St. Paul – Minnesota veterans now have a “One Stop Web site” for information about education, medical, employment, and other benefits.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the new site features links and information from sources that provide goods and services to veterans and their families. The various programs span dozens of agencies across state, federal and local governments as well as private and non-profit organizations. 

“We are committed to ensuring that veterans, their dependents and survivors receive the full measure of benefits and services to which they are entitled,” said Clark Dyrud, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. “This new Web site consolidates important information geared toward helping veterans in one easy to find location.”

Information concerning military retirement, state and federal benefits, as well as education and pending legislation are just a few topics that can be found on this new site.

Governor Pawlenty proposed the Veterans One Stop Website as part of his comprehensive military and veterans support legislative package earlier this year.

The website is located at: www.minnesotaveteran.org

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Service Building, 2nd Floor - Room 206-C, 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, MN 55155-2006
Phone: (651) 296-2562

Combat Veterans Resources

VA's PTSD programs is available at
http://www.va.gov/opa/fact/docs/ptsd.doc and http://www.ncptsd.va.gov.

Combat Veterans Information
http://www.va.gov/Environagents/page.cfm?pg=16

Transition Assistance Program
http://www.va.gov/opa/fact/tranasst.asp

PTSD and Combat Veterans
http://www.ncptsd.org/topics/war.html

Survivors Benefits
http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm

Women Veterans Information
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Topics/Women/

Revised September 25, 2006

Mary Pawlenty’s First Lady Military Family Care Initiative

If you are a member of a service organization, community organization or faith-based organization and want to provide volunteer services to the families of military personnel during this time of separation from their loved-one, you have come to the right place.

 http://www.governor.state.mn.us/firstLady/flmain1.asp

Operation Minnesota Nice

Provides packages and cell phone minutes to deployed soldiers

http://www.operationminnesotanice.com/ 

Minnesota Military Family Foundation     763-544-2255

Provides community-supported funds to soldiers and their families as grants or loans to Minnesota Military Families of deployed soldiers that need a little help.

http://www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/ 

Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund

MMAF is a state-wide fund raising initiative by the citizens of Minnesota for Minnesota Military personnel and their families.   Founded by area business and community leaders, MMAF calls upon citizens to show support and appreciation for the sacrifices by Minnesota Military personnel deployed in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001

MMAF shows our troops how much we appreciate their service by providing cash grants to all soldiers, and to the families of soldiers killed in combat.  It shows the nation we are a proud state dedicated to our troops.

http://www.thankmntroops.org/MMAFflashindex.html 

Support Our Troops

Provides listing of programs to assist soldiers

http://www.defensealliance.com/support.html 

Support Our Troops License Plates

Provides deployed soldiers grants up to $2000.00 annually for assistance during periods of financial hardships through the sale of vehicle license plates available to all Minnesotans.  Cost is $48.50 of which $30.00, half goes to veterans and half goes to deployed soldiers and their families.  The license is red, white, and blue with a Bald Eagle and American Flag.  Support Our Troops license plates available for cars, light trunks & motorcycles. 

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/ 

88^th Blue Devil Association

Nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance for the soldiers in the 88^th RRC and their families in the 6 state region of the 88^th RRC to include Minnesota.

Requests for assistance are identified through the chain of command and the 88^th RRC Family Support Program.  The Blue Devil Association approves the financial assistance and provides the funding. 

Contact the 88^th RRC, DCS, G1 Chaplain’s office: attention  MAJ. Kathleen Couillard at 612-713-3082.

http://www.bluedevilassociation.org 

Minnesota Family Assistance Centers   1-888-234-1274

Minnesota National Guard has set up 11 FAC to provide information source for TRICARE, DEERS, points of contact for legal & pay issues, financial counseling/training, points of contacts for community support, emergency assistance coordination, site for family communication, support/mentor Family Readiness Groups

http://www.dma.state.mn.us/familyprograms/soldierfamilyasst.htm 

Minnesota Proclamation May is Hire A Veteran Month

Governor Proclaims May "Hire a Veteran Month". Governor Tim Pawlenty signed an official proclamation declaring May as “Hire a Veteran Month.”

http://www.deed.state.mn.us/news/release/2005/wd02May05govern.htm 

Veterans Employment Services 651-296-1194

Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development

http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/

http://www.deed.state.mn.us/veterans/vso.htm 

HireVetsFirst

The HireVetsFirst website will direct you to one of more than 2,000 one-Stop Career Centers nationwide. While you ‘re there, watch a video about how easy it is to hire veterans.  

Log on to www.HireVetsFirst.go and click Hire A Veteran Now!  Enter your zip code and the One-Stop Career Center nearest you will come up

Call the number listed and ask for Local Veterans Outreach Program specialist or Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialitist.  They will be ready to assist you in making connections with highly trained veterans.

http://www.HireVetsFirst.gov 

America’s Job Bank

America’s Job Bank (AJB) is a component of the One-Stop Career Center network.  Here you can post job listings, create customized job orders and search resumes to find veterans highly trained in all types of skills.

http://www.ajbo.org

USAJOBS

USAJOBS, created by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, is the official job site of the Federal Government.  Here you can create and post job listings for positions with the Federal Government as well as search for veterans.

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov 

Minnesota Department of Revenue

Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone (September 11, 2001 – December 2006)

The credit is equal to $59.00 for each month of service.  For information and assistance completing Form M99 or Form M99-D, call 651-296-3781 or email indinctax@state.mn.us Forms are available in November 2006 call 651-296-4444 to have the forms mailed to you or go to website to download a copy.

http://www.taxes.state.mn.us

Comfort for Courage

Veterans Transition Center at the University of Minnesota is first of kind resource center for returning student vets, and was founded by Comfort for Courage, Minnesota’s up and coming student-based organization that supports our nation’s heroes.

http://www.comfortforcourage.org 

Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC)  @ Minneapolis/St Paul Airport

Volunteers staff the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is privately funded by donations from military and veterans' organizations.  The mission of the AFSC is to provide assistance to traveling active duty soldiers at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport.  The AFSC provide snacks, beverages, sleeping facilities for both men & women soldiers, big screen TV, internet access and fax support, cell phones, magazines and books for reading while the soldiers wait for connecting transportation.  In addition, the volunteers meet wounded warriors and redeploying soldiers at the gates providing them with MN Twin baseball hats, snacks and welcome home cake. To donate funds or to volunteer call 612-726-9156 or email: DebraLCain@aol.com

http://www.mnafsc.org 

USA4MilitaryFamilies

Many issues surrounding quality of life and family well being can only be addressed by states.  Much progress has been made on several of these key issues.  Currently, efforts are being focused on spouse employment, including unemployment compensation for transferring military spouses, in-state tuition allowances, financial readiness, education, and the pressing needs of severely injured Service members and their families.  Many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, and we look forward to making significant progress in 2005-2006.

Resource Information:

 http://www.USA4militaryfamilies.org 

Military One Source (USER ID: military / PASSWORD: onesource) 1-800-342-9647

Provides 24/7/365 information to soldiers and their families. Military One Source is a virtual extension of existing installation services.  Provides assistance in parenting & child care, personal & family readiness, education, midlife & retirement, disability, financial, legal, everyday issues, work, health, emotional well-being, addiction & recovery.  Counseling service available by phone or in person in your local community.  Grief, martial issues, stress, and adjustment to deployment are available at no cost to soldier and their primary family members. Up to 6 counseling are free per family member. One can also subscribe to the Military One Source Newsletter.

New feature: Currently providing TurboTax service at no cost to the soldiers by the Department of Defense.  Log on to access your W-2’s at:

http://www.mypay.com.

http://www.militaryonesource.com/

Operation Child Care           1-800-424-2246

Operation Child Care in partnership with the National Association for Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) offers up to six hours of free reunion care Schedule on line at www.childcare.org or call 1-800-424-2246.

National Guard and Reserve Members: The childcare community is ready and eager to support you and your family by providing volunteer childcare services. If you've returned home (or if your spouse will be returning home) from Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom for two weeks of R&R leave, you are eligible to receive a minimum of six hours of free childcare.

http://www.childcareaware.org 

The Military Child in Transition and Deployment

Sesame Workshop and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. with additional support from the New York office of Mental Health (NYSOMH) and Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), have partnered to produce a new project, Talk, Listen, Connect. These bilingual kits will help military families and their young children cope with feelings, challenges, and concerns experienced during various phases of deployment: pre-deployment, deployment and homecoming. The kit includes:

Please visit www.sesameworkshop.org/tlc to request your FREE kit or download all the materials! Distribution provided by the Department of Defense through Military OneSource.

http://www.militarystudent.dod.mil/ 

National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies  (NACCRRA)

A Department of Defense initiative to support the childcare needs of parents who are activated or deployed. 

-Helps eligible families locate options in local communities.

-reduces child care fees of eligible families who are already using licensed or legally operating sponsored community child care programs & providers.

Toll free 1-800-424-2246

http://www.NACCRRA.org/MilitaryPrograms 

Operation Military Kids  (OMK)

Creating a community support network for children and youth of whose parents are deployed

http://www.usda-army-ydp.org/omk 

Operation Purple Summer Camp

The National Military Family Association has announced that Army Reserve Child and Youth Services (CYS) were chosen to host 4 of the popular Operation Purple Summer Camps in 2006.  NMFA developed this free summer camp programs in response to the need for increased support for military children, especially those whose parents are or will be deployed.  The Army Reserve CYS team will join a select list of dedicated teams to host more than 2,500 deserving children at 26 locations in 22 states.

Applications will be available only online.  Registration begins March 15^th and ends May 1^st.  Visit the NMFA Operation Purple web site:

http://www.operationpurple.org 

Military Personnel Offered Free Admission to Adventure Parks

Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission under Anheuser-Busch's "Here's to the Heroes" program.  

He or she need only register online (www.herosalute.com), or in the entrance plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission.

Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents. Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Sea World San Antonio are seasonal operations that will remain closed until spring 2006.

Military personnel interested in visiting those parks should check operating schedules. For Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Sea World San Antonio, Sesame Place. The remaining parks, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World San Diego are open year round.

Offer valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: Sea World Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island.

Inactive, standby and retired reserve members, military retirees, U.S. Merchant Marine and civilian Department of Defense workers are ineligible for the program. 

http://www.herosalute.com 

Blue Star Mothers

Blue Star Mothers is for moms & step moms whose sons & daughters are serving in the armed forces or have been honorably discharged.  Other family members can apply for associate membership.  Members display a Blue Star banners at their homes to signify a loved ones military deployment.

Active Minnesota Chapters are in Bird Island, Willmar, Alexandra, Moose Lake, Brainerd, Sauk Centre, and Morris.  Chapters are forming in Faribault, Owatonna. And the Twin Cities.   For details contact Carol Nelson

@ 218-825-9603 or go to

http://www.bluestarmothers.org/mn.php

        Blue Star Banner

The "Blue Star" Banner shown here is available through local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts or from Department Headquarters. The banner is printed on poster board (card stock 8-1/2" x 11") and is suitable for placement in windows.

Our VFW Posts in Minnesota have been asked to make these available to Family Members of Active Duty Service Members at NO cost. Additionally, the VFW would like to know the Service Members name and where they are serving.

The VFW also sponsors an Adopt-a-Unit Program. You can learn more about this program by logging onto our VFW National Web Page at:

http://www.vfw.org 

Gold Star Mothers

Natural mothers, adoptive mothers or stepmothers, who are citizens or legal residents of the United States or of the territorial and insular possessions of the United States, at the time of their sons or daughters induction into the United States Armed Forces and died as a casualty, killed, captured, missing in action, or as a result of illness or injury received through engagement in the Armed Forces in W.W, I, W.W. II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and other strategic areas, are eligible for membership in American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

If you meet the membership requirements, we would be happy to have you join us. Just request our membership packet.

First year membership dues are $15. Subsequent yearly dues are $12. You will also need a copy of DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, to submit with your application.

If you care to be part of the AGSM organization please request the membership packet through the link above or contact us at our headquarters listed on the home page.

http://www.goldstarmoms.com/agsm/Home/index.htm 

Gold Star Wives

Resources for surviving spouses.

http://goldstarwives.org 

Write a thank our to a Soldier

Everyone one is encouraged to write a thank you note to a military service person.

http://www.operationdearabby.net 

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/

Emergency Communications Services

American Red Cross communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. The Red Cross quickly sends these communications on behalf of the family to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

How to Contact the American Red Cross to Send an Emergency Message

When calling the American Red Cross to send an emergency message to a family member, it is helpful to have the following information:

Service members:

Army Emergency Relief

AER is a private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff. AER's sole mission is to help soldiers and their dependents.
AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". AER provides commanders a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers.
AER funds are made available to commanders having AER Sections to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers - active & retired - and their dependents when there is a valid need.
AER funds made available to commanders are not limited and are constrained only by the requirement of valid need.
Major commanders and their installation/organization commanders through AER sections and other related organizations conduct the AER assistance program within the Army structure.

http://www.aerhq.org/ 

Resource Life Lines

911 Emergency

http://armyfamiliesonline.org 1-800-833-6622

1-800-SUICIDE for the National Suicide Hotline

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org  1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Tee Up For The Troops

Tee it up for the Troops is a non-profit organization established by family and friends of a soldier serving in the US Army.  It was created to help honor and recognize the needs of all veterans who have served this nation.   In 2006, the event is to be held locally at Mendakota Country Club on 8 September 2006.  The goal is to annually make the Friday closest to September 11^th a national day of golf saluting all those that have answered the call to duty.  A 10% donation over the cost of the green fees is requested from other participating golf courses.  This program is supported by the Minnesota PGA and the Club Managers Association of America.  Additional information, call 952-646-2490 or go to their web site.

http://www.TeeItUpForTheTroops.com

88^th Regional Readiness Command (RRC) 1-800-the ARMY

http://www.usarc.army.mil/88thrsc/

United States Army Reserve Command (USARC)

http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/arweb

http://www.goarmy.com/reserve/nps/

United States Army

http://www.army.mil/ 

Minnesota National Guard

http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/

Human Resources Command

http://www.hrc.army.mil

Army Well-Being Information

http://www.armyfamiliesonline.org

US Department of Defense Health Care Benefits System (TRICARE)

1-800-444-5445

http://www.tricare.osd.mil/

TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Benefits 1-866-363-8779

http://www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy

TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy Program 1-866-363-8667

http://www.express-scripts.com

TRICARE Information Service (Medical) 1-800-363-2273

http://www.tricare.osd.mil

West Region TRICARE 1-888-874-9378  (Minnesota is in the West Region)

http://www.triwest.com

United Concordia (Dental) 1-800-866-8499

http://www.ucci.com

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) 1-800-538-9552

http://www.tricare.osd.mil/deers

DEERS Updates   1-800-538-9552

http://www.tricare.osd.mil/deersaddress

Rapid Site Location

Searches for nearest military ID card office by city, state, or zip code

http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home

Social Security 1-800-772-1213

http://www.ssa.gov

My Pay

Allows a soldier to manage their pay information, leave and earnings statements, W-2’s and much more. Soldiers in combat zone for 30 days or more, a special feature under the Saving Deposit Program provides 10% interest on savings up to $10,000 while in theater.

https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx

Army Outreach Programs

http://www4.army.mil/outreach/index2.html 

AKO (Army Knowledge on Line)

Provides a link for soldiers and families to communicate through email/chat/forum/Family Readiness Groups.  Free anti-virus software for home computers, news channels and 24x7 help desk.

https://www.us.army.mil/suite/login/welcome.html

AAFES “Help Our Troops Call Home “

Anyone can access “Help Our Troops Call Home” program through the link located at aafes.com   The Military Exchange 550 Prepaid Phone Card can be purchased for individual military family members, friends, or select charities.  The Military Exchange 550 Prepaid Phone Cards is the best value when calling from OEF/OIF back to the United States. (21 cents per minute and no hidden charges or connection fees and minutes do not expire)

Gifts from the Homefront

Anyone can send “Gifts from the Homefront” gift certificates to individual military family members, friends, or select charities by logging on to aafes.com or by calling

1-877-770-4438.  Bulk purchase may also be made.

http://www.aafes.com

Army Career & Alumni Program

The Army Career & Alumni program helps soldiers prepare for the future.  To list job opportunities for soldiers retiring or leaving the Army contact

http://www.acap.army.mil

To list jobs opportunities for severely wounded or injured soldiers from the War on Terror contact

http://www.ds3connection.army.mil

Wounded Warrior Program (AW2)

Provides resources and assistance for wounded military vets.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation's greatest citizens. The WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave warriors from military service. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation's greatest citizens. The WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave warriors from military service.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org 

Military Severely Injured Support 1-888-774-1361 -- Call anytime!

Overseas Toll-free: Dial 0-800-888-0013; Press "05" to make a toll-free call to the USA; Enter 1-888-774-1361 to be connected.

The Military Severely Injured Center was officially opened on February 1, 2005.  The new center ties together military and other government programs, such as the Army Disabled Soldier Support System and similar programs in the other services, and those run by the departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs.

Mission:
To prepare severely injured Service members to return to duty or to reintegrate successfully into their hometowns.

Objectives:
To ensure that all severely injured Service members and their families receive the necessary support. A grateful nation will honor our heroes' service and stand with them.

To provide personalized assistance, tailored to meet an individual's unique needs during recovery and rehabilitation, in include:

Services:

Regional ombudsmen/advocates to interface with and support severely injured Service members and their families

http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/

“Heroes to Hometowns” 1-888-774-1361

Heroes to Hometowns is designed to welcome home Service Members who, because of injuries sustained, can no longer serve in the military. In creating a positive transition home, Heroes to Hometowns inspires community growth and establishes a support network for Service Members and their families that allow them to ease into their hometown or new surroundings.

For information, please call the Military Severely Injured Center at 1-888-774-1361

http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/

Fisher House 1-800-294-8560

The Fisher House provides a home away from home to enable families to be closer to a loved one at a most stressful time – during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

You can contact them at Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 1401 Rockville pike, suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-294-8560   http://www..fisherhouse.org 

Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS)

http://www.taps.org 

My Soldier

http://www.mville.edu/mysoldier/index.html

Letters from Home

http://www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org

Operation Gratitude

http://www.opgraditude.com/website2

Operation Tribute to Freedom

http://www4.army.mil/otf/indexflash.php

Freedom Team Salute

http://www.secureweb.hqda.pentagon.mil/ftspublic/

Military Student

http://wwwmilitarystudent.org

Veterans Administration 

http://www.va.gov

Apply for Health Benefits   (Health Benefits Advisor 1-800-827-1000)

http://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Apply compensation, Pension, or Vocational Rehabilitation benefits on line:

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov

Facilities Locator

http://www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp

Education (GI Bill)

http://www.gibill.va.gov

Loan Guaranty

http://www.homeloan.va.gov

Veterans Service Organizations

http://www.va.gov/vso/default.asp

State Veterans Affairs Offices

http://www.va.gov/patners/stateoffice/index.htm

The Center for Women Veterans

http://www.va.gov/womenvet/

Information on re-employment rights and unemployment insurance

http://www.dol.gov

Burial and Memorial Benefits  (1-800-827-1000)

http://www.cem.va.gov/burial.htm

VA Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477

http://www.insurance.va.gov/

Veterans Centers of the VA (Mental Health)

http://www.va.gov.res

Service Organizations

Department of Veterans Affairs Minnesota  (651-296-2562)

http://www.mdva.mn.us

Military Order of the Purple Heart  (612-970-5667)

An organization chartered by congress and recognized by VA for claim representation. In Minnesota they are located in the 208 Veterans Building, St. Paul, MN 55155

Office: 651-565-3864

http://purpleheart.org/

American Legion  (651-291-1800)

http://www.mnlegion.org 

Veterans of Foreign Wars  (651-291-1757)

http://www.vfw.state.mn.us/ 

Disabled American Veterans  (651-291-1212)

http://www.davmn.org 

Marine Corp League  (952-445-0530)

http://www.mcleague.com 

AMVETS  (701-451-4642)

http://www.amvets.org 

Disabled American Veterans (651-291-1212)

http://www.davmn.org 

Americans Ex-Prisoners of War  (651-291-2436)

http:// www.axpow.org 

Vietnam Veterans of America  (651-224-6345)

http://www.vva.org 

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) 1-800-234-MOAA (6622)

Over 360,000  - members provides benefit information, educational assistance, TOPS The Officer Placement Service, insurance services, health services, financial services, travel assistance, and MOAA Wireless. 

http://www.moaa.org 

Reserve Officers Association of the United States (ROA)

Their purpose is to promote the development and execution of military policy for the United States that will provide adequate national security.  ROA member services offer insurance, Visa credit cards, National car rentals, pharmacy service and discounts to the Army Times.

http://www.roa.org/ 

Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

Over 100,000 members, AUSA member benefits include health insurance, long term/eldercare AUSA bank card, Vision One Eyecare, Choice hotels, Army Times discounts, Wells Fargo educational loans, Hertz, Avis, National, Alamo, Budget rental car, Armed Forces Services Corp, and CD’s and money market accounts. (703)-841-4300 or (800)-336-4570 for member services

 http://www.auasa.org 

General John W. Vessey AUSA Chapter

To be the voice for the Army and carry the message into our communities, civic and social organizations, and our employers on how important a strong and responsive Army force is needed in today’s ever changing and challenging world.  They have also provided support for the wound veterans and their families at the Minneapolis VA.

http://www.vessey5401.org. 

Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve  (ESGR) (1-800-336-4590)

Local ESGR leaders are available to assist you in ESGR-related matters that do not require intervention with an employer. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR EMPLOYMENT SITUATION, PLEASE CALL OUR TOLL FREE NUMBER, 1-800-336-4590. If you have other ESGR related matters, contact the appropriate local committee. Their phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses are provided for ESGR-related issues only. We request that companies do not use this information for solicitation purposes out of consideration for our volunteers.  

https://www.esgr.org 

United Veterans Legislative Council of Minnesota

A consortium of Veterans, Military, and Auxiliary Organizations to exchange information and support issue relating to entitlements for Veterans, Military Retirees, the National Guard and Military Reservists, and their dependents and survivors.

Veterans Service Bldg, Room 200, 20 West 12^th Street, St Paul, MN 55155-2079

http://www.mnuvlc.org/ 

MACV
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is a statewide nonprofit serving veterans for over 13 years.  It maintains offices in Minneapolis, Mankato, and Duluth.  Its mission is to assist and support veterans and their families with services focused on housing, employment, and legal support.  For assistance, a veteran can call Minneapolis (612-726-1327), Mankato (507-345-8258), or Duluth (218-722-8763).
http://www.mac-v.org
 
Team USA Hockey
Your company can support our local military personnel by entertaining them to the best professional hockey has to offer, the TEAM USA games of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey this September at Xcel Energy Center! Utilizing this event for a great cause, an economical sponsorship has been created including recognition elements, and tickets purchased being allocated to Minnesota military members. For more information, contact Mike Kimbell, Minnesota Wild at 651.312.3481
 

Operation Hero Miles
Operation Hero Miles provides a way to help our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan by donating unused frequent flyer miles. Efforts are underway to make the donated miles more broadly available to all U.S. military personnel.
http://www.heromiles.com
 

Help Our Troops Call Home
Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards: The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1-800-527-2345
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/ 
 
AnySoldier.US
Send a care Package to any soldier in “harm’s way”
http://www.anysoldier.us
 

Defend America
A Department of Defense site. Send an e-mail to those who are defending our country.
http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html/
 
Adopt a Platoon
The AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort™ founded in 1998 is a nonprofit 501C-3 organization managed nationwide by volunteer mothers to ensure that deployed United States Service members in all branches of the military are not forgotten by providing needed mail support and to promote patriotism in our schools and communities. To provide a better deployment quality of life, lift morale, and assist military families, the AAP created projects that meet the need of military requests, established special projects for holidays, and assigns individual morale lifting mail support to service members of all branches of the U.S. military serving their Nation around the world.
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/ 
 
Donation to one of the military relief societies:
 

Army Emergency Relief
AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". AER provides commanders a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers.

http://www.aerhq.org/
 
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.

http://www.nmcrs.org/index.html
 
Air Force Aid Society
The AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS) is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force. It promotes the Air Force mission by helping "to relieve distress of Air Force members and their families and assisting them to finance their education.

http://www.afas.org/index.htm

Veteran Transition Center/Comfort for Courage

The Veterans Transition Center is Comfort for Courage's latest achievement and was recently established on the University of Minnesota campus to help Veterans smoothly make the transition from military to civilian life.

The VTC is located in Room 15 of Eddy Hall and provides Veterans with a one-stop-shop for resources to help them with a variety of needs, such as GI Bill benefits and physical and psychological needs.

In addition, the VTC aims to offer Veterans a place where they can meet and start forming bonds with other student Veterans that can relate to them

On University of Minnesota assists veterans transitioning from the military to college

Comfort for Courage is a student-led movement at the University of Minnesota, which recognizes the role U.S. service members hold in the defense of our nation and the protection of our shared freedoms.

We collect, manage and distribute resources for the sole purpose of providing comfort for deployed service members and their families.

Comfort for Courage is a non partisan organization that brings people together through our shared respect for and desires to help our nation's heroes, many of whom are our friends and classmates.

Veterans Transition Center
15 Eddy Hall
192 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
http://www.comfortforcourage.org/ 

Army Spouse Employment Partnership (The website for Army Families)

What is it? The Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP) is a self-sustaining and expanding partnership that is mutually beneficial to the Army and corporate America. The partnership provides Army spouses the opportunity to attain financial security and achieve employment goals through career mobility and enhanced employment options. Corporate partners are provided the capability to tap into a readily available, diverse and talented pool of candidates.

What has the Army done? In October 2003, the Army formally signed a Statement of Support with 13 Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies and two military agencies who pledged their best efforts to increase employment and career opportunities to spouses. The Army has been conducting ongoing quarterly meetings chaired by Mr. John P. McLaurin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Human Resources, since the program inception. Currently, there are 21 ASEP partners from the private sector and the military. Current partner companies include:  

Adecco;

United States Army;

Army Career and Alumni Program;

Army and Air Force Exchange Service;

BellSouth;

Boys and Girls Clubs of America;

Computer Sciences Corporation;

Concentra Incorporated;

CVS/pharmacy;

Defense Commissary Agency;

Dell Incorporated;

Department of the Army Civilian Personnel Office;

EURPAC Service Incorporated;

Home Depot;

Hospital Corporation of America;

Lockheed Martin;

Manpower Incorporated;

Sabre Holdings/Travelocity;

Sears Holdings Corporation;

Sprint;

Sun Trust Bank; and

United Services Automobile Association.

In July 2005, the military spouse job search website, hosted by ASEP, was launched. This site is an association page with the Department of Labor's America's Job Bank that provides military spouses a portal for their resumes and allows ASEP partners the opportunity to post jobs on the site.

http://www.myarmylifetoo.com/

Welcome to MilSpouse.org

MilSpouse.org is your resource library for militaryspouse employment, education and relocation information. Here you will find thousands of links to employment related information and other resources for military spouses and military families.

http://milspouse.org