Do Veteran Organizations help?

2014-11-10T21:52:06-05:00

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-11-10T21:51:52-05:00

They can if you find the right one and I did.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 12:55 PM

2014-11-11T12:55:16-05:00

SrA Jay Strauser I'm gonna go with: YEP! Now, just as SSgt Private RallyPoint Member stated, there are Veterans Service Organizations out there that are nothing more than dark, smokey old bars. There are lots of those - and unless that's what you're looking for..........I'd avoid those. However, if you're looking for an active Veterans Service Organization allow me to offer my help in finding one for you.

I won't ask any personal questions and I don't want you to provide any personal data here in this public forum - but you can message me her on RP and I'll do what I can.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 11 at 2014 2:25 PM

2014-11-11T14:25:17-05:00

On a local level, these organizations are whatever the local membership makes them... good or bad. On a National level, they are OUR voice in Washington D.C. and their combined efforts at that level are truly priceless for our active duty, veterans, and families.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 11 at 2014 4:55 PM

2014-11-11T16:55:42-05:00

I think it's hard to measure the actual value-add contributions of VSOs at a national level. I agree that they appear to have the right intentions in serving the greater military community, but I would caution all of us to not assign too much credit to VSOs without really knowing whether a bill benefiting veterans (for example) would have passed anyway, without their involvement. I know people can point to specific cases where VSOs have had clear weight in the game, but that's not what I'm referring to, and that wouldn't win the debate here anyway, because there are many other cases where it's entirely unclear beyond subjectivity. Again, I am talking about at a national level, not a personal level of helping arbitrate a VA claim. In general, I like the idea of VSOs and they are well-intentioned for the most part. Just my two cents...

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Jun 15 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-06-15T11:30:35-04:00

Yes, There are many organizations they offer help in various ways. I had a liason from The Order of the Purple Heart assist in getting my claim through.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 15 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-06-15T12:56:20-04:00

The DAV has helped me immensely with the VA.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 15 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-06-15T14:55:53-04:00

I think a lot do, I think some are probably mismanaged, some have good intentions but never exactly get there. Some are based on lies. It just depends on the organization.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 31 at 2016 3:06 AM

2016-12-31T03:06:13-05:00

i have found that the American Legion, AMVETS and also the DAV have people that are always there to assist Vets in Massachusetts. They aren't with a specific Post but actually assigned to offices specifically to assist Veterans. Also Massachusetts, every city and town in the State has a Veteran's Service Officer to assist Veteran's in their community.