When you deployed, what were some resources, organizations, or services that you wish you had known about?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:38:55 -0400

I am the NCNG Yellow Ribbon NCOIC, I am looking for new resources, providers,
or organizations to bring to events that help deploying Soldiers and families with the deployment cycle and transitioning back home.

I want to know what services anyone has used in the past, what you wish you knew about, or what organizations would you tell your Soldiers about.

Response by COL Randall C. made Apr 29 at 2024 8:35 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:35:57 -0400

Without hesitation, it would be Military OneSource*.

For those not familiar with it, Military OneSource is a DoD-funded resource that I can best describe as "1-800-Help me with anything!" for military and their family. It was created 20 years ago by DoD to answer the need for a centralized assistance program to service members and their family.

For example, they have extensive* pre-deployment/deployment/reunion & reintegration articles, checklists, resources, etc. for the servicemember and their family.

Truth be told, I'm a bit of an evangelist for them as I found them instrumental and have referred dozens of Soldiers over the years to their resources.
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* Military OneSource - https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
* Pre-, during, and post-deployment page - https://planmydeployment.militaryonesource.mil/

Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource

Active duty military resource website, offering 24/7 support for service members, spouses, their family and survivors on taxes, moving, benefits, MWR and more.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2024 9:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:50 -0400

Back in the day, I wish I knew more about the VA, the USERRA, and the Veterans Center (for mental health and other programs they provide).

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 2 at 2024 9:12 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 02 May 2024 09:12:37 -0400

Disabled American Veterans (DAV). You don't need a disability to join and they do a lot more than just advocate for disabled veterans. And if you ever feel like you need to file a claim they will help you do it so it's not so daunting. They really try to improve the whole experience of being a veteran - everything from disaster relief to transition services. For example, they helped sponsor a trip last year to send myself and seven other veterans to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro just because of the mental and physical benefits as well as veteran camaraderie it fostered.