1. Week 10 - An Overview of Veterans Service Organizations
Veterans organizations have been established to look out for the welfare of our veterans;
Different veterans organizations have different criteria for membership but, generally, help all veterans;
All veterans are encouraged to seek available resources and consider membership in at least one veterans organization!
Special Topics in Rehabilitation: REH 6560

2. Veterans Service Organizations
Some VSOs are "chartered", which means they are federally chartered and/or recognized or approved by the VA Secretary for purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs

3. Veterans Service Organizations
Inclusion of non-chartered organizations does not constitute or reflect VA recognition of said organization and its representatives for purposes of representation of VA claimants

4. Veterans Service Organizations
Peer Support
Advocacy
Voice in politics
Assistance in obtaining benefits
Wrap-Around Services

5. Veterans Service Organizations
VSO’s can be partners to help the Veteran reach her / his vocational goal
VSO’s can help the counselor as well

6. The Military Coalition (TMC)
Comprised of 31 organizations representing more than 5.5 million members of the uniformed services- -active, reserve, retired, survivors, veterans--and their families

7. TMC: Member Organizations
Air Force Association (AFA)
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA)
Air Force Women Officers Associated (AFWOA)
AMVETS (American Veterans)
Association of the United States Navy (AUSN)
Commissioned Officers Association (COA) of the United States Public Health Service, Inc.
CWOA, US Coast Guard

8. TMC: Member Organizations
Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA)
AMSUS, the Society of Federal Health Professionals
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA)
Gold Star Wives of America (GSW)

9. TMC: Member Organizations
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV)
Marine Corps League (MCL)
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA)
National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS)
National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)
National Military Family Association (NMFA)

10. TMC: Member Organizations
Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA)
Military Officers Association of America(MOAA)
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA)
Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)
Reserve Officers Association (ROA)

11. TMC: Member Organizations
The Retired Enlisted Association(TREA)
United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)
USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

12. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish- American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection ( ) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection ( ) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service:
Many arrived home wounded or sick.
There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

13. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Many of the veterans from those conflicts arrived home wounded or sick
There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them
They were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans. Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November Annually, the 2.1 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary contribute more than 11 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there. 

14. VFW Helped to Establish
Veterans Administration,
Creating a GI bill for the 20th century,
Development of the national cemetery system
Compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome

15. VFW
In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active- duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans  

16. VFW
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010

17. VFW
Annually, the 2.1 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary contribute more than 11 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there

18. Fleet Reserve Association
FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization that represents the interests of the Sea Service community before the U.S. Congress.
The Association is named after the Navy’s program for personnel transferring to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve after 20 or more years of active duty, but less than 30 years for retirement purposes and its membership is comprised of current and former enlisted members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
It is also a charter member and leading organization in The Military Coalition (TMC), a group of 33 military and veterans’ organizations which represent five and one half million uniformed services active duty, retired, reserve and National Guard personnel, veterans, their families and survivors.
FRA is accredited with the Board of Correction for Naval Records, the Physical Evaluation Board, the Physical Review Council, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit FRA on Facebook, follow FRA on Twitter, and share your opinions with FRA through quarterly surveys. 
Other major legislative accomplishments include the establishment of the CHAMPUS Health Program and Military Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP).
FRA is a member of the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) and is represented on the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) National Advisory Committee (NAC). TMC works collectively on legislation to enhance the quality of life for military personnel.

19. Fleet Reserve Association
Founded by Navy Chief Yeoman George L. Carlin, & chartered in in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FRA was born out of the need for an organization to protect the pay and benefits of enlisted Sea Service members & their families on Capitol Hill
Founded by Navy Chief Yeoman George L. Carlin, and chartered in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. FRA was born out of the need for an organization to protect the pay and benefits of enlisted Sea Service members and their families on Capitol Hill. FRA also assists its members with career problems by maintaining close liaison with the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and other government agencies.
In 1998, FRA was the first organization to actively seek repeal of the Military Retirement Reform Act (REDUX) and was successful in urging members of Congress to introduce and/or sponsor legislation to repeal the law. In 2000, the Association led a successful campaign to authorize pay hikes for mid-career enlisted personnel that resulted in pay increases for E-5, E-6 and E-7 personnel on July 1, And more recently, the Association was instrumental in payday lending reform, Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for career personnel and their families, and absentee voting reform. Other major legislative accomplishments include the establishment of the CHAMPUS Health Program and Military Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP).
FRA is a member of the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) and is represented on the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) National Advisory Committee (NAC). It is also a charter member and leading organization in The Military Coalition (TMC), a group of 33 military and veterans’ organizations which represent five and one half million uniformed services active duty, retired, reserve and National Guard personnel, veterans, their families and survivors. TMC works collectively on legislation to enhance the quality of life for military personnel.
FRA staff members present legislative seminars to inform Sea Service personnel about actions on Capitol Hill, and the importance of participating in the legislative process to protect their pay and benefits. The Association annually recognizes members of Congress with its prestigious “Pinnacle Award” in recognition of outstanding support for uniformed services’ personnel. FRA also hosts the U.S. Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast on Capitol Hill each year.
FRA is a major sponsor of the annual programs recognizing the Navy Sailors and Recruiters of the Year (SOY and ROY), the Marine Corps Recruiters and Drill Instructors of the Year, and the Coast Guard Enlisted Persons of Year (EPOY) and Recruiters of the Year. FRA also sponsors congressional receptions honoring the SOYs, EPOYs and ROYs, and presents the FRA “Gung Ho Award” to one member of each USMC Staff NCO Academy graduating class in Quantico, Va. The Association also sponsors patriotism essay awards and scholarship awards totaling more than $100,000 annually under the auspices of the recently established FRA Education Foundation.
FRA is accredited with the Board of Correction for Naval Records, the Physical Evaluation Board, the Physical Review Council, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit FRA on Facebook, follow FRA on Twitter, and share your opinions with FRA through quarterly surveys. 

20. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans
Since its founding more than 80 years ago, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has been dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families.
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans. With our brave Americans leaving the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the DAV’s services and advocacy are as relevant and critical today as in any time in our nation’s history. Annually, the DAV represents more than 200,000 veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. The DAV’s Voluntary Services Program operates a comprehensive network of volunteers who provide veterans free rides to and from VA medical facilities and improve care and morale for sick and disabled veterans. The DAV’s 1.2 million members provide grassroots advocacy and services in communities nationwide. From educating lawmakers and the public about important issues to supporting services and legislation to help disabled veterans — the DAV is there to promote its message of hope to all who have served and sacrificed.

21. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The 1.2 million- member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families
Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service program, a transportation network or unique rehabilitation opportunities, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs.

22. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The DAV’s Voluntary Services Program operates a comprehensive network of volunteers who provide veterans free rides to and from VA medical facilities and improve care and morale for sick and disabled veterans.
The DAV’s 1.2 million members provide grassroots advocacy and services in communities nationwide. From educating lawmakers and the public about important issues to supporting services and legislation to help disabled veterans — the DAV is there to promote its message of hope to all who have served and sacrificed.

23. AMVETS
As one of America’s foremost veterans service organizations, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a proud history of assisting veterans & sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens
This commitment to service traces its roots back to 1948, when AMVET National Service Officers (NSO) first began helping veterans of World War II to obtain the benefits promised them by the federal government.

24. AMVETS
Has a network of trained national service officers (NSOs) accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, these dedicated men and women can be found in close to 40 states, providing sound advice and prompt action on compensation claims at no charge to the veterans
In one recent year alone, AMVETS national service officers processed more than 24,000 claims that resulted in veterans receiving some $400 million in compensation.

25. American Legion
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

26. American Legion Nation’s largest veterans service organization
Not a member of TMC
It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans

27. American Legion
Focusing on service to veterans, service members, and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.

28. American Legion
Poppy: Memorial flower of the American legion Auxiliary; The national symbol of sacrifice; Proceeds form the sales of these flowers help fund the Veteran's Rehabilitation Programs
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation:
Volunteers assist veterans; Ice Cream Socials to transportation program

29. American Legion
Community Service: Programs to create projects that make a difference in people's lives and affect not only individuals, but also entire communities

30. Other National Veterans Organizations
Military and Veterans Association listings can be found at:
Chartered Veterans Service Organizations listings can be found at:
Military and Veterans Association listings can be found at:
Members of the military community -- veterans, active-duty, reserve, National Guard, or their family members -- have the opportunity to join or otherwise benefit from several types of associations and organizations. Ranging from fraternal to charity these military specific organizations can provide advocacy, help you network to access job opportunities, tap into benefits, lobby congress, or find support. In addition, the Air Force (Civil Air Patrol) and Coast Guard (CG Auxiliary) which offer civilians the chance to volunteer and contribute to our nations defense, this also includes several official State Defense Forces or Civilian Militias which are also listed here.
Chartered Veterans Service Organizations listings can be found at:

31. Chartered VSO’s
Chartered Veterans Service Organizations listings can be found at:
ervices_and_resources/veterans_service_organizati ons/chartered_veterans_service_organizations

32. Non-Chartered VSO’s
Military and Veterans Association listings can be found at:
veterans_service_organizations/non- chartered_veterans_service_organizations