All costs to attend the program, including travel expenses, lodging, meals, and the cost of the program itself, are covered by the school. Admission to the program is competitive and you must complete an application to be considered. To learn more, visit the Bootcamp website, call (315) 443-6007/6899 or e-mail ebvinfo@syr.edu.

Small Business Administration via their Office of Veterans Business Development offers specialized programs aimed specifically at service-disabled veterans. Via their two-step entrepreneurial training program, Boots to Business, they help prepare servicemen and women for business ownership and management.

The Veterans Corporation, established by Congress under Public Law 106-50, provides Veterans and Service-Disabled Veterans access to the tools needed to become successful business owners. They offer a variety of trainig opportunities and have established national partnerships to assist veterans in their business ventures. To learn more, call (202) 349-0860 or e-mail info@veteranscorp.org.

VETRN provides the resources, training and mentorship necessary for veterans and family members in order to help them grow their business. More specifically, they provide enrollment in the nationally recognized StreetWise 'MBA' program.

U.S. Small Business Administration: Fund Your Business -- A great tool for planning on how much financing your business will take and the best ways to go about funding. Note the section on crowdfunding, because most people would never even consider this route.

A Veteran's Guide to Starting and Financing a Small Business Ready to start your business? Here are the best resources available for starting, running, and financing a veteran-owned business. A how-to guide for Vets on getting everything started in their entrepreneurial adventure. Reader-friendly than others you'll come across.

Veteran’s Guide to Starting a Business This guide is meant to help veterans looking to start their own business. It offers veteran small business resources, funding possibilities such as grants and loans, and covers a lot of frequently asked questions. There are alot of resources and specific resources for the veteran with disabilities. This guide will take you through all the steps for getting started.

Financial Assistance

Please be certain to also review the resources under General Support, as many organizations within this category offer various financial assistance programs.

American Legion, The offers a Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program aimed at keeping the children of deceased or disabled veterans at home rather than in institutions. The TFA fund has been used to assist families in meeting the costs of shelter, food, utilities and health expense items when the parents are unable to do so. To learn more, contact your local Legion Post or visit The American Legion website.

Military.com - Auto Financing -- Just found this resource that provides several helpful articles on auto financing for military members. Some of the articles include: Saving money with auto financing, tips to make sure auto dealers don't take advantage of you, and options for when you're denied an auto loan.

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes provides Emergency Financial Aid to wounded veterans. Emergency relief will cover expenses such as, utility bills � gas, electric, water, cable, internet, and phone service, car payments, new car deposits, car repair costs, and gasoline, mortgage and rent payments, home repairs, groceries, school supplies and clothing, and medical bills and co-payments. For more information, call (914) 432-5400.

Operation First Response provides financial assistance to families of wounded servicemembers. Financial aid is provided for mortgage, rent and utility payments, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and transportation to medical facilities. For more information, call (888) 289-0280.

Operation Rebuild Hope is a national organization that provides post 9/11 veterans with service connected disabilities temporary financial assistance in the form of grants and no interest loans. Very specific criteria exists. To learn more visit their website, e-mail dana@rebuildhope.org or call (650) 321-4930.

Semper Fi Fund provides financial aid to Marines and Sailors as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who have served in support of Marine forces in post 9/11 combat. Financial support varies and can include: relief for needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, such as childcare, travel expenses for families and other necessities; the purchase of adaptive transportation, home modifications and specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, audio/visual equipment for the blind, and software for traumatic brain injuries; education, job placement and therapeutic programs. To learn more, e-mail info@semperfifund.org.

Top 100 Places That Offer Military Discounts November 9, 2019, Consumer champion.org directory of discounts for military personnel and veterans for clothing, electronics, enterainment, health and fitness, restaurants and hotels, education, automobiles, and engagement rings. Honoring servicemen and women who go to exemplary heights to keep us safe. In an attempt to extend this gratitude and encourage our men and women in the military, several companies and stores offer coupons and discounts for the military, both veterans and those still in service. To be granted these veteran discounts and many more services, you will, in most cases, be required to show your valid military ID as proof. So, make sure you have yours secured and kept handy.

Veteran Love, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded to assist our wounded and disabled service men and women. Via their Veteran Love and Appreciation Fund they provide "emergency" financial support to those veterans who qualify as well as access to professional counselors qualified to help those with PTSD. Visit their website for more information or call (305) 673-2856.

General Support

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit organization that offers free assistance to veterans in obtaining benefits and services earned through their military service. Services include transition assistance, disability evaluation and benefits claim assistance, homeless veterans assistance and much more. Contact DAV at (877) 426-2838 to learn how they can assist you.

Enable America via their VetConnect program assists wounded and disabled veterans re-acclimate to their communities and, ultimately, to the workforce. One aspect of this program pairs recently wounded veterans with similarly wounded peer mentors who have completed or are completing the recovery process. They also connect veterans to agencies and organizations that can help them adapt everyday routines to their disability, enable them to further their education or vocational training, help them secure jobs with government and private employers, or return to active duty. While based in Tampa, Florida, VetConnect assists veterans throughout the United States. To learn more, call Enabled American at (813) 222-3212.

Helping a Hero offers a range of support services to servicemembers injured during the war on terror, including mentorships that provide one-on-one advice for careers, family issues, resources, etc., opportunities to connect with support groups for periodic, social or educational gatherings, financial assistance to cover unexpected expenses not covered by other means, opportunities to participate in sporting events, and educational grant assistance to heroes and/or their children. To learn more about any of these opportunities, call (888) 786-9531.

Military OneSource, a website of the Department of Defense, offers a range of information on Military life, including benefits, eduction, employment for wounded veterans, and much more. An information line is also available via 1-800-342-9647.

National Military Family Association offers information to families of servicemen and women. More specifically, they offer information on resources and programs related to health care, education, employment, available benefits and much more. They also offer Operation Purple Camp, a week-long, overnight camp for military children (aged 7-17). To learn more about this opportunity, e-mail operationpurple@nmfa.org.

National Resource Directory is an online partnership for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers, Veterans, their families and those who support them. The Directory provides access to more than 10,000 services and resources at the national, state and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Information is provided on such topics as benefits, education, employment, health, housing and more.

US ARMY Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) provides its severely disabled Soldiers and their families with a system of advocacy and follow-up with personal support to assist them as they transition from military service to the civilian community. DS3 also monitors soldiers beyond their medical retirement in order to provide ongoing assistance. To learn more about this service, call (800) 833-6622

US Military Benefits: Military links and External Resources of Disabled Veteran Associations offers a very comprehensive list.

Wounded Warrior Project, based in Jacksonville, Florida, provides programs and services to severely injured active service members and their families during the critical time between their initial rehabilitation while on active duty and their eventual transition to civilian life. Their work begins at the bedside of the severely wounded, where they provide comfort items and necessities, counseling, and support for families. They help to speed rehabilitation and recovery through adaptive sports and recreation programs, raising patients' morale, and exposing them to the endless possibilities of life after an injury. Finally, they provide a support mechanism for those who have returned home by providing outreach and advocacy on issues like debt and disability payments that will affect their families' future. For more information, visit their website or call (904) 296-7350.

Health Care

Help for Veterans Struggling with Addiction a guide from the Denver Recovery Center describes how many of our nation�s bravest have come home from foreign lands with the memories which are horrific in nature and can cause many issues if left untreated. Among the most prevalent of these concerns are physical pain from injuries and mental illnesses such as PTSD which can lead to addiction and depression. This guide offers how to recognize the signs toward addiction, gives advice to veterans suffering from addiction and depression, how they can seek help as well as a list of support groups and resources at the bottom of the page that they can use to find help and guidance.

Chronic Pain: What it is and How Proper Testing Helps This is a very comprehensive article on chronic pain from the J Flowers Health Institute The article covers the following: Overview of Chronic Pain, What is Chronic Pain? What Makes Pain Chronic? What Causes Chronic Pain? Who Suffers Chronic Pain? How is Chronic Pain Diagnosed? Chronic Pain Management, Why is Proper Testing the Key to Treatment? There are many different groups that suffer from chronic pain: Veterans have the highest rate of chronic pain It's now more important, to a larger number of people, to get chronic pain properly diagnosed and treated.For more information visit the J Flowers Health Institute, 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 2180, Houston, TX 77027, Phone: 713.783.6655, Fax: 713.787.1206, Email: info@jflowershealth.com

Memory Care Resources for Veterans many veterans suffering from Alzheimer's are unaware of the available programs that can help maintain or improve their quality of life. This resource provides comprehensive information on topics like available care options and financial support that can provide assistance for veterans who are in need of memory care.

My HealtheVet is VA�s award�winning e�health Website, which offers Veterans, active duty service members, their dependents and caregivers access to VA health care information and services. Registered Veterans can access informatio on current benefits, record and track health history, refill prescriptions, and more. Registration is free.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Health Benefits: Financial Hardship provides assistance to veterans that are facing a financial hardship (such as a recent job loss). Vets that may not have qualified for VA Health Benefits in the past may be approved under the VA's Medical Care Hardship program. To learn more, call 1-866-400-1238.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Health Administration links veterans to important health-related information and resources. More specifically Vets can be linked to benefits information, health and wellness resources (ie. dental care, mental wellness, suicide prevention, etc.), medical facilities, patient advocacy programs, and more.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Caregiver Support offers comprehensive support services to caregivers (family or otherwise) of veterans with special health care needs. Support may include payment (or a monthly stipend) to the caregiver, caregiver training, access to health insurance, mental health services and counseling, and more. If you are caring for a loved one who is a veteran with a disability, you need not struggle alone, call the VA's Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. A representative will help you identify the services and programs that will help you effectively care for your loved one at home.

Homelessness Prevention and Support

Department of Veterans Affairs: Homeless Veterans links homeless and at-risk veterans and their families to essential services and resources.

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) provides free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Homeless Veterans will be connected with the Homeless Point of Contact at the nearest VA facility and family members calling on behalf of a homeless Veteran will be provided with information regarding the homeless programs and services available. The hotline is available by calling 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838).

• Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program (VHPD), lauched in April 2011, is a three-year pilot program that supports efforts to identify and assist homeless veterans regain and maintain housing stability and to support veterans at risk for homelessness . The program is currently available at five military installations in the United States: Camp Pendleton (San Diego, CA), Fort Hood ( Killeen, TX), Fort Drum (Watertown, NY), Fort Lewis (Seattle, WA), and McDill Air Force Base (Tampa, FL).

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. Homeless and at-risk veterans can connect to information and resources via their website. To get started, visit their Step-by-Step Plan to assess your needs.

Housing / Home Ownership

Department of Veterans Affairs: Loan Guaranty Home Loan Program facilitates, through a network of lenders, home loans to veterans and unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability. To learn more, contact your Regional Loan Center.

Available in San Diego, CA Only - Green Beach builds energy efficient, barrier free homes for disabled Veterans. To learn more, call (619) 260-1700.

Helping a Hero via their Wounded Hero Home Program, builds specially adapted homes for severly wounded servicemen and women. Homes are placed in planned communities where veterans will be surrounded by stable families. The homes, which are often valued at about $250,000, are sold to Veterans for $50,000. Veterans must sign an agreement to remain in the home for 10 years. To qualify, veterans must be a minimum of 30% Permanently Disabled and have been injured during Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. To learn more or to download an application, visit the Wounded Hero Home Program website or call (888) 786-9531.

Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping the men and women of our armed forces who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. They assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by building specially adapted homes or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, visit their website or call (866) 787-6677 (866-7-TROOPS).

Housing and Mortgages for Veterans Mortgage Loan.com offers this comprehensive guide to housing and mortgages for veterans. This guide covers What a VA loan is, Uses for VA Loans, VA Cash-out Refinance, VA Interest Rate Reduction Loan (i.e. VA Streamline Refinance), The Benefits of VA Loans, Eligibility Requirements for a VA Loan, The Process of Getting a VA Loan, The VA Loan Appraisal Process, Finding a VA Loan Expert and more.

Rebuilding Together, via their Rebuild program, assists people with the cost of home repair and adaptations. To learn more, call 1-800-473-4229.

Available in Raleigh, NC Only - Stanton Homes for Heroes offers Veterans and Active Armed Forces service members a 3% discount on any new home built by Stanton Homes in Raleigh, North Carolina. This new home discount applies to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces for one year or more, whether now in the military, retired, a veteran or honorably discharged. This includes personnel from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, as well as National Guard and Reserves. For more information on the Stanton Homes� for Heroes program, including details on discounts available through partners, call 919-278-8070.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans will connect you to information on the Specially Adapted Housing Grant Program and the Special Housing Adaptations Grant. Both of these program provide funds to veterans with specific service-connected disabilities. Please review the information carefully as the guidelines are specific. For more information, e-mail sahinfo.vbaco@va.gov or call (877) 827-3702.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Loan Guaranty Home Loan Program works with lenders to provide Veterans with favorable home financing options. To apply, check out the website or call 1-888-244-6711.

Injury Specific Organizations

Blinded Veterans Association is an organization of blinded veterans helping blinded veterans. Via their Field Service Program, "field reps" assist newly blinded veterans in locating local resources, working with the VA, filing claims, and preparing for work. They also offer Operation Peer Support, through which they link combat-blinded veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam with newly blinded veterans who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. To learn more, call (800) 669-7079 or e-mail bva@bva.org.

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) serves active duty military, their dependents and veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) through state-of-the-art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs. For more information, call (800) 870-9244 or e-mail info@dvbic.org.

Mesothelioma.com: Veterans , while developed as an informational and advertising source by the lawfirm of James F. Early, LLC, provides useful information concerning Veterans healthcare, asbestos exposure and treatment of this cancer.

Mesothelioma Web: Veterans & Mesothelioma page provides information and resources specifically aimed at Veterans, including Veterans Affairs assistance. This site can also help veterans identify whether or not they may have been exposed during their military service.

National Center For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder conducts research to better understand PTSD. This website offers vast amounts of information for Veterans and their families concerning PTSD. More specifically, they offer information on Types of Trauma, Diagnosis and Assessment, Treatment and Coping, Common Reactions, Related Problems, and Family, Children, and Relationships.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, with chapters throughout the United States, works to maximize the quality of life for its members and all people with spinal cord injury (SCI). PVA offers free benefits and medical counseling as well as a variety of sports and recreational opportunities and events. They also advocate for paralyzed veterans rights and accessible design among other issues. For more information, or to locate a chapter near you, call (800) 424-8200.

Mental Wellness / Support Groups

Adjustments After Deployment is an online mental wellness resource for Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families to help them adjust to life after deployment. This site offers a wellness self-assessment survey, expert advice, self-help workshops, and vast amounts of information on dealing with depression, improving personal relationships, succeeding at work, dealing with physical injuries, and much, much more. See also the section on Mental Health

Disabled Iraq Veterans and Affected Spouses is a new online support group for spouses and significant others of disabled iraq veterans. It is a place in which visitors can discuss the issues they are facing in caring for or living with a disabled veteran.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Head Strong provides FREE mental health care services to post-9/11 veterans. Services are currently available in the New York Metro area, San Diego and Riverside County, Houston, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD Heal And Live Their Lives, And You Can Help, Too! A trained PTSD service dog can provide a sense of security and have a calming effect on the veteran, help with episodes of depression, and be a loving companion. These dogs can sense mood and will know when it�s a difficult day. Additionally, organizations train them to respond to PTSD episodes and help bring their humans back to a relaxed state. Furthermore, they give companionship without judgment, bringing joy into lives as they help heal emotional wounds. There is a list of links to organizations that train and provide service dogs for veterans at the end of this article.

Wounded Warriors Family Support, based in Nebraska, provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. More specifically, they sponsor week-long getaways for soldiers and their families in Orlando, Florida and Galveston, Texas. To learn more, visit their website or call (402) 502-7557.

Personal Experiences