There are thousands of veterans organizations, associations, and nonprofit groups from which to choose. But which ones are right for you? In short, veterans organizations provide a variety of services to help vets. They offer support to members and their families and can serve as advocates with the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping with things like filing disability claims. They can also assist with education, employment, and discharge upgrade services. They can even provide transportation to medical appointments.
There are hundreds of veterans organizations, and they all offer different types of services. Some have very familiar names, such as the VFW, AMVETS, and DAV. Others, such as the Women’s Relief Corps or United Confederate Veterans, may have less well-known names. All veterans organizations have one thing in common: they want to serve veterans and their families.
Many veterans organizations are nonprofits, but they can receive federal funding. They can also be funded privately or by state and local governments. In order to be recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a veterans organization must meet certain requirements.
How Many Veterans Organizations Are There?
Veterans organizations come in all shapes and sizes. There are groups for female vets, ones that focus on specific eras of service, and many more. When looking for an organization to support, donors should know what the group does before donating. Donors should be able to identify the organization’s programs by reading its appeals or visiting its website.
For example, Homes for Our Troops is known for its network of comfort homes that allow families to stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment at military and VA medical centers nationwide. Another nonprofit we’ve highlighted, Give an Hour, pairs veterans who are struggling with mental health issues with volunteer health professionals.
Other veterans organizations provide transition services for military spouses, help veterans find new jobs after discharge, and even supply injured service members with adaptive equipment to enable them to lead independent lives. Many of these groups, like Hope for the Warriors, also offer comprehensive support programs that include peer engagement, family and community outreach, and connections to local resources.
Most Common Veterans Organizations
Many veterans organizations provide valuable programs and services. Some are nationally recognized, while others are local. They range from a Gary Sinise Foundation that honors military and first responder heroes with community service projects to Operation Care and Comfort, which assembles and ships care packages to “adopted” units of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan monthly. Other organizations offer transition assistance, such as the Honor Foundation, which provides a clear process for career development and world-class support and technology for special operations and elite veterans and their families. Others focus on healthcare and community outreach, like BAYADA Hospice’s specialized care for veterans that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, wish fulfillment whenever possible, and accompanying them through a peaceful end-of-life and bereavement process.
While some countries have veterans’ political parties that develop a comprehensive platform, the average dues-paying member of an American veterans organization veers away from party alignments and declares his own independent interests, either for veterans as a group or for the welfare of the nation as a whole. He remains wary of the “politicians.” He wants his organization to be a forum for discussion, not activism. In that regard, he has a great deal in common with the members of the Bonus Army.
Here are some of the most common and well-known veterans organizations:
The American Legion: Founded in 1919, The American Legion is one of the largest veterans organizations in the United States. It focuses on veterans’ advocacy, community service, and youth programs.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): The VFW was established in 1899 and is dedicated to serving veterans who have served in foreign wars. It offers support, camaraderie, and advocacy for veterans’ issues.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): DAV is a nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy for disabled veterans. It helps veterans access the benefits and services they deserve.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA): Founded in 1978, the VVA is focused on issues related to Vietnam veterans and their families. It offers support and advocates for the rights of Vietnam veterans.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): This organization focuses on the unique needs and challenges faced by veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It advocates for improved healthcare, mental health support, and transition assistance.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): WWP provides a range of programs and services for wounded veterans and their families. Their mission is to help veterans recover and reintegrate into civilian life.
Military Order of the Purple Heart: This organization is for recipients of the Purple Heart medal, which is awarded to military personnel wounded or killed in combat. It provides support and advocacy for Purple Heart recipients.
AMVETS (American Veterans): AMVETS is dedicated to advocating for veterans and their families, supporting veterans’ programs, and providing community service.
Navy SEAL Foundation: This organization supports the Naval Special Warfare community and their families, providing various forms of assistance, including educational support and financial aid.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: Focused on members of the Coast Guard and their families, this organization offers financial assistance, education support, and other services.