Specialty Organizations & Events for Veterans
Transitioning back home after fulfilling your duties in the Armed Forces can be difficult. Veterans groups and events can provide a unique experience and link veterans to others who have shared their experiences.
Veterans groups and events can provide emotional and sometimes financial support for military members, and can also give veterans an outlet for sharing their stories and learning how to move forward after returning home.
The following is a list of organizations and events available for veterans who have returned home or are in transition.
The American Legion
Today, there are more than 2.4 million American Legion members in 14,000 posts across the globe. The legion offers a variety of sports, scholarship opportunities, and community programs that help veterans in need.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is one of the oldest organizations for veterans. Joining the VFW offers veterans and their families access to benefits like discounted services and special programs.
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America
The IAVA focuses on improving the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. The nonprofit hosts “VetTogethers,” empowering local events across the country, and offers a free online community.
National Women Veterans of America (WVA)
Since 1990, the Women Veterans of America have served as advocates for all female veterans and those still serving in the Armed Forces.
The group has chapters across the United States and a veteran may request to create a WVA chapter in their area. Each year there is a WVA National Convention which can help connect female veterans with one another to discuss benefits, advocacy and more.
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
The SVA is comprised of veterans at colleges across the globe that provide the resources, support and advocacy vets need to succeed in higher education. Additionally, the SVA has an alumni network that connects veterans for mentorship, employment and social networking.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
Serving all branches of the Armed Forces, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a group of veterans who ride motorcycles as a hobby. The riders focus on helping veteran care facilities and sponsor/participate in many motorcycle-related charity events each year. There are multiple chapters in each state and a number of events are held each year including a national trip for all members.
- Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
The Air Force Enlisted Village
This special group focuses on helping families of deceased veterans. The Air Force Enlisted Village provides surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel with a place to live and if needed, financial assistance. The program was founded in 1967 when a survey found that over 50,000 widows of enlisted men were living in poverty. There are three different homes and each provides activities, transportation and more for residents.
- Air Force Enlisted Village
Veterans Publications
Servicemen and women, veterans, military spouses and families can stay up-to-date on the latest military news with online and print publications created for, and sometimes by, veterans.
Discounts and Perks
Servicemen and women, veterans and their spouses may be entitled to a number of discounts and perks nationwide. To learn more visit our discounts and perks listings.
Veterans Canteen Service
Located near military health facilities and outpatient clinics, veteran canteen services sells groceries and merchandise to military members, their families and anyone else visiting a loved one.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) helps wounded servicemembers transition to civilian life. Those who join the organization can take advantage of counseling, mentorship and vocational retraining programs.
In addition, WWP provides wounded veterans with access to other wounded military veterans who have successfully rebuilt their lives after an injury. WWP serves wounded servicemembers who were wounded after September 11, 2001.
U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military and Veteran Programs
The U.S. Paralympic Military Sports Program provides support and mentoring for veterans who have suffered a disabling condition such as polytrauma, a spinal cord injury or amputation.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more than 65 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been assisting men and women who have been seriously injured while in the Armed Forces. There are 34 chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The organization provides a broad range of services that helps veterans with disabilities reach their full potential, as well as providing assistance for caregivers.
National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG)
Over 500 vets band together each year to participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event across the globe, featuring events from archery to weightlifting.
The Games help newly-disabled vets to gain sports skills and connect with other wheelchair athletes.
Contact Vets National Advocates
Approximately 23 percent of Americans are veterans, and thousands more are still returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. If you or a loved one needs help appealing their veterans disability benefits, we can help.
Need help with a denied disability claim or finding more resources for recreational activities?
Contact us online or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to get started.
