Resource Guide for Wounded Warriors and Families

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Listing of available websites

Foreword

A statement of purpose reflecting philosophy of and commitment to the reintegration of veterans and their families would fit well here

Wounded Warrior Web Sites

Amputee Coalition of America / Military in-Step
www.amputee-coalition.org
Phone: 1-888-267-5669

Mission Statement:
To reach out to people with limb loss and to empower them to education, support and advocacy.
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a nati K. onal, non-profit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences. The ACA includes individual amputees, amputee education and support groups for amputees, professionals, family members and friends of amputees, amputation or limb loss related agencies, and organizations. Support includes a toll-free hotline providing answers and resources relating to limb loss, a magazine inMotion, educational resources, and numerous links to other helpful websites pertaining to health, advocacy, prosthetic equipment, assistive technology and accessibility.

Blinded Veterans Association (BVA)
www.bva.org
E-mail: bva@bva.org
Phone: 800-669-7079

If you are a blind or visually impaired veteran, if you are a relative or a friend or if you just want to get involved, the BVA invites you to write, email or give them a call. The BVA is an organization specifically established to promote the welfare of blinded veterans and help them meet the challenges of blindness.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
www.dav.org
Phone: 877-I Am A Vet (877-426-2838) or (859) 441-7300

Formed in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932, the million-member DAV is the official voice of America’s service-connected disabled veterans — a strong, insistent voice that represents all of America’s 2.1 million disabled veterans, their families and survivors. Its nationwide network of services – free of charge to all veterans and members of their families – is totally supported by membership dues and contributions from the American public. Not a government agency, the DAV’s national organization receives no government funds.

DOD Web Portal for Transitioners

Designed specifically to assist Service members leaving active duty, this site provides information on transition assistance benefits and services available to active duty members and members of the Guard and Reserve, including DoD publications on transition services and options, as well as resources for job search and career development. While DoD TRANSPORTAL contains valuable information and resources, you should use this site as part of the comprehensive program of transition and employment assistance. The best place to start is your installation Transition Assistance Office.

Lariam Action USA
http://www.lariaminfo.org
E-mail: info@lariaminfo.org

Lariam Action is an information and support service for people who have questions about the effects of the antimalaria drug Lariam© (mefloquine). Lariam recently has become an issue because some U.S. troops in the Iraq war think it is linked to their severe behavioral changes.

Military Chaplains Association
www.mca-usa.org
Phone: (703) 533-5890

The Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America is a professional support and Veterans Service Organization. We are dedicated to the religious freedom and spiritual welfare of our Armed Services members, Veterans, their families, and their survivors. We were founded in 1925 and chartered in 1950 by the 81st Congress. We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service with non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) status.
Our Members are serving or have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol chaplaincies. Our Associate Members come from among other chaplains, chaplain assistants, religious faith group leaders, and those interested in supporting military chaplaincy.
Our Members and Associate Members represent a broad cross-section of religious faith groups in the United States. Together, we speak for chaplains and chaplaincies with a professional, prophetic, and pastoral voice. This site also includes helpful links.

“Military OneSource” – Comprehensive Military Assistance
http://www.militaryonesource.com

“Military OneSource” was established in June 2004 as a one-stop shop for all service members who need “help to cope with life’s little — and not so little — issues.” The service, which was previously broken down by individual service branch, offers 24-hour help by phone:
(800-342-9647)
En español llame al: 1-877-888-0727
TTY/TDD: 1-800-346-9188
Its web site provides advice on everything from coping with stress to caring for an elderly relative to recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. In addition to online articles, there are booklets, CDs, audiotapes, and interactive tools available, all free. Service members can log on to the main site or go through the original portals specific to each branch.

To access advice and help by individual service branch:
ARMY – “Army OneSource” 800-464-8107
MARINES – “Marines OneSource” 800-869-0278
NAVY – “Navy OneSource” 800-540-4123
AIR FORCE – “Air Force OneSource” 800-707-5784

The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/
E-mail: ncptsd@va.gov
CALL – THE PTSD Information Line at (802) 296-6300

Just about everything you might ever want to know about PTSD — from the biology of the disease to its impact on spirituality — is provided on this Web site in the form of fact sheets, medical papers, videos and more. The NCPTSD is a part of the VA that works to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America’s veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

National Gulf War Resource Center
http://www.ngwrc.org
Tel: 866-531-7183 (toll free)

This is an international coalition of organizations that has been advocating for veterans since 1995 and is run by former Army Ranger Steve Robinson. The NGWRC is a resource for information, support, referrals and how to file claims. Under “Resources” there is a self-help guide on PTSD, and be sure to explore the “PTSD and Readjustment” bulletin board.

National Military Family Association (NMFA)
http://www.nmfa.org
e-mail: families@nmfa.org
Tel: 1-800-260-0218
History and Mission of NMFA
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was organized in 1969 as the National Military Wives Association by a group of wives and widows seeking financial security for survivors of uniformed service personnel and retirees. From their efforts, the Survivor Benefit Plan came into being. In the ensuing years, NMFA has been in the vanguard of advocacy for improvements in the quality of military family life. The name of the organization was changed in 1984 to reflect the broad scope of its involvement. NMFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association.
NMFA activities revolve around programs to educate the public, the military community, and the Congress on the rights and benefits of military families AND to advocate an equitable quality of life for those families. Since its inception in 1969, the effectiveness of NMFA is reflected in accomplishments in most of the issue areas in which the association works. These include medical and dental benefits, dependent education, retiree and survivor benefits, relocation and spousal employment. NMFA sponsors a military spouse scholarship program.
NMFA, “The Voice for Military Families,” is dedicated to providing information to and representing the interests of family members of the uniformed services on which our national security depends. Its website, www.nmfa.org, provides extensive information for military families and those who service them. It publishes a monthly newsletter as well as a weekly legislative e-mail newsletter, the Government and You E-News. For more information about NMFA, to schedule an NMFA presentation, or request NMFA promotional materials, please contact NMFA at 703-931-6632 or at families@nmfa.org.

National Veterans Foundation

Home NVF

Tel: 800-777-4443 (Mon. day-Friday, 9 am to 9 pm Pacific Time).
The only nationwide non-governmental national hotline for veterans and their families providing crisis intervention, resource referral, benefits information and emotional support.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The only national suicide intervention hotline (800-273-TALK-8255) funded by the federal government, this number works 24 hours, seven days a week and is comprised of over 100 crisis centers nationwide.

Operation Family and Friends
Email: ptsdfamily@hotmail.com
This organization is “a nation-wide collective of individuals and families dedicated to quality treatment for all Veterans and their families”. Its purpose is to improve health care for veterans with PTSD in both in-patient and out patient settings, and make treatment available in all areas for family members as well. This site also features many helpful links.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Home

e-mail: info@pva.org
Tel: 800-424-8200
TTY 800-795-4327, 800-795-HEAR

The PVA Veterans Benefits Department provides assistance and representation before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, without charge, to veterans with spinal cord injury or dysfunction, and their eligible dependents. They also assist clients with applying for health care, as well as other benefits they may be entitled to.

Patience Press
http://www.patiencepress.com
E-mail: ptg@patiencepress.com

The wife of a Vietnam veteran created this site as a clearinghouse for PTSD information after her husband lived with the disease, undiagnosed, for fourteen years. Spouses will find a special section written with them in mind.

PTSD Alliance

PTSD Alliance was launched in 2000 and works with anyone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, including military veterans. The Alliance is a multi-disciplinary group of professional and advocacy organizations that have joined forces to provide educational resources to medical and health care professionals, individuals diagnosed with PTSD and their loved ones, the general public and the media.

REALifelines

http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/Real-life/main.htm

The Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines initiative is a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bethesda Naval Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It works to create a seamless, personalized assistance network to ensure that seriously wounded and injured service members who cannot return to active duty are trained for rewarding new careers in the private sector.

Soldiers heart
www.soldiersheart.net

Soldier’s Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to healing our nation’s veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Soldier’s Heart, a term coined at the time of the Civil War to describe Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, is a grass-roots healing project for at-risk veterans based on the book War and the Soul , by Edward Tick, Ph.D. The key to healing, says Ed Tick, is in how we understand PTSD. Through workshops, storytelling, and community-based ritual, he presents ways to nurture warriors and our country, based in compassion and forgiveness.

Soldier’s Heart prepares communities to support troops returning from war and all other veterans with an emphasis on tradition, psychology, and spirituality for warrior homecoming and healing. Soldier’s Heart offers a series of experiential veterans’ return retreats to address the unique needs of veterans and at the same time train professionals and clergy to help returnees. Areas to be addressed are identity issues, homecoming and warriorhood. Retreats are open to all veterans and their support networks. Our staff is available to educate communities in offering support services for veterans and families in their own hometowns. Soldier’s Heart also sponsors a mentor program for seasoned veterans to mentor new returnees.

For more information on dates, locations or other support services, please visit the website, or write:

Soldier’s Heart
PO Box 8564
Albany, NY 12208

Strategic Outreach to Families of all Reservists
Tel: 617-266-2611
Fax: 781-433-0510
E-mail: help@SOFARUSA.org
Website: www.sofarusa.org
P.O. Box 920781, Needham, MA 02492

The goal of SOFAR (Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists) is to provide a flexible and diverse range of psychological services that fosters stabilization, helps prevent crises, and helps families manage acute problems effectively when they occur.

SOFAR coordinates the delivery of counseling and support services to families by licensed professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. These volunteers lead family support sessions, provide individual counseling services, and refer family members to other licensed professionals outside the SOFAR network if additional assistance is required.
SOFAR volunteer clinicians are available to provide individual and family therapy and lead support groups targeted for families, mothers and parents while maintaining strict confidentiality. Support groups focus on such topics as stress management, anger management and general coping skills.
This site also offers brochures, multimedia materials as well as other helpful links.

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
http://www.taps.org
e-mail: info@taps.org
Hotline: 800-959-TAPS (8277)
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) is a national nonprofit organization made up of, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one while serving in any branch of the Armed Forces — Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Reserves, Service Academies or the Coast Guard. The heart of TAPS is a national military survivor peer support network. It also offers grief-counseling referral, case worker assistance and crisis information, all available to help families and military personnel cope and recover. The services are provided 24 hours a day, free of charge.

The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
100 Broadway
Ossining, NY 10562

Tel: 914-432-5400
Fax: 914-923-3898
Donations: 888-447-2588
Email: info@saluteheroes.org

A nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to helping severely wounded troops from the War on Terror. Services include: Emergency Financial Aid, Family Group Support Network, Camp C.O.P.E., Wounded Hero Career Network, a Media Center and Newsletter.

The Courage to Care
http://www.usuhs.mil/psy/courage.html
E-mail: couragetocare@usuhs.mil

Courage to Care is a new, electronic health campaign for military and civilian professionals serving the military community, as well as for military men, women and families. Courage to Care consists of electronic fact sheets on timely health topics relevant to military life that provide actionable information. Example Fact sheets include:
Reintegration Fact Sheet for Military Couples
Reintegration Fact Sheet for Providers
Psychological First Aid: Helping Victims in the Immediate Aftermath of Disaster

TRICARE
http://www.tricare.mil

The Web site for the official military health plan, TRICARE, explains what services are covered and also offers limited medical advice. One of the interesting links is “Healthy Choices for Life” which presents the results of a major 2002 survey of “health related behaviors” of military personnel.

U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program
Tel: 1-800-237-1336, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday
Email: aw2@conus.army.mil
The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program assists and advocates for wounded Soldiers and their Families throughout their lifetimes, wherever they are located. AW2 provides unique services to the most severely wounded, including: helping soldiers obtain full VA and Army Benefits; assistance with obtaining awards & medals, career planning and employment opportunities, financial counseling & family support services. This site also contains multimedia materials and other helpful links.

Veterans and Families
www.veteransandfamilies.org

John Henry Parker, Executive Director & Founder
johnhenry@veteransandfamilies.org
916-422-5005 Direct
916-320-4395 Cell
Veterans and Families is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit community service and support organization, founded and directed by Veterans, parents, grandparents, family members, employers, mental health professionals, academics, philanthropists and community leaders.

Our Mission:
• To help our Veterans get home both mentally and emotionally.
• To help Veterans and their families raise happy, healthy children in a safe and stable environment where both parents are supportive and emotionally available.
• To assist our homecoming Veterans and their families in sucessfully transitioning home from deployment and from military to civilian life.
• To keep families together through the trials of homecoming.
• To work in tandem with all government and civilian resources and agencies.

Veterans Service Organizations
This site is the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs directory of service organizations. This comprehensive listing includes state, local and national organizations.

VVA’s PTSD Claims Guide

http://www.vva.org/benefits/ptsd.htm
The purpose of this guide is to assist the veteran, or the veteran’s survivor(s), in presenting a claim for benefits based on exposure to psychologically traumatic events during military service that has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Vietnam Veterans of America

Home

Tel: (800) 882-1316
Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA is organized as a not-for-profit corporation. VVA’S FOUNDING PRINCIPLE IS THAT “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”
VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

VA Readjustment Counseling Services
http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/#conte
VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. You will be able to locate a Vet Center in your state on this Web site. Vet Centers are small community organizations managed by the VA and dedicated to providing counseling for combat veterans from combat veterans.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center
www.wramc.amedd.army.mil

“Home of Warrior Care”

Mission

“We provide care to past, present, and future warriors and to all those entrusted to our care.”

The Walter Reed Army Medical Center provides advanced and sub-specialty health care and services to soldiers, their families, and a large community of military retirees. We also give extensive support to members of the other military services; to certain civilians, such as Members of Congress, the President and Vice President; to the Public Health Service; and to foreign dignitaries designated by the State Department. We serve a potential patient population of more than eight million.

Warrior in Transition Services:

Soldier Family Assistance Center
The SFAC is a team consisting of enlisted Soldiers and civilian employee appointed by the Garrison Commander to coordinate resources and act as a point of contact for patients and their family members.The SFAC is open to assist patients who have been evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The SFAC also assists the family members of those patients. The SFAC encourages family members to come to the SFAC after arriving at WRAMC. SFAC staff will attempt to answer any questions you may have during your stay. Visit the SFAC on-line.

Warrior Transition Brigade
The Warrior Transition Brigade provides command and control, primary care, and case management for service members receiving treatment for wounds suffered deployed in the war on terror. The unit works to “promote their timely return to the force or transition to civilian life”.

The Army Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline
1 (800) 984-8523
The Army Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline provides wounded and injured Soldiers and their family members another way to resolve medical issues. The hotline provides an information channel for Soldiers’ medical-related issues to go directly to senior Army leadership and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This site also includes other helpful links.

Wounded Warrior News
This site contains articles on a wide array of issues related to wounded warriors. It also features a newsletter, multimedia materials and other helpful links.

Wounded Warriors Blog
The “Wounded Warriors” blog is a collection of veterans coverage from the McClatchy Washington Bureau, McClatchy Newspapers, and other sources. Readers are invited to send a story suggestion.

Wounded Warriors Project
Tel: 904-296-7350
fax: 904-296-7347
Toll free.: 877-TEAM-WWP
or
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise the awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
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. Through the generous donations of private citizens, organizations and corporations, wounded warriors are provided opportunities that ease the transition to civilian life. This support is also complemented by both grassroots and national events hosted for the Wounded Warrior Project by volunteers and organizations nationwide. From the battlefield to their bedside, WWP is there to meet the needs of our Wounded Heroes:
We provide them with unique programs and services,
We raise awareness and enlist public support,
We provide a means for veterans to help each other.

Wounded Warriors. Our mission–Supporting Families
1719 N. 60th St.
Omaha, NE 68104
Tel: 402-502-7557
Fax: 402-502-4872
Our mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.

Wounded Warriors mitigates their trauma by allowing them to find peace and solace as a family once more in family-friendly resorts that we provide free of charge. The resort condominiums that we own in Orlando, Florida and Galveston, Texas are quiet havens where war-torn families can reunite and become stronger. This site also features a newsletter and other helpful links.

Other Resources

Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Mikey Weinstein
Veterans for Common Sense, Paul Sullivan