Helping Veterans Transition from Armed Forces to Civilian life

In recent weeks, VSO has hired dozens of struggling veterans and given them the chance to rebuild their lives. Their stories are heartbreaking but also full of hope.

Let’s reflect on Flag Day and all that it symbolizes, including the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.

To reduce the backlog of cases, the department has authorized overtime to increase the production of compensation claims in its regional offices.

Latest figures show a small improvement in the number of veterans without work. In February, close to 772,000 veterans were unemployed.

Many struggling veterans describe "life-saving" moments when VSO gave them employment, transitional housing, and other help in rebuilding their lives.

World's largest retailer has pledged to hire any returning military veteran who wants a job with the company, so long as he or she has an honorable discharge.

The sights and sounds of the holiday season can trigger social isolation, irritability, nightmares, and depression for veterans who suffer from PTSD or have lost friends in combat. But there are many steps that can be taken to help veterans get through these weeks.

Veterans are given preference for federal employment. This means government is more likely to hire a veteran than a civilian with similar skills/educational background for a job opening. We offer tips that can help veterans search for federal jobs.

Homeless veterans need to ask themselves important questions before they seek assistance, like: Am I ready to work or do I need to learn a job skill? Then, they need to make a list of their most basic needs. It’s part of a great plan prepared by National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

Some new ideas are being offered for helping the more than 75,000 homeless veterans living on our nation’s streets. They include giving abandoned clothing found at airport checkpoints to veterans.

Last month, our nation marked the 59th year since the Korean War ended. Even today, many veterans are still struggling from the war’s physical and mental ills.

VA is expanding mental health services to veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses. The department has seen a spike in veterans needing treatment following years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Health care companies are hiring veterans, even those without any formal medical background. Other industries, like private security, are also seeking veterans.