What Veterans group do you think does the most for ALL Veterans outside the VA itself ?

SSG Robin Rushlo — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:56:37 -0400

We know the VA is for all Veterans but what outside group gives the most support to ALL Veterans without regards to when the VET served.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 29 at 2014 3:09 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:09:56 -0400

While there are plenty of different organizations out there, it's hard to give a list because what one person may consider as helping; someone else might not agree. With the VFW, American Legions, AMVETS, and others there are plenty of groups doing great things.

The one question I would like to follow up with is, what is wrong with an organization basing it's membership on when the Veteran served? Peer support is one of the most important things when someone is transitioning and the best peer support comes from those around your age.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 29 at 2014 3:38 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:38:20 -0400

I agree with SGT Keen. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to be all things to all people (one of the major factors with the VA - they can't do EVERYTHING for EVERY Veteran). Having said that, I think it is important that we have organizations that have found a 'niche' that they can concentrate on and ensure they can provide the best possible service in that specific area.
One of my frustrations is that there are just so many organizations, many with the best intentions in world, providing duplicate services.. I wish there were a way these groups could consolidate resources to become more effective and efficient. I understand WHY this is impractical but it sure would be nice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 4:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:14:42 -0400

USAA and GEICO?

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jun 13 at 2014 7:05 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:05:14 -0400

This is certainly not to exclude the other great services out there but in my experience, the VFW has done so much to support our troops of today, ensuring we NEVER receive the homecoming our Vietnam vets received plus fighting ruthlessly on Capital Hill for our rights.

I was worried they wouldnt take kindly to an FNG coming around much less a woman but not only were they grateful to have a fresh face, they were thrilled to have a woman veteran amongst them. Such nice gentlemen :)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 7:22 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:22:11 -0400

I think the requirment as to when the Veteran served has more to do with the IRS requirments mandated to meet the 501 (c) (19) tax requirements than trying to eliminate / limit membership. I believe that maintaining the membership at 97.5% veteran/active duty is required to maintain tax-exempt status under the aforementioned regulation. It's my understanding that the use of the DD-214 is an approved manner (by the IRS) for proof of service. The fact that some organizations opt to further limit membership to those serving in combat zones, etc. as the VFW has decided is also authorized and recognized by the IRS.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jun 13 at 2014 8:27 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:27:41 -0400

Military Order of the Purple Heart has been great in my book. They did in 6 weeks what I spent years trying to do.

Response by SSG Gregg Ouellette made Jun 14 at 2014 11:53 AM

SSG Gregg Ouellette — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 11:53:04 -0400

I would say the American Legion does the most for ALL vets and VA stuff.

Response by PO1 Rudy Lopez made Jun 14 at 2014 12:49 PM

PO1 Rudy Lopez — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:49:36 -0400

I agree with many on this post. More so in the fact that there are many organizations out there that helps Vets, but in what venue. The DAV, VFW and others along those lines are great advocates in a broad area of "help." However, there are more specific veterans groups out there that are not widely known.

For instance, if you are transitioning (or have transitioned) and ever thought of opening your own business, but don't know where to start, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) which is hosted by Syracuse University and sponsored by SBA and Citi Group is a great place to go. They have a program called "Boots 2 Business." It focuses on helping you build a solid outline/shell of a business plan and the course is Free. It is a college level course, it's online, it is independent/self-starter type work, but there is no college credit. The course is, however, taught by active on campus professors of Syracuse University. Other programs for disabled veterans, also sponsored by Syracuse, is Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). 30 days online and 10 days on campus either at Syracuse, FSU, UCLA, LSU, Perdue, Cornell, and a couple of other colleges. Very detailed, very informative, and again it is free to include travel, lodging, and meals. However, there is limited space. Usually about 60+ people per site trying to get into an EBV course, but they can only facilitate 25 per site. Upon graduation you get Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in business and you become an official alumni of the university; yes it is a sanctioned alumni status conferred by the University in which you attend.

Of course I am into business so that is why I have spoken in length about the above opportunities. Believe me, there are a LOT of veteran opportunities out there and there are a lot of things within the transition process that is not widely known because from what I have seen, each base may have a Transition Program, but the information passed is not the same. This is why networking is key.