RV Friends

Veterans FAQ

loader-image

Publications

  • Military.com  Military.com is the leading news and information website for U.S. service members, veterans and their families.
  • Salute!  Veterans Affairs Canada monthly e-newsletter.
  • Stars and Stripes  Provides independent news and information to the U.S. military community, including active-duty servicemembers, DoD civilians, veterans, contractors, and their families.
  • Military Times   Provides quality, unbiased reporting on the important issues for the military community.

Organizations

  • US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Veterans Affairs Canada
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund  Takes an active role concerning the physical needs of the three acre site on which the Vietnam Veterans Memorial rests. 
  • Vietnam Veterans of America   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.
  • Veterans Crisis Line   The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential. When you call, chat, or text, a qualified responder will listen and help.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars   To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
  • American Legion   As the nation's largest VSO & Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, we relentlessly champion veterans and service members on Capitol Hill, support military families, and are dedicated to preventing veteran suicide.
  • Disabled American Veterans   Free, professional assistance helps veterans and their families get the benefits they’ve earned—staying with them through every step of the process.
  • Wounded Warrior Project   To honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or wound, co-incident to your military service on or after September 11, 2001.

RV-Friends Discussion Sections

See our section for Veterans information and conversation and POW/MIA Updates

Veterans Crisis Lines

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

US Veterans CA Veterans
Chat Online 24/7 Online Available Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 7:30 pm, Eastern time, except statutory holidays. Outside of these hours, please contact us by phone.
Voice Call On Base: Call 988 1-800-268-7708
  Off Base:  
  NORTHCOM  Call 988 and press 1  
  PACOM  1-844-702-5493   
  EUCOM  1-844-702-5495   
  CENTCOM  1-855-422-7719   
  AFRICOM  1-888-482-6054   
  SOUTHCOM  1-866-989-9599   
TTY for hearing loss 1-800-799-4889 1-800-567-5803
Text / SMS  Text to 838255

US Veterans Get more resources at Veterans Crisis Line

CA Veterans Get more resources at Employee Assistance Services

2025 VA Benefit Guide

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook
The handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA programs, including phone numbers and websites for easy reference. The annual Federal Benefits Guide hosts a wealth of information on most VA benefits and services, including:
    • Compensation.
    • Life insurance.
    • Pension and fiduciary services.
    • Education benefits.
    • Economic development and employment.
    • Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance.
    • Mental health resources.
The handbook will help Veterans, service members and their families understand the full scope of VA resources available to them to help them make the most of life after service. It provides details on eligibility requirements for each benefit, and because VA serves different generations of Veterans, it also outlines the qualification guidelines for distinct periods of service to clarify eligibility for Veterans with service spanning both peace and wartime periods. The VA Federal Benefits Guide is available in both print and digital formats. Veterans and family members can access the booklet on VA’s website, providing instant and convenient access to the wealth of information it contains. A limited number of printed copies may be available at your local medical center, Vet Center or regional office. To find the nearest VA facility, go to www.va.gov/find-locations.

Get a Veterans Designation on your Driver's License

Many Veterans discounts are offered with veterans status verification. This is one document that will get you the discount. Please share with veterans within your network.  US:  Click to read the Article CA:  Click to read the Article

Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO for claims

An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you file a claim or request a decision review. Learn how to find and appoint one of these types of accredited representatives to help you.

VA Home Loan Facts

There is an Excellent article on Military.com written by Blake Stilwell that goes into the FACTS about VA Loans, and how so many Veterans do not know them.   This leads to them not pursuing a huge benefit to Veterans - a VA Loan. I encourage all of you to sign up for Free Access at Military.com to Read this Article.

How to identify a VA claim predator

I'm sure you have seen the advertisement on TV regarding the Camp Lejeune water contamination and claiming Veterans, Families, and Camp employees could be eligible to compensation if they have cancer or Parkinson. Well you now have a lot of law firms claiming they can help you file a claim and as with anything in life, there is the good and then the bad. Click on the following link to learn what to look out for.
How to Identify Predatory Practices

Expanded Healthcare Coverage

VA will soon expand coverage for medical services, including mental health care, for family members and primary family caregivers participating in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). These beneficiaries will have new coverage for audio-only telehealth, extended mental health care and contraceptive services.
“Our mission is to provide world-class care to our nation’s heroes, which includes care provided through CHAMPVA to eligible family members and caregivers of Veterans,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal. “The extension of these additional services is part of VA’s continuing efforts to ensure CHAMPVA beneficiaries can access high value care where they need it, when they need it.”

The Wall That Heals

On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF)  unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States.  Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has been displayed at nearly 800 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions. Information about the traveling wall and it's schedule for the current year can be found at: The-Wall-That-Heals

   
We are still adding information sections to this FAQ.  If you have something you think should be included, or notice an error, please contact us