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Blindness - Blinded Veterans Association
If you are a blind or visually impaired veteran, or if you are a relative or a friend of one, or if you just wish to become involved or assist in some way, please write, call, or send us an email message. The Blinded Veterans Association was established specifically to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. The organization welcomes those who can offer their ideas, thoughts, and service in achievement of this worthy objective.
Our mission is:
- To promote the welfare of blinded veterans so that, notwithstanding their disabilities, they may take their rightful place in the community and work with their fellow citizens toward the creation of a peaceful world.
- To preserve and strengthen a spirit of fellowship among blinded veterans so that they may give mutual aid and assistance to one another.
- To maintain and extend the institution of American freedom and encourage loyalty to the Constitution and laws of the United States and of the states in which they reside.”
Blindness - Operation Night Vision (Homewood, Alabama)
Operation Night Vision will be held May 20-23, 2010 - Operation Night Vision brings sport and recreation to servicemen and women who have suffered significant eye injuries or blindness while recently serving our country. Activities will include water skiing, rock climbing, paddling lessons for canoeing and kayaking, cycling, track & field, judo, goalball and scuba diving.
Operation Night Vision will be held at the Lakeshore Foundation facility and at locations around the greater Birmingham community. There is no cost to military personnel with severe service-related injuries and one guest. The weekend includes all meals, lodging, air and ground transportation, and all sports and recreation activities.
Blindness - Web Anywhere
WebAnywhere is a web-based screen reader for the web. It requires no special software to be installed on the client machine and, therefore, enables blind people to access the web from any computer they happen to have access to that has a sound card. Visit wa.cs.washington.edu to access WebAnywhere directly. And, it's completely FREE to use!
Brain Injury
Cancer - Asbestos.com
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 25 million living individuals who have served in the United States' armed forces. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of these living veterans were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during military service. According to a revealing statistic, more than 30 percent of Americans beset with a terrible disease called mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos during military service. What is mesothelioma? It is a rapacious cancer that attacks the internal lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
Widely used by every military branch, asbestos was highly regarded for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities. In fact, asbestos was so valued that the military even mandated widespread usage before eventually phasing out the material in the 1970s.
Most military divisions utilized the caustic substance mainly for insulation purposes, but more than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s. Every ship and shipyard built by the Navy before the mid-70s was fitted with numerous asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos.com offers information on mesothelioma & veterans, as well as a complete list of occupations, ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing a mesothelioma disease. Additionally their Veterans Assistance Department offers extensive experience in filing VA claims and can help any veteran coping with mesothelioma receive benefits from the VA system.
Cancer - Burn Pit
Cancer - Iraq/Afghanistan Burn Pit Awareness
This group is dedicated to spreading the word about the dangers and serious toxic effects of the trash burning pits still in operation on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Items burned in the pits have included medical waste, plastics, computer parts, oil, lubricants, paint, tires and foam cups, according to soldiers and contractors. Some say amputated body parts from Iraqi patients were burned in Balad, site of a large U.S. military hospital." -latimes.com
Two pits in Balad have since been replaced with incinerators, but other bases in Iraq and Afghanistan still operate huge burn pits, and the black, noxious fumes from them still waft across the bases.
"Troops in both theaters (Iraq & Afghanistan) have reported respiratory problems, cancers, neurological diseases, heart problems and other issues that they believe are linked to exposure to smoke from the pits. Cases of respiratory illnesses among active-duty troops have risen steadily since 2001."
Our mission is to spread awareness and spur discussion about the issue of burn pits and their possible solution.
Counseling - Give an Hour
Free mental health services to U.S. military personnel and their families affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Counseling - Military One Source
Military OneSource offers three kinds of short-term, non-medical counseling options to active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families.
Military OneSource counseling services are designed to provide service help with short-term issues such as adjustment to situational stressors, stress management, decision making, communication, grief, blended-family issues, and parenting-skills issues.
Counseling - Salvation Army Homefront War Relief
The Salvation Army will support the families of troops, separated from their spouses and/or parents, with financial assistance for meeting basic human needs, along with problem-solving casework, counseling and other supportive services. The Salvation Army is committed to nurturing the spirits of all those affected by the war. Families of reservists, National Guard men and women and active duty military may need extra help in meeting basic home and family needs during deployment. Funding has been made available through a grant from the Lilly Foundation awarded to National Headquarters for this initiative. This grant will make possible assistance above and beyond what is normally available through the Army’s family service and emergency assistance programs.
Counseling - The Soldiers Project
We are a group of licensed mental health professionals who offer free psychological treatment to military service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserves and veterans) who have served or who expect to serve in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan. We also provide treatment to members of their families and other loved ones. Treatment is conducted in our private offices. Our therapists are all volunteers and our services are entirely confidential. We do not report to any governmental agency.
Hearing Loss - Hearing Loss Association of America
Do you have a hearing loss due to military service? A report from the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that more than 59,000 military members are on disability for hearing loss from OIF and OEF.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is here to help. We have some offers and information for you. Please check periodically with this site as we are adding content as available.
Inspiration - Joni and Friends Radio
Welcome to Joni and Friends! We're certain that you'll be inspired and encouraged as you tour our website and learn about our worldwide programs that serve people with disabilities and their families in the name of Christ. Joni and her team founded Joni and Friends in 1979, shortly after her international best seller "Joni" was published and the movie about her life was released in theaters across the U.S. Joni and the board of directors wasted no time in hammering out a clear mission statement for the ministry: Joni and Friends exists to communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities.
Inspiration - First ever all wounded veterans band (Warrior Spirit Band)
We're trying to spread the word of hope, courage and the commitment to never give up.
Legal advice or assistance
Pain management - Exit Wounds
The American Pain Foundation is committed to reaching out to servicemembers and veterans who suffer chronic daily pain and provide them with educational information to improve their pain care, decrease their sense of isolation, and support them in their pursuit of a better quality of life for themselves, their families and caregivers.
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Resources
Resources - After Deployment
Our mission is to help you and your loved ones manage the challenges that are often faced following a deployment.
Here you will find information and self-guided solutions for dealing with post-traumatic stress and war memories; conflict at work; depression; anger; sleep problems; alcohol and drug abuse; stress; relationship problems; kids and deployment; spiritual guidance and fitness; living with physical injuries; and health and wellness.
Resources - Challenge America
Challenge America is a national initiative to provide support to our country's returning wounded military. The initiative's mission is to work with communities across the United States in linking new and existing services and supporting the development of recreational and occupational programs to better serve returning injured military and their families. Challenge America was officially launched by Amy Grant and Vince Gill at a star-studded concert event to honor wounded warriors in Washington, DC, on June 8, 2009. On July 30, 2009, Challenge America was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
At present, links to resources available in 27 states - Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin - and the District of Columbiafor injured military and their families are being added to this website. Resource links for all 50 states will be added as the site expands.
Resources - Mil Health Directory
Milhealth’s Directory is a compilation of carefully selected and evaluated military health information resources. Some of the resources are 'consumer health' appropriate, others are clinical research such as what your physician or health care provider would view.
Carefully researched and evaluated, resources and materials are summarized and arranged in easy to understand subject topics (easy to use), organized (easy access) and maintained (currency).
Resources - Military One Source
Military OneSource (MOS) supplements existing family programs by providing a website and a worldwide, 24 hour, seven-day-a-week information and referral telephone service to ALL active, Guard and Reserve Soldiers, deployed civilians and their families. MOS services are provided at no-cost.This site is designed to help military families deal with life's issues. Call 1-800-342-9647 for confidential, compassionate support.
Military OneSource can provide information on topics such as parenting and child care, education, relocation, financial and legal matters, emotional issues, well-being, grief and loss, addiction, and deployment and reunion issues. Need to file a state or federal tax return? You can do both online through Military OneSource. Also, you can ask for free educational materials in many subject areas. Booklets, CDs, or articles will be sent free of charge if you want information on such things as buying your first car, relationship issues, or many other topics.
Resources - National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a website for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, veterans, their families and those who support them.
It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics including benefits & compensation, education & training, employment, family & caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation & travel and other services & resources.
The NRD is a partnership among the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs. The information contained within the NRD is from federal, state and local government agencies; Veterans service and benefit organizations; non-profit and community-based organizations; academic institutions and professional associations that provide assistance to wounded warriors and their families.
Resources - Opportunities for Veterans and Wounded Warriors
Opportunities for Veterans and Wounded Warriors provides resources to aid veterans, Wounded Warriors, and families to aid transition and recovery. Its vision is also to be able to have veterans, Wounded Warriors, and families a place to get to know one another and develop lines of communication between one another for life long friendship and support lines
Resources - Warrior Care Portal
These resources range from specific programs to sources of information. All play a role in ensuring you get the assistance to which you are entitled.
WarriorCare.mil serves as a portal to these various resources. Whether you are currently active-duty military, veteran, a family member or a concerned neighbor, the links on this site will provide answers to your questions or ideas for where to turn next.
Resources - Wounded Warriors Resource Center
The Wounded Warrior Resource Center Website (WWRC) is a Department of Defense website which provides wounded service members, their families, and caregivers with information they need on military facilities, health care services, and benefits. It supports access to the Wounded Warrior Resource Call Center and trained specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 1-800-342-9647 or by email at wwrc@militaryonesource.com.
Information is also available on how to connect to other families for support and recreation.
Substance Abuse - New Directions (Los Angeles County, CA)
New Directions offers a wide array of services, including substance abuse treatment, job training and placement, parenting and money management classes, legal and financial assistance, counseling, remedial education and resources for alumni. Clients leave New Directions with a job, housing, a savings account, computer skills, renewed self confidence and the support of mentors and peers. Such a transformation takes hard work, motivation and accountability, but the results are life-altering -- and for many veterans, life-saving.
Suicide Prevention - Suicide Hotline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1
DO NOT GIVE UP! If you are contemplating suicide STOP! Your call is free and confidential.
Suicide Prevention - Vet2Vet Veterans Crisis Hotline
Call 1-877-VET2VET (838-2838)
This a toll-free line targeted to the population of returning armed forces men and women and veterans from previous conflicts and wars. This “life” line is a confidential connection which plans to utilize trained peer veterans ready to provide hope and help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
By utilizing the existing telephone technology used to route 1-800 SUICIDE calls, veterans will be connected to their peer call taker and provided immediate help needed as well as access to local health and welfare resources. In addition the peer counselor will help the soldier or veteran navigate the often complex VA system to access the mental health resources that are being sought.
TriCare - Wounded, Ill and Injured Toolkit
Welcome to TRICARE's Toolkit for wounded, ill and injured Service Members. We have provided a variety of communication's vehicles for you to view and utilize whenever suitable in educating audiences regarding their TRICARE benefits. Please feel free to share and distribute this information.
Veteran's Benefits - Disabled American Veterans
The DAV is dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. 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.
Veteran's Benefits - In Our Boots
Our objectives: To make our wounded and recovering United States military service-members, past and present, aware of the benefits afforded to them by the U.S. Government and other Charitable/Humanitarian Organizations; to make the general American Public aware of the stigma’s that wounded military service-members experience in society; and to cause all of us to remember the cost related to their service of America; to fill in the gaps where there are shortcomings of care; as well as represent the interests of the wounded in and out of the military including their families and caregivers.
Veteran's Benefits - Iraq War Veterans Organization
The Iraq War Veterans Organization was created to organize and represent Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.
The Iraq War Veterans Organization provides information and support for: Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, Global War on Terror Veterans, Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, active military personnel and family members related to pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment issues, as well as service member and family Operation Iraqi Freedom Deployment Readiness problems, information about PTSD, health issues and veterans benefits. The Iraq War Veterans Organization website has links to information about Veterans Administration health care, readjustment after deployment, education, employment, military discounts, PTSD issues, support-chat forums, family support and deployment information.
Veteran's Benefits - Military Order of the Purple Heart
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Program exists to assist Veterans, ALL veterans, in working with the VA and filing claims for the many benefits that are available. You do NOT need to be a Member of the Purple Heart Organization to seek assistance. The program provides veterans' benefits experts at various veterans administration regional offices, hospitals, vet centers, and state and county veterans facilities.
What we do:
- Provide available assistance to ALL Veterans, their dependents, widows and orphans.
- Process veterans' claims for compensation, pension, medical care, education, job training, employment, veterans preference, housing, death, and burial benefits.
- Serve on President's Committee for employment of people with disabilities.
- Assist in identifying and helping homeless veterans.
Veterans Benefits - National Veterans Foundation
Our mission: to serve the crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. veterans and their families through:
- Management and operation of the nation’s only toll-free helpline for all veterans and their families.
- Public awareness programs that shine a consistent spotlight on the needs of America’s veterans.
- Outreach services that provide veterans and families in need with food, clothing, transportation, employment, and other essential resources.
Veterans Benefits - Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America works to maximize the quality of life for its members and all people with SCI/D as a leading advocate for health care, SCI/D research and education, veterans’ benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs, and disability rights.
We are the only Congressionally chartered veterans organization dedicated solely to serving the needs of SCI/SCD veterans.
Veterans Benefits - The Kitchen Table Gang
The Kitchen Table Gang Trust is a free resource designed to provide news and valuable content to veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. The site offers news features and insightful information covering current military and world events, veteran benefits, and stories featuring the men and women that bravely serve and have served our country.
Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline (Medical Related Issues)
www.armyfamiliesonline.org or 1-800-984-8523 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Many of our Soldiers injured in support of the Global War on Terror and their families have been enduring hardships in navigating through our medical care system. Our Army is committed to providing outstanding medical care for the men and women who have volunteered to serve this great nation. The Acting Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army have directed the establishment of the “Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline” to provide wounded Soldiers and their families with a way to seek help to resolve their medical related issues.
Copyright Benita Koeman 2008 - 2012
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To be directed to the COMPLETE LISTING of Wounded Warrior resources, click HERE.
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