#VetResources - for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors

Sign up for this weekly newsletter at www.VA.gov/VetResources
View and share as a webpage

Happy Holidays from VA

America’s warriors have found themselves on duty during the holiday season since Valley Forge. As we and our families gather to celebrate the holidays, we remember the men and women who sacrifice so much for our privileges, comforts, and well-being—standing watch for us on freedom’s far frontiers.

Watch a special message from Secretary Wilkie on: FACEBOOK YOUTUBE

Feds Hire Vets

In the Federal Government’s strategy to recruit and employ Veterans, the FedsHireVets.gov website was created to give resources and directions to Veterans seeking employment information. Discuss on RallyPoint: How does Veterans Preference work? LEARN MORE

Volunteers lay Wreaths at National Cemeteries

Tens of thousands of volunteers laid wreaths at VA national cemeteries across the U.S. as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, on Dec. 14. Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Here’s a snapshot of some of the activities across the country. READ MORE

VA Podcast: Should all American citizens serve in the military?

Also, should women be required to register for the selective service draft? On this week’s Borne the Battle, Veterans Shawn Skelly and Ed Allard, commissioners for the Commission on National Military and Public Service discuss questions surrounding selective service.  LISTEN READ MORE

U.S. Department of Labor presents 2019 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards

On November 7, 2019 the U.S. Department of Labor awarded 427 employers from around the nation for recruiting, employing and retaining America’s Veterans. The award recipients attest to hiring more than 52,000 Veterans since 2017. Applications for the 2020 HIRE Vets Medallion Program will open to employers on January 31, 2020. LEARN MORE

Coins honoring Veterans’ group available through Dec. 27

A coin honoring the nation’s largest Veterans group, the American Legion, is available through Dec. 27 through the United States Mint. The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program offers Gold Coins, Silver Dollar Coins and Clad Half Dollar Coins, both in proof and uncirculated versions for purchase. LEARN MORE

Discuss on RallyPoint: Best military Christmas photos. Any to add? Can and should we Celebrate Veterans Being Home For The Holidays? What is your most memorable Christmas while deployed?

Future Events

2/5/2020 Veterans Experience Action Center in Montgomery, Alabama

Did you know the National Resource Directory has more than 14,000 vetted resources available to you right now? 

VAntage Point

• VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention supports proposed three-digit dialing code for suicide hotline

• Helping Veterans choose health care providers is all about transparency

• What is your funniest salute story?
• VA mom helping women Veterans… inspired by her Navy daughter
• VA launches ‘Solid Start’ to proactively contact Veterans during first-year of transition
• Veterans under 50 need flu shots, too
• Short-stay knee surgery has long-term benefit for Veteran
• Shoe slide developed by VA nurse helps Veterans relearn to walk
• VA Careers provides thought leadership in Veterans Hiring Guide
• Labor Dept. announces competition to better connect transitioning service members and employers

• Army Veteran shares his story to help others in crisis

• Expansion project underway at Louisiana National Cemetery
• VA geriatric scholar uses the power of story to improve patient care
• VA “Pink Out!” promotes breast cancer awareness
• VA FARMS program trains hands, heals minds
• Veterans find assistance, camaraderie at Vet Centers

VA News Releases

• VA improves health care facility performance transparency

• VA, Walmart open telehealth locations to serve Veterans in rural areas
• VA recognized for health IT innovations directly impacting Veterans
• VA announces proposal to increase access to dental care

• VA extends benefits to offshore Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans January 1st

Find a VA Facility near you.  FACILITY LOCATOR Not sure where to start?  VA WELCOME KIT

No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call Home

Free Help for Homeless Veterans Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans

Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends

https://www.va.gov/homeless for more information

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? 

Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource Locator

Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)

Learn how RallyPoint can help you and other members of the Veteran community. Connect with Veterans about mild to moderate TBIs. Discuss with Veterans the symptoms of un-undiagnosed brain injuries. Learn ways to get free R&R style PTSD treatment. 

Want to receive this newsletter or other VA updates?

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

Keep updated and let us know how we're doing.

You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Affairs. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Affairs. Having questions or problems? Please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com for assistance.

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-8255 and (PRESS 1) or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at https://iris.custhelp.com. Explore VA benefits at explore.va.gov