AFFILIATED WEBSITES FOR VETERANS
⭐ 1. Veterans Benefits & Claims Assistance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
https://www.va.gov/
Official federal portal for disability claims, health care enrollment, pensions, education benefits, and VA forms.
VA eBenefits
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
Secure online access to claim status, benefit letters, military records, and personalized VA information.
VA Health Care
https://www.va.gov/health-care/ (va.gov in Bing)
Information on eligibility, enrollment, primary care, mental health, and specialty services.
VA Disability Compensation
https://www.va.gov/disability/
Guidance on filing disability claims, evidence requirements, and compensation rates.
⭐ 2. Military Records & Service Verification
National Archives – Military Service Records
https://www.archives.gov/veterans
Request DD‑214s, service records, medical records, and awards documentation.
Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) – SCRA
https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/ (scra.dmdc.osd.mil in Bing)
Service verification for legal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
⭐ 3. Crisis, Mental Health & Wellness Support
Veterans Crisis Line
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
24/7 confidential support for veterans, families, and caregivers.
VA Mental Health Resources
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ (mentalhealth.va.gov in Bing)
Programs for PTSD, depression, substance use, suicide prevention, and family support.
Make the Connection
https://www.maketheconnection.net/
Veteran‑to‑veteran stories, coping tools, and mental health education.
⭐ 4. Education, Training & Employment
GI Bill Benefits
https://www.va.gov/education/
Information on Post‑9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and vocational training.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ (va.gov in Bing)
Career counseling, job training, and employment support for service‑connected veterans.
Hire Heroes USA
https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
Free career coaching, résumé help, and job placement for veterans and spouses.
USAJOBS – Federal Employment
https://www.usajobs.gov/
Federal job listings with veteran preference filters.
⭐ 5. Health Care, Wellness & Family Support
TRICARE
https://www.tricare.mil/
Health coverage information for active duty, retirees, and eligible family members.
VA Caregiver Support
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Resources, training, and financial support for caregivers of veterans.
Vet Centers
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
Community‑based counseling for combat veterans and families.
⭐ 6. Local & National Veteran Service Organizations
American Legion National Headquarters
https://www.legion.org/
Programs, advocacy, membership, and national resources.
VFW – Veterans of Foreign Wars
https://www.vfw.org/
Veteran advocacy, community programs, and service officer support.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
https://www.dav.org/
Free claims assistance, transportation, and veteran advocacy.
AMVETS
https://www.amvets.org/
Support services, legislative advocacy, and community programs.
Salute to Smiles
https://www.ctoralhealth.org/
Provides free dental services for Connecticut veterans in need.
Granby Veterans Services
https://www.granby-ct.gov/281/Veteran-Services
⭐ 7. Burial, Memorials & Honors
National Cemetery Administration
https://www.cem.va.gov/
Eligibility, burial benefits, headstones, and national cemetery locations.
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
https://www.dpaa.mil/
Information on recovery and identification of missing service members.
Folded Flag Foundation
https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/
Scholarships and support for families of fallen service members.
⭐ 8. Connecticut‑Specific Veteran Resources
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
https://portal.ct.gov/DVA
State benefits, cemetery information, outreach programs, and veteran services.
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center
https://ctveteranslegal.org/
Free legal assistance for veterans facing housing, benefits, or discharge issues.
Connecticut Veterans Benefits Guide
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Connecticut
State‑level benefits, tax exemptions, education programs, and services.
⭐ 9. Discounts, Recreation & Quality of Life
https://couponfollow.com/research/best-military-discounts
A huge list of military and veteran discounts recommended by Harper, a Cadette Scout working towards earning her Honoring Our Veterans Patch. Thank you, Harper!
Vet Tix
https://www.vettix.org/
Free or discounted tickets to sports, concerts, and events for veterans and families.
National Parks – Free Military Pass
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm (nps.gov in Bing)
Free access to national parks for active duty, veterans, and Gold Star families.
Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Comprehensive support for service members and families, including relocation, finances, and wellness.
⭐ 10. Veteran-Owned Business Support
VA Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
https://www.va.gov/osdbu/
Certification, contracting opportunities, and business resources for veteran‑owned companies.
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd (sba.gov in Bing)
Training, loans, and entrepreneurship programs for veterans.