraging service and mentorship to youth programs in the community.

American Red Cross

The Red Cross provides emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral and assistance to veterans.  1-800-REDCROSS

Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America’s Army – Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees, Government Civilians, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, and family members.

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, that serves as a bridge between families and support and service organizations. The Web site includes deals and discounts, links to programs, blogs, and other resources to support military families.

 National Military Family Association (NMFA)

NMFA provides scholarships, rights and benefits education, deployment and family support, camps, retreats, news, updates and fact sheets for military families.

Navy League of the United States

The Navy League provides scholarships, youth mentoring programs, awards, Navy League Hiring Center for veterans, employment opportunities, educational programs and outreach. 1-800-356-5760

United Services Organizations (USO)

The USO provides support for Military servicemember and their families through USO Centers, Internet and email access, libraries, reading rooms, recreational activities, regional veterans services and family services. 1-888-484-3876

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

The VFW is open to veterans of overseas conflicts and strives to serve veterans, the military and their communities through advocacy, college scholarships, volunteerism, and funding for memorials.

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)

ASYMCA provides child care, hospital assistance, military spouse support, food services, computer training, health and wellness support and holiday meals. 1-800-597-1260

Care.com

Care.com provides connections for child care, special needs care, tutoring, senior care, pet care, housekeeping and more. The service enables families view detailed profiles, background checks, and references.

Child, Youth and School Services

Army Child, Youth & School programs exist to support military readiness by reducing the conflict between a Soldier’s mission requirements and his or her parental responsibilities. To find your local CYSS office, please visit:http://www.myarmyonesource.com/ChildYouthandSchoolServices/ContactCYSServices/default.aspx

NACCRRA

NACCRRA, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, assists military families find and afford child care that suits their unique needs.

SitterCity

Sittercity is the source for savvy sitters and knowledgeable nannies.  Parents can get to know candidates before the first interview thanks to detailed profiles, references, background checks and reviews. They provide free membership to Military Families.

Army Spouses Guide (PDF)

Army Guide for Spouses and Family Members designed to introduce you to some of the information you will need to help you and your family adjust to the Army way of life, make you more self-reliant, and provide general information on how to take advantage of the excellent opportunities the Army has to offer.

Double Duty: Staying Connected with your kids when you’re a deployed dad

Doing double duty as a father and a deployed service member requires focus and commitment.  Fatherhood expert and former Marine Armin Brott talks about ways to stay close with your child from before you deploy to after you return.

These Boots: A spouse’s guide to stepping up and standing tall during deployment

On this recording, Jacey Eckhart, a military wife for 18 years and columnist for the Virginian-Pilot, offers suggestions and strategies to help you prepare for deployment, survive (and even thrive) while you’re “married but single,” and get ready for homecoming.

Army Knowledge Online (AKO)

Army portal for soldiers and DA civilians. Provides quick access to installation and travel information, training links, the latest news, and webmail.

Army Spouses Guide (PDF)

Army Guide for Spouses and Family Members designed to introduce you to some of the information you will need to help you and your family adjust to the Army way of life, make you more self-reliant, and provide general information on how to take advantage of the excellent opportunities the Army has to offer.

Installation Information

The official Department of Defense source for installation and state resources available to Active duty, Guard and Reserve service and family members.

Installation Guide

Military.com provides an interactive map to access installation information.

National Resource Directory (NRD)

The NRD connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, and their families with those who support them. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics including benefits & compensation, education & training, employment, family & caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation & travel and other services & resources.

Military.com

An online resource on all things military.  It features information on military and veterans benefits, installation guides.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is the one-stop website for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families run by the Department of Defense.

MILSpouse (Department of Defense)

Comprehensive resources that provide support, information and referrals for Military spouses seeking portable careers and employment opportunities.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

TSP is the retirement savings plan for military personnel offering tax-free investments prior to withdrawal of funds. 1-TSP-YOU-FRST

Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program)

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match it.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) is a DoD-wide effort to help National Guard and Reserve Service members and their families connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments, especially during the reintegration phase that occurs months after Service members return home.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a required test administered to anyone interested in enlisting in any of the US Armed Service branches. Minimum scores must be met in order to be able to enlist as well as to qualify for certain jobs within the service.

Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE)

Offers fellowships for military spouses to attain the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification. (614) 485-9650

The Folded Flag Foundation

Scholarships and grants available to qualifying spouses of fallen heroes and their children (under the age of 26). Includes tutoring, extracurriculars, summer camps, and other related educational expenses for K-12, college, post-grad, and trade school programs.

Military.com’s School Finder

Use School Finder to find the right program to help you get ahead. Search the largest education database, with Military-friendly attributes and information on over 4,000 schools.

Scholarships for Military Children

Scholarships for military children regardless of service member’s status.

Wall Street Warfighters Foundation

Wall Street Warfighters is an organization focused on benefiting Service Disabled Veterans. Its mission is to identify, develop, and place disabled veterans in long-term professions in the financial services industry following their military service. 1-888-439-3935

Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program)

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match it.

American Corporate Partners

Offers free career counseling and mentoring to recently returned veterans by professionals from America’s finest companies and select universities.

Career One-Stop Centers (Department of Labor)

Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) counselors provide career and employment support for military service and family members at state employment offices. 1-877-348-0502

USAJobs

The U.S. Government’s official site for jobs and hiring information. Includes information on how to obtain service-related preference, for listed positions

Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) (Department of Labor)

Offers support for wounded, ill, injured and disabled servicemembers, search engine for civilian careers, an online resume-writer, and a military-to-civilian skills translator.

Wall Street Warfighters Foundation

Wall Street Warfighters is an organization focused on benefiting Service Disabled Veterans. Its mission is to identify, develop, and place disabled veterans in long-term professions in the financial services industry following their military service. 1-888-439-3935

Air Force Aide Society (AFAC)

The “official charity of the US Air Force”, the AFAC provides emergency assistance, sponsors education assistance programs and offers an array of base community enhancement programs that improve quality of life for Airmen and their families. 1-800-769-8951

American Red Cross

The Red Cross provides emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral and assistance to veterans.  1-800-REDCROSS

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Army Emergency Relief provides Soldiers and their Families financial assistance in a time of need.  1-866-878-6378

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Assists during a time of financial need.  Assistance is provided through counseling, short-term interest-free loans, financial grants, referrals, and other related means. 1-800-881-2462

Compensation Calculator

This calculator will compute your regular military compensation based on your inputs. Regular military compensation is the approximate amount of an equivalent civilian salary.

Defense Credit Union Council

Directory of Local Credit Union Branches, financial resources, links and financial policy information.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

DFAS provides payment services for the Department of Defense.

Department of Defense Pay and Compensation

The Military Pay and Benefits Website provides Department of Defense information regarding military pay, retirements and benefits.

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

The NMCRS provides financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need. 1-800-654-8364

The Office Of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy (WarriorCare)

The Office Of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy provides support and service for wounded warriors and their families, as well as transitioning members of the Armed Forces, through effective outreach, interagency collaboration, policy and program oversight.

Retirement Calculator

Each retirement calculator estimates retired pay during retirement years. You can personalize the inputs to reflect your expectations about your retirement and economic conditions.

Survivor Benefit Plan

The primary survivor benefit applicable to survivors of retirees (and, in some situations, active duty members) are the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP). These are voluntary programs to ensure survivors continue to receive income throughout their lifetimes.

USAA Education Foundation

The mission of The USAA Educational Foundation is to help consumers make informed decisions by providing information on financial management, safety concerns, and significant life events.

Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program

Locate your closest legal office.

Legal Services on Military Bases (Judge Advocate General’s Corps)

Legal professionals provide no-cost legal assistance services, including confidential help with housing and foreclosure issues, wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives and advice regarding policies and laws that help and protect service members (e.g. Relocation Policies, EESA, SCRA, HERA).

Army Community Services (ACS)

Assistance for Army families on everything from childcare and counseling to education and job placement.

Army Spouses Guide (PDF)

Army Guide for Spouses and Family Members designed to introduce you to some of the information you will need to help you and your family adjust to the Army way of life, make you more self-reliant, and provide general information on how to take advantage of the excellent opportunities the Army has to offer.

Double Duty: Staying Connected with your kids when you’re a deployed dad

Doing double duty as a father and a deployed service member requires focus and commitment.  Fatherhood expert and former Marine Armin Brott talks about ways to stay close with your child from before you deploy to after you return.

Installation Family Centers

Basic information on all DOD installations including schools, housing prices, childcare and the surround areas.

National Guard Family Program

Supporting the National Guard and Reserve National Guard through a variety of programs and services.

Navy Fleet and Family Services (FFSC)

Supports individual and family readiness and adaptation to life in the Navy. Programs include deployment support, crisis intervention, education information and spouse employment.

New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

A military program that helps parents with new babies.  To find the NPSP nearest to you, go to the military installation locator and select “New Parent Support Program” from the drop-down menu of programs and services.

Operation We Are Here

Organization that works to bridge the gap between the military and civilian community. Also offers information on resources including books, seminars and more.

Reserve Components

Information for Reservists and their families including news and programs.

Strong Bonds

A unit-based, chaplain-led program that assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the Army Family. Weekend retreats provide a fun, safe, and secure environment in which to address the impact of relocations, deployments, and military lifestyle stressors

These Boots: A spouse’s guide to stepping up and standing tall during deployment

On this recording, Jacey Eckhart, a military wife for 18 years and columnist for the Virginian-Pilot, offers suggestions and strategies to help you prepare for deployment, survive (and even thrive) while you’re “married but single,” and get ready for homecoming.

Veterans Airlift Command

The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes, through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Homes for Our Troops

Non-profit that builds or adapts homes for severely injured veterans, at no cost to the veteran, in order to provide maximum accessibility and the ability to live more independently.

Installation Family Centers

Basic information on all DOD installations including schools, housing prices, childcare and the surround areas.

Loan Closet

Most installations have a Loan Closet (also referred to as a Lending Closet or Airman’s Attic) at your disposal where families can borrow household items while they wait for their household goods to arrive. Use the Installation guide to locate the Loan Closet nearest you.

Move.Mil

The Official DPS Portal. Everything you need to get started on a personal property move.

AfterDeployment

AfterDeployment is a mental wellness tool for service members, veterans, and their families following a deployment. The focus is on self-help, with interactive exercises and quizzes, links to local resources, and video testimonials that show how others have dealt with post-deployment challenges.

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

DVBIC strives to serve the military, veterans and their families dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury offering a care and research network, online resources and more in partnership with the DoD and VA.

Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

DCoE was created to serve as the open front door for DoD for warriors and their families needing help with psychological health and TBI issues.

Grace After Fire

A place for women veterans, and their loved ones, to connect with one another and with our professional partners, to find resources, to learn and to get involved.

HealthNet

HealthNet administers the TRICARE program for military and their families in the North Region.

Humana

Humana administers the TRICARE program for military and their families in the South Region.

Military and Family Life Consultants

(Contact your Family Readiness Group to connect with your MFLC)  Licensed clinical providers who assist service members and their Families with issues they may face through the cycle of deployment – from leaving their loved ones and possibly living and working in harm’s way to reintegrating with their community and Family.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource counseling services are designed to provide service help with short-term issues such as adjustment to situational stressors, stress management, decision making, communication, grief, blended-family issues, and parenting-skills issues. They provide three types of counseling services: face-to-face, phone, and online.

Military Pathways

Website offering mental health and substance abuse screenings, resources, and information for military families.

Tricare

Health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, families and survivors worldwide.

TriWest

TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers the TRICARE program for military Service members and their families in the 21-state West Region.

The Mission Continues

Empowers wounded and disabled veterans to begin new lives of public service, while offering multiple opportunities for family members to serve their communities through service.

Operation Welcome Home

Organizes greetings for returning troops.

United We Serve

An online resource for not only finding volunteer opportunities in your community, but also creating your own.

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)

Child care, hospital assistance, military spouse support, food services, computer training, health and wellness support and holiday meals. 1-800-597-1260 or 703-313-9600

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Youth centers provide educational, recreational, cultural and social activities for military youth.

Junior Achievement

Financial education and resources that encourage young people on such concepts as work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

A military program that helps parents with new babies.  To find the NPSP nearest to you, go to the military installation locator and select “New Parent Support Program” from the drop-down menu of programs and services.

Our Military Kids

The grants from Our Military Kids pay for participation in sports, fine arts, camps, and tutoring programs that nurture and sustain children while a parent is away in service to our country or recovering from injury.

 Scholarships for Military Children

Scholarships for military children regardless of service member’s status.

Blue Star Mothers of America

Non-partisan organization of mothers who now, or have, had children serving in the military. Website includes resources and links to local chapters.

 Marine Parents

Founded in response to parents needs to connect and share, Marine Parents provides information and links regarding all aspects of a child’s service in the Marine Corps as well as chat rooms, message boards and resources.

Moms of Military

A group open to moms and wives (all women related to anyone serving in the military) offering community and prayer. Chapters gather to pray and share experiences.

Navy Moms Online

An unofficial online community for Navy parents.

Navy Dads

This site is for U.S. Navy and Marine parents, family members, and all who want to learn about life in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Navy for Moms

Informational and community page for moms with children already in the Navy or whose children are considering joining the Navy.

 Recruit Parents

A branch of MarineParents.com, this site provides information, resources and connections specifically for the parent of a Marine Recruit in Boot Camp.

Surviving Deployment

Click on “Articles” for information for parents of service members.

What’s After Boot

A branch of MarineParents.com, this site provides information for parents during the period after their child graduates boot camp.

American Corporate Partners

Offers free career counseling and mentoring to recently returned veterans by professionals from America’s finest companies and select universities.

American Legion

Chartered by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, the American Legion offers numerous services for veterans, families and wounded warriors while also encouraging service and mentorship to youth programs in the community.

American Red Cross

The Red Cross provides emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral and assistance to veterans.  1-800-REDCROSS

Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program

Search tool that helps users locate general legal services on bases within the continental United States.

Association of the United States Army

Non-profit, educational organization that supports all components of the Army, providing resources for professional development, advocacy, local community involvement, and education.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to care for all veterans, their families and survivors through health care and benefits, financial and other assistance, and burial and memorial benefits.

Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Program

Provides information and resources regarding the healthcare needs of veterans and their families, including primary care, specialized care, mental health, diseases and conditions, and public health issues.

Grace After Fire

A place for women veterans, and their loved ones, to connect with one another and with our professional partners, to find resources, to learn and to get involved.

Homes for Our Troops

Non-profit that builds or adapts homes for severely injured veterans, at no cost to the veteran, in order to provide maximum accessibility and the ability to live more independently.

Honor Flights Network

The Honor Flight Network enables veterans from WWII to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C. for free.  They have regional hubs across the country.

The Mission Continues

Empowers wounded and disabled veterans to begin new lives of public service, while offering multiple opportunities for family members to serve their communities through service.

Veterans Airlift Command

The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes, through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Veterans Caregiver Support

A program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Caregiver program aims to support Veterans who choose to receive care at home from a Family Caregiver by providing the Caregiver with training, mental health services, health insurance, and financial support.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

The VFW is open to veterans of overseas conflicts and strives to serve veterans, the military and their communities through advocacy, college scholarships, volunteerism, and funding for memorials.

Yellow Ribbon Foundation

Food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and education for veterans. 1-888-99-4VETS

The Yellow Ribbon Program

A Department of Defense program which supports National Guard and Reserve service members and their families with information benefits and referrals before, during and after deployments through an online library and Yellow Ribbon Events.

Angels of Mercy Program

Run by American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 270, Angels of Mercy collect clothing and entertainment supplies for wounded warriors at Walter Reed as well as clothing and school supplies for children in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blinded Veterans Association

Non-profit that works on behalf of all blind veterans with scholarships, field service programs, advocacy, volunteer programs, and peer mentoring.

Caring Bridge

Free online service that provides the families of wounded service members the opportunity to create personal websites, which allow them to remain connected to family and loved ones and keep them updated on their servicemember’s condition and progress.

Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Program

Provides information and resources regarding the healthcare needs of veterans and their families, including primary care, specialized care, mental health, diseases and conditions, and public health issues.

Fisher House

Temporary housing on the grounds of major military or VA medical centers for families and caregivers of individuals admitted to the hospital.

Homes for Our Troops

Non-profit that builds or adapts homes for severely injured veterans, at no cost to the veteran, in order to provide maximum accessibility and the ability to live more independently.

Hometown Heroes

This organization strives to collect and preserve the stories of all veterans and educate future generations on the experiences and sacrifices of our military through online resources and a traveling exhibit.

The Mission Continues

Empowers wounded and disabled veterans to begin new lives of public service, while offering multiple opportunities for family members to serve their communities through service.

No Greater Sacrifice

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the 50,000 children of our nation’s fallen and wounded Service Members, delivering scholarships and resources to improve their quality of life through the pursuit of higher education.

Social Security Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors

This site explains the benefits and application process for Wounded Warriors to attain Social Security Benefits.

Veterans Airlift Command

The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes, through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Warrior Care

Blog of the DOD Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, providing resources and news on a variety of issues for Wounded Warriors.

Yellow Ribbon Fund

The Yellow Ribbon Fund assists injured service members and their families while they recuperate at Walter Reed by providing living expenses and needs, as well as free entertainment such as meals, concert and sporting event tickets, and other activities.

Army Reserve Website

The official website of the United States Army Reserve.

Installation Family Centers

Search tool that enables users to look for military installations and services by location, service or other tools.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) is a DoD-wide effort to help National Guard and Reserve Service members and their families connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments, especially during the reintegration phase that occurs months after Service members return home.

AAFES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service official website that offers online shopping and also includes information on the organization, career opportunities and information on each location.

Army Community Services (ACS)

Assistance for Army families on everything from childcare and counseling to education and job placement.

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

The Army Emergency Relief fund provides financial aid to military families in times of extreme need as well as scholarship programs.  1-866-878-6378

Army OneSource

Military OneSource’s page for the Army, Army OneSource pulls together information and resources for members of the Army, veterans and their families.

Army Spouses Guide (PDF)

Army Guide for Spouses and Family Members designed to introduce you to some of the information you will need to help you and your family adjust to the Army way of life, make you more self-reliant, and provide general information on how to take advantage of the excellent opportunities the Army has to offer.

Army Website

The official website of the United States Army.

 MyArmyBenefits

The official Army Benefits website provides benefit libraries, documents, news and calculators.

AAFES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service official website that offers online shopping and also includes information on the organization, career opportunities and information on each location.

Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS)

MCCS homepage provides information on marine life, family life, exchange shopping, deployment resources, and more.

Marine Corps Website

The official website of the United States Marine Corps.

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

A private non-profit charitable organization that works in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps to provide need-based financial assistance to eligible recipients as well as financial counseling, budget workshops and visiting nurse services.

AAFES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service official website that offers online shopping and also includes information on the organization, career opportunities and information on each location.

Air Force Aide Society (AFAC)

The Air Force Aide Society is the official charity of the United States Air Force, providing emergency assistance, education assistance programs and numerous community programs.

Air Force Website

The official website of the Unite States Air Force.

Air National Guard Website

Air National Guard homepage.

AAFES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service official website that offers online shopping and also includes information on the organization, career opportunities and information on each location.

Navy League of the United States

The Navy League provides programs for youth education, public education, legislative education, recruiting support, and more as they work to educate the public about the important of sea power and support the Navy and their families.

Navy Website

The official website of the United States Navy.

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

A private non-profit charitable organization that works in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps to provide need-based financial assistance to eligible recipients as well as financial counseling, budget workshops and visiting nurse services.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to the Coast Guard community.

Coast Guard Website

The official website of the United States Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Work Life Program

Managed by the Office of Work-Life, this program strives to support the well-being of active duty, reserve and civilian employees and their family members through programs including substance abuse services, family readiness, child care services, suicide prevention and more.