Special Report: Northwest Veterans Return Home

• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
  Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs includes links and resources for county, state, and federal service organizations for veteran families and children. Map and Directions

  WA State Dept. of Veteran Affairs Fact Sheet and Summary of Budget

  Contact WA Department of Veterans Affairs Director John E. Lee directly:
  Phone: 360-725-2152 (direct line)
  Email: John@dva.wa.gov

• The American Legion Post 161, Redmond
  The American Legion and other VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) offer support and camaraderie to military veterans and their families, and provide the community with resources and guidance on veterans affairs. Contact Commander Jim Broe at 425-883-0161.

• Northwest Health Network/Veterans Integrated Service Network
  Veteran Affairs Northwest Health Network/Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20, includes the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, most of the state of Idaho, and one county each in Montana and California. The network of health care facilities comprises six medical centers, one independent outpatient clinic, one rehabilitation center, 21 community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and one mobile clinic. Other services include seven nursing home care units, two homeless domicilaries and 14 readjustment counseling centers.
• VA Polytrauma System of Care
  The VA Polytrauma System of Care in Seattle is one of 21 facilities in the country designed to provide long-term rehabilitative care to veterans and service members who experienced severe injuries (including brain injuries) to more than one organ system.
• Veterans Affairs Puget Sound
  VA Puget Sound continues to be a leader on many fronts including expansion of telemedicine clinics incardiology, dermatology, surgery and home spinal cord injury care.Inpatient medical care is provided to Veterans in the South Sound via a sharing agreement with Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis. Map and Directions
• Veterans care facilities
  A list of links of care facilities for veterans.
• Military.com
  Resources for Washington State Veteran's Benefits
• Washington Army National Guard
  As a state agency, the National Guard supports the goals of our Commander- in-Chief, the Governor, and adds value to our communities and our nation in public safety, education, economic vitality, the environment, and restoring public. Map and Directions

• Veterans Benefits Administration
  The Veterans Benefits Administration, in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration and the National Cemetery Administration, provides benefits and services to veterans and their families for their service. The Web site provides information about compensation and benefits and provides online applications for those who are eligible.
• Defense Department
  The Defense Department provides current news on the U.S. Armed Services and provides resources for the families of service members.
• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
  The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs reviews veterans' programs, examines current laws, and reports bills and amendments to strengthen existing laws concerning veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), such as for health care, disability compensation, GI bill education and job training, home loan guarantees, life insurance policies, and a nationwide system of veterans' cemeteries. The site provides the latest information on new federal initiatives concerning veterans.
• National Center for PTSD
  The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission is 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. The site provides educational resources concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.

• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
  A community-based homeless veteran service provider that strives to eliminate homelessness in the veteran community, serving as a liaison between branches of the federal government and community-based homeless veteran service providers.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
  The VFW is the oldest nonprofit veterans service organization, serving as a voice for veterans and a catalyst for change in improving veterans' benefits through community service programs and special projects.

• FRONTLINE: The Soldier's Heart
  A documentary about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and returning Iraq War veterans. The site includes extensive interviews with military and medical experts, a literary history of combat stress and other readings, a reporter's diary, and other resources. Watch the full episode
• National Memorial Day Concert Resources
  A variety of organizations and resources to help veterans connect to other veterans, learn about veterans and survivor benefits, and share war-related experiences.

KCTS 9 does not endorse nor control the content viewed on these links as they appear now or in the future. Please note that this is only a selection of available resources.