Resources for Gulf War Veterans
From 1990-1991 U.S. troops were involved in the Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, which was waged against Iraq in response to the country’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait. According to the Veterans Benefits Administration, more than 650,000 service members served during this time. Additionally, the Gulf War Period is still in effect when it comes to VA benefits eligibility, so anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990 to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran.
Many veterans were exposed to environmental and chemical hazards including pesticides, oil well fire, smoke and petroleum, and chemical and biological weapons during the Gulf War. As a result many service men and women have been afflicted by what is known as Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), a number of other presumed illnesses, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The following is a list of resources for veterans of the Gulf War and their families.
National Gulf War Resource Center
Providing education and support to benefit veterans, active duty personnel and their families, the National Gulf War Resource Center (NGWRC) was formed in 1991 and works to establish rights, treatments and benefits for Gulf War veterans. Visit www.ngwrc.org to learn more.
Desert Storm
Desert storm is a website created to honor all those who participated in the Gulf War as well as be a resource for information about the war and events surrounding it. Although the website is minimal in size, the message boards provide veterans a place to discuss their own experiences in the war, share pictures, search for someone who was in desert storm and discuss their experiences in filing for benefits from the VA. Visit www.desert-storm.com to get connected with others who served in the Gulf War.
Desert Storm Veterans Association
The Desert Storm Veterans Association is a membership association available for men and women who served honorably with the VII Corps during operations desert shield/desert storm or who provided direct support to the VII Corps during this period. Memberships are $20, however, widows and widowers of deceased members or individuals who would have been eligible for membership may become honorary members. The association provides veterans with an opportunity to network with other veterans though association events. It also has a scholarship program available for eligible families of deceased veterans. For more information visit www.desertstormvets.org.
Contact our Veterans Advocates Today
Finding the resources you need after returning home can be difficult, especially if you need assistance with filing a disability claim. Vets National Advocates can help you or your loved ones get the benefits and assistance they deserve.
Think you may be eligible for Gulf War veterans benefits? Learn about filing a claim now.
Need help with a disability claim or finding more resources for Gulf vets?
Contact us now or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to speak with one of our advocates.
