VAVetResourceGuide.indd

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

www.dvs.virginia.gov

Contact us at 804-786-0286, visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or download the DVS app from Google Play or iTunes by searching for “Virginia Veterans”.

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Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Commissioner’s Message Here in Virginia we are proud of our men and women who have served our nation. Almost 800,000 veterans currently live and work in the Commonwealth, contributing to our communities and economy. The most effective thing we can provide veterans and transitioning service members is a suite of services applicable to their unique journey. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services does just that every day. We at DVS are very proud of all the innovative programs and services we offer. We certify over 1,000 world class programs

in Virginia for GI Bill use – from 4-year degree options to cutting edge certifications, apprenticeships and accelerated programs. These diverse options offer transitioning service members efficient pathways to high demand, high tech jobs. Our new Military Medics and Corpsmen pilot program is designed to get highly-skilled military medical professionals on an express track to employment in hospital and health care settings, maintaining their valuable skills while getting the medical licensure needed for a career in health care. Our Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) and Virginia Values Veterans Program (V3) help connect veterans with employers who understand and appreciate the value of your military service and have made commitments to hire veterans. Several of our community colleges and universities have dedicated staff and space specifically for veterans. Our benefits offices, stretching from Accomack to Big Stone Gap, assist veterans every step of the way to ensure that they receive all the benefits earned through their service. Our Veteran and Family Support staff, partnering with federal, state and local behavioral health partners, assist active duty and veteran families through issues unique to the military experience. Whether transitioning now or 50 years ago, this Veterans Resource Guide provides Virginia’s veterans and their families with useful information on all of these programs and services. We stand ready to help all veterans continue their service as productive and honored citizens of the great Commonwealth of Virginia. John L. Newby II Commissioner Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Table of Contents

Employment/Transition..................................................................... 1 • Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program • Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) • Military Medics and Corpsmen Program (MMAC) • Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Women Veterans Resources ............................................................... 6 Education............................................................................................ 7 • Using GI Bill Benefits in Virginia • Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Benefits Services ................................................................................. 8 Veteran Legal Assistance .................................................................. 10 • Veterans Assistance & Resources offered by the Office of the Attorney General • Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)................. 11 Veteran Housing and Homeless Services......................................... 12 Long Term Veteran Care Centers..................................................... 14 Cemetery Benefits ............................................................................ 15 Other State Services.......................................................................... 16 • Virginia Veteran ID Cards • Veteran License Plates • Troops to Truck Program • Virginia Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB) • Real Estate Tax Exemptions • Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses Virginia War Memorial .................................................................... 18 Advising Boards and Supportive Organizations ............................. 19 • Board of Veterans Services • The Veterans Services Foundation • Virginia War Memorial Board • Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations Federal Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Virginia ....... 20 Contact Information ........................................................................ 21 • Mason Veterans and Service Members Legal Clinic • The Virginia Bar Association Veterans Task Force

This Resource Guide is provided and published by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to assist and educate Virginia’s veterans and their families about state veterans benefits. Veterans may also access information online at www.dvs.virginia.gov or by downloading the DVS mobile app.

John C. Harvey, Jr. Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs

John L. Newby II Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

DVS Locations

Benefits Services Offices

Care Centers

Virginia Veteran and Family Support, Regional Offices

Accomac Alexandria Big Stone Gap Bristol Charlottesville Chesapeake Danville Fairfax Fredericksburg Hampton Hampton VA Medical Center Henrico Lynchburg McGuire VA Medical Center (Richmond) Norfolk 1 2

Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond Virginia Veterans Care Center, Roanoke

Region I - Fredricksburg Region II - Leesburg Region III - Blacksburg Region IV - Richmond Region V - Hampton

2 3 4 5

VirginiaWar Memorial, Richmond

7 8

Cemeteries

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 22 25 26

Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin

Petersburg Portsmouth

Quantico Roanoke Salem VA Medical Center

South Hill Staunton Strasburg Tazewell Virginia Beach Wytheville

er (Richmond)

8 2

Bla

Harrisonburg

Charlottesville

Milford

Palmyra

Powhatan

Richmond

19 20

Lynchburg

Chester

Blacksburg

Roanoke

Petersburg

Norfolk

17 6

Danville

www.dvs.virginia.gov

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Helping Employers Hire, Train and Retain Veterans Businesses often ask, “Why should I hire a Veteran?” and “Where can I find Veterans to hire?” The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program helps employers understand why hiring Veterans can be one of the best business decisions they make. In Virginia, Veterans are an integral solution to filling in-demand jobs and contributing to positive economic growth. Educate – Train – Connect The V3 Program provides education, training and connectivity resources to assist companies recruit, hire, and retain a highly-skilled, well-educated, and easily-trained

leadership talent pool: Virginia’s Veterans. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is fully engaged in this venture with a firm confidence that hiring Veterans is not just the right thing to do - understanding who Veterans are and hiring them will increase organizational productivity and efficiency. Hundreds of V3 Member companies have committed to hiring transitioning service members and Veterans. Companies who have completed all training requirements are recognized as official “V3-Certified Companies,” and are awarded a certificate from the Governor of Virginia. Job Seekers If you are a Veteran, transitioning service member or serving member of the National Guard or Reserves, and want to know how you can connect with companies that value your service and potential contributions to their company, visit www.dvsV3.com/job-seekers and contact the Virginia Transition Assistance Program to learn about employment opportunities . Veteran Employment Grant V3-certified employers may also be eligible for up to $10,000 in grants through the V3 Program for hiring and retaining Veterans in Virginia. For more information on corporate membership in the V3 Program, grant criteria and application visit www.dvsV3.com/ v3grant.

To learn more visit www.dvsV3.com or call (804) 371-2683

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Virginia Transition Assistance Program Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Helping Virginia’s Transitioning Service Members Stay in Virginia

Recognizing that transition from military service is not complete on the date of your discharge, VTAP is designed to provide transition resources and assistance to Veterans who now call Virginia home. VTAP assists Transitioning Service Members and Veterans connect with resources and opportunities in employment, education and entrepreneurship here in Virginia. Mission: The Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) shall assess, coordinate, and disseminate workforce services and opportunities in Virginia for members of the armed forces and Veterans, in order to aid the military-to-civilian transition process and support Virginia’s workforce development. Showcasing the tremendous talent of Virginia’s Veterans is one of the main objectives of VTAP with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for Veterans in the Commonwealth by connecting Veterans with Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employers. This is done in a unique way that puts Veterans seeking employment face to face with hiring managers ready and willing to bring Veterans into their companies. VTAP Recruiting Events are an outstanding opportunity for Veterans to make a lasting impression with some of Virginia’s best employers! To see a full listing of V3 employers go to: https://www.dvsv3.com/companies.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call 804-396-5731

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA THE UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.

REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave that job to perform service in the uniformed service and: you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbal notice of your service; you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformed services while with that particular employer; you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely manner after conclusion of service; and you have not been separated from service with a disqualifying discharge or under other than honorable conditions. If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and benefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due to military service or, in some cases, a comparable job. RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION If you: are a past or present member of the uniformed service; have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or are obligated to serve in the uniformed service;

HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION

If you leave your job to perform military service, you have the right to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in the military. Even if you don't elect to continue coverage during your military service, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer's health plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waiting periods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) except for service-connected illnesses or injuries. ENFORCEMENT The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints of USERRA violations. For assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other information on USERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USA-DOL or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/vets . An interactive online USERRA Advisor can be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm . If you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it, you may request that your case be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel, as applicable, for representation.

then an employer may not deny you:

initial employment;

reemployment;

retention in employment;

You may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil action against an employer for violations of USERRA.

promotion; or

any benefit of employment

because of this status.

In addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting in the enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making a statement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if that person has no service connection.

The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. The text of this notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.htm. Federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA, and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the text of this notice where they customarily place notices for employees.

Office of Special Counsel

1-800-336-4590

U.S. Department of Labor 1-866-487-2365

U.S. Department of Justice

Publication Date—October 2008

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Military Medics and Corpsmen Program Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Employing Military Medics and Corpsmen in Virginia Hospitals Today Military medics and corpsmen receive extensive and valuable health care training while on active duty. When they transition to civilian life, their military health care experiences may not easily translate into comparable certifications/licenses required for health care jobs, creating barriers to rapid employment in the civilian health care field Efforts are already underway to translate veterans’ military experience into academic credit and shorten the pathway to obtaining various civilian credentials. However, in health care, veterans may still need to spend two or more years in school before they can obtain a credential. The Military Medics and Corpsmen Program (MMAC) will work with Virginia health care employers to facilitate the hiring of highly skilled military medics and corpsmen immediately upon completion of their military service. This will help fill workforce gaps for employers while keeping veterans’ clinical skills up-to-date and allow Virginia employers to recruit motivated employees from a pipeline of 11,000 medics and corpsmen who transition out of the military every year.

Virginia is the first state to offer this kind of innovative pathway for these highly skilled veterans. This in turn will draw even more veterans to Virginia since the program provides immediate employment by creating a path to employability and builds a healthcare workforce for the future that meets current employment challenges.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call (804) 786-0571

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Finding Employment In addition to services provided by DVS, veterans are eligible for job referral, job training and job placement assistance through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Veterans may access these employment services through a statewide network of VEC Local offices. The VEC also work with those that are currently transitioning out of the military. Employment Services for Veterans • Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing; • Development of an Individual Employment Plan; • Career counseling that helps veterans in making training and career decisions; • Labor market and occupational information, to include training; • Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings; • Referral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors;

• Referral to training by WIA-funded or third party service providers; and • Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months. Find a Job

Register as a Job Seeker with the Virginia Workforce Connection for access to all the services available and so you can find a job and Employers can FIND YOU! You will find Job Search, Career Information, Training Opportunities, Skill requirements, Labor Market Information including Wage data, Industry and Occupational trends. Register at www.vawc.virginia.gov.

VEC Military Base Locations The VEC provides veterans assistance at all its Local Offices as well as at the following Virginia Military bases. Call for days and hours of operation. Joint Base Langley - Eustis Naval Station Norfolk Fort Belvoir 601 Washington Boulevard 7928 14th Street (703) 805-0070 Building 601, ACS Suite 154 Fort Eustis, 23604 Norfolk, 23505 (757) 878-0906 (757) 440-4024 (757) 878-0908 (fax) (757) 440-4026 (fax)

To learn more visit www.vec.virginia.gov or contact Charlie Palumbo, Veteran Outreach Coordinator at charlie.palumbo@vec.virginia.gov

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Hiring Preference in State Government The Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia localities give preference to honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States in its employment hiring policies and practices, provided that such veteran meets all of the knowledge, skills and eligibility requirements for the available position. Additional consideration is also given to veterans who have a service connected disability rating fixed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Commonwealth of Virginia extends its veterans hiring preference to active members of the Virginia National Guard as well. The surviving spouse and dependents of service members killed in action are also entitled to the hiring preference. The Commonwealth of Virginia extends its veterans hiring preference to active members of the Virginia National Guard as well. The surviving spouse and dependents of service members killed in action are also entitled to the hiring preference. For more details visit jobs.virginia.gov/veteranshiringresources.html

Women Veterans Resources The Virginia Department of Veterans Services hosts an annual Virginia Women Veterans Summit whose mission is to empower women veterans with the knowledge and resources needed to smoothly transition into civilian life and improve overall wellness. This event brings together veterans, employers, community leaders and government agencies from the federal, state, and local levels to raise awareness about the services and benefits offered specifically for women veterans through expert presenters, breakout sessions and exhibits.

For additional information call (804) 786-0571

Education

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Using G.I. Bill Benefits in Virginia The State Approving Agency of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services has approved over 1,000 educational and training programs where veterans may utilize their GI Bill benefits. From apprenticeships, to community colleges to four year universities, Virginia offers an array of technical and academic choices. To see the current list of G.I. Bill approved programs visit: www.dvs.virginia.gov/education- employment/state-approving-agency

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Virginia Department of Veterans Services

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides free tuition and fees at Virginia institutions of higher education to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, the Virginia National Guard, or the Reserves. Armed conflict includes military operations against terrorism or as the result of a terrorist act, a peace-keeping mission, or any armed conflict after December 6, 1941.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call (804) 225-2083

Veterans Benefits Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Benefits Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Connecting Veterans to Earned Benefits The Virginia Department of Veterans Services advocates for Virginia veterans and connects them to benefits and services they have earned. Information on current federal, state and local veterans’ programs, entitlements and referral services are available in Virginia through a network of 26 benefit service offices (www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits). All services are provided free of charge. For additional information visit www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits or one of our offices on the following page. Eligibility for most federal and state benefits is based on discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the public health service, the Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Current and former members of the Selected Reserve and National Gaurd may be eligible for certain benefits, such as home loan guaranties and education, if they meet time-in-service and other criteria. Men and women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same federal and state veterans benefits. The eligibility policy is set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To determine potential eligibility for such benefits go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Applying.asp or visit one of our offices on the following page.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits or call (804) 786-0286

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Contact your local benefits office to determine how VDVS can best serve YOU

• Accomac Benefits Office (757) 787-5862 23367 Front Street, P.O. Box 7, Accomac, Virginia 23301 • Alexandria Benefits Office (703) 813-1529 Virginia Employment Commission 5520 Cherokee Avenue, Suite 100A, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 • Big Stone Gap Benefits Office ( 276) 523-1411 320 Cloverleaf Square, Suite D-1 Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219 • Bristol Benefits Office (276) 466-2212 192 Bristol East Rd, Suite 100 Bristol, Virginia 24201 • Charlottesville Benefits Office (434) 295-2782 Virginia Work Force Center 2211 Hydraulic Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22901 • Chesapeake Benefits Office – Tidewater Community College Campus (757) 822-5298 1428 Cedar Rd. Chesapeake, VA 23322 • Danville Benefits Office (434) 836-8447 139A Deer Run Road Danville, Virginia 24540 • Fairfax Benefits Office (703) 359-1210 9990 Fairfax Blvd. Suite 120 Fairfax, VA 22030 Walk ins - 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday (Based upon availability) • Fredericksburg Benefits Office (540) 376-7298 Lee Hill Building 1 10300 Spotsylvania Avenue, Suite 290 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 • Hampton Benefits Office (757) 825-7893 2101 Executive Drive, Suite 420, Tower Box 48 Hampton, VA 23666 • Hampton VA Medical Center Benefits Office (757) 722-9961 100 Emancipation Drive, Bldg. 43, Room 114 Hampton, Virginia 23667 • Henrico Benefits Office (804) 952-6112 121 Cedar Fork Road, Room 412 Henrico, Virginia 23223 • Loudon Benefits Office Coming Spring 2017 • Lynchburg Benefits Office (434) 385-0815 519 Leesville Road Lynchburg, Virginia 24502 • Manassas Benefits Office Coming Spring 2017

• McGuire VA Medical Center Benefits Office (804) 675-6546 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Room 1M-169A Richmond, VA 23249 • Norfolk Benefits Office (757) 455-0814 6350 Center Drive, Bldg. 5, Suite 100 Norfolk, VA 23502 • Pentagon Benefits Office Coming Spring 2017 • Petersburg Benefits Office - Freedom Support Center (804) 691-4905 Petersburg Freedom Support Center 32 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803 • Portsmouth Benefits Office (757) 953-6205 620 John Paul Circle, Building 3, 7th Floor Portsmouth, VA 23708 • Quantico Benefits Office (703) 630-2811 Quantico Marine Corps Base, Education Center 3089 Roan Street Quantico, VA 22134 • Roanoke Benefits Office (540) 597-1730 210 Franklin Road, Suite 810 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 • Salem VA Medical Center Benefits Office (540) 982-2463, ext. 3557 VA Medical Center 1970 Roanoke Blvd. , Bldg. 8, Room 101A & 101B Salem, VA 24153 • South Hill Benefits Office (434) 447-3231 1361 W. Danville Street South Hill, Virginia 23970 • Staunton Benefits Office (540) 332-7840 Greenbrier Office Complex, Building 1, Suite 17B

1600 North Coalter Street Staunton, Virginia 24401 • Strasburg Benefits Office (540) 465-6113 105 Stony Pointe Way Suite 220 Strasburg, VA 22657 • Tazewell Benefits Office (276) 988-3761

543 West Main Street Tazewell, VA 24651 • Virginia Beach Benefits Office (757) 552-1884 Pembroke Office Park 287 Independence Boulevard, Pembroke Two, Suite 130 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 • Williamsburg Benefits Office Coming Spring 2017 • Wytheville Benefits Office (276) 228-5211 335 West Monroe Street, Suite 200 Wytheville VA 24382

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Meeting Veterans Legal Needs

Veterans Legal Services Clinics Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General offers Veterans Legal Services clinics to assist qualified veterans and their spouses with simple wills, powers of attorneys, and advance medical directives, including notary services, on a “first-come, first-served basis.” To learn more about this veteran friendly initiative visit www.oag.state.va.us.

Contact Info: Attorney General’s Office 202 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 Phone: (804) 786-2071

Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Benefits Clinic, The College ofWilliam &Mary The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Benefits Clinic provides current and former military service members with knowledge of and assistance with pursuing available U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits resulting from their military service. As a clinical program consisting of law students supervised by experienced former military attorneys, the Veterans Benefits Clinic is in a unique position to provide veterans with disability claims services while simultaneously providing the next generation of attorneys with hands-on experience working with real clients. The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic William & Mary Law School P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 (757) 221-7443 Email: veterans@wm.edu Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (MVETS), George Mason University The law students participating in the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (MVETS) assist active-duty members of the armed forces, their families and veterans with free representation in matters of clear injustice or those matters where they could not retain counsel without undue hardship. Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic

George Mason University School of Law 3301 Fairfax Drive, MSIG3, Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 993-8214 (703) 993-9540 (fax) Email: clasv@mail.gmu.edu

The Virginia Bar Association Veterans Task Force The Virginia Bar Association Veterans Issues Task Force is committed to helping Virginia service members who are getting ready to deploy, or are returning from a deployment, find an attorney who will assist them or their family with their legal services needs on a pro bono or reduced fee basis. For additional information visit www.vba.org.

VVFS

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Virginia Veteran and Family Support Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Specialized Veteran Care Coordination and Support

The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program provides a statewide delivery and response system for behavioral health, rehabilitative, and supportive services for military members, veterans, and their families. VVFS proudly serves Virginia veterans of any era, members of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserves not in active federal service, and their families. VVFS provides peer and family support and comprehensive care coordination services including: • Direct linkages to medical and behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, and other public and private assistance programs; • Peer and family support groups, resilience-focused training, and retreats for couples and families; and • Specialized outreach and assistance to vulnerable veterans, including at risk or homeless veterans and veterans involved in the criminal justice system. The Virginia Veteran and Family Support program (formerly Virginia Wounded Warrior Program). It is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and numerous partners including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call our toll free number 1-877-285-1299 or the central office 804-371-4675 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Veteran Housing and Homeless Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Veteran Housing and Homeless Services Virginia is proud to be the first state to functionally end veteran homelessness as defined by the United Stated Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). DVS takes a leading role in coordinating federal, state, and community partners to ensure that veteran homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, please contact the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Hotline at 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET) or dial 211 Virginia, available 24/7 (resources for Veterans in need and service providers)

VirginiaHousingSearch.com

Ifyou’reaveteranseekingaplaceto rent,startwith VirginiaHousingSearch.com . Search forhousingalloverthestate,andfind landlords lookingto renttoveterans. Seephotosandget infoonutilities,pets,accessibility featuresandmore. Search for freeonline,orcallusat 877-428-8844 .

Virginia Housing Development Authority

Health Care

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Virginia Veterans Care Center Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Care Centers/Long Term Care Virginia’s state veterans homes provide affordable care, including long term care, short term rehabilitation and specialized Alzheimer’s units for Virginia’s veterans. Conveniently located in Richmond and Roanoke, each first-class facility is designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate for those men and women who have served our country with honor. To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov/veterans-care-centers Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center 1601 Broad Rock Blvd. Richmond, Virginia 23224 (804) 371-8000 Virginia Veterans Care Center

Virginia Veterans Care Center, Roanoke

4550 Shenandoah Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24017 (540) 982-2860

Virginia has committed to building two additional long term veteran care centers. One facility will be located in Fauquier County and the second new facility will be located in Hampton Roads with planned opening in 2019.

Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond

Cemetery Benefits

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Cemeteries Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Cemetery Benefits The Virginia Department of Veterans Services three veterans cemeteries provide a final resting place for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard - a place of honor, dignity, respect, and remembrance. The Virginia Veterans Cemetery is located in Amelia, the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is located in Suffolk, and the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin. All cemeteries accommodate in-ground burial of casketed remains, in-ground inurnment of cremated remains, and above-ground inurnment of cremated remains in a columbarium. Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Amelia) 10300 Pridesville Road Amelia, VA 23002 (804) 561-1475 Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk) 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 255-7217 Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin) 5550 Bagging Plant Road Dublin, VA 24084 (540) 674-6893

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov

Other State Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Veteran ID Cards/License Plates This little card is a big deal. Your Virginia Veterans ID card is a convenient way to show proof of your veteran status so you can enjoy the benefits you deserve. Hundreds of Virginia businesses offer discounts for veterans carrying a valid ID. Five ways to get Your Veterans ID Card*:

• Visit your local DMV customer service center • DMV 2 Go mobile offices to view the schedule • www.dmvNOW.com • U.S. mail: P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001 • Fax: (804) 367-1112 *Requires a $10 DMV application fee.

Virginia offers more than 50 unique license plates that represent various branches of military service and veteran designations. Visit www.dmvNow.com to learn more.

Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the veterans ID card, applicants must: • Have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge status other than dishonorable.

• Hold an unexpired Virginia commercial driver’s license, driver’s license, learner’s permit or DMV-issued ID card. • Present a copy of a U.S. Armed Forces veteran service proof document according to the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, showing 180 days of active duty* service. Such documents include DD214, DD256 or WD AGO that displays your: - Branch of service, - Discharge date, and - Discharge status. (Individuals with a dishonorable discharge status are not eligible for a veteran ID card).

Troops to Trucks Through the Troops to Trucks SM program, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is making it easier for personnel trained by the military in the operation of heavy vehicles to obtain civilian commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). A commercial driver’s license is required to operate large trucks and buses. To find out if you qualify for the Troops to Trucks SM program, complete the Troops to Trucks SM checklist. To learn more visit www.dmvnow.com

Other State Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

100% Disabled Veteran Exemptions Veterans rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a 100%, permanent and total, service-connected disability or who have a service-connected individual unemployable disability rating are exempt from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence. The exemption is based on the veteran’s disability rating rather than the level of compensation. The exemption includes property held jointly by a husband and wife, and applies to the residence and up to one acre of land. Exemption Eligibility for Surviving Spouse of Veteran Killed in Action The surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may also receive the real estate tax exemption if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011. The spouse will lose the exemption if he or she remarries or does not occupy the property as his or her primary residence. To learn more about these exemptions contact the Commissioner of the Revenue for your locality. Contact information may be found at www.vacomrev.com/who-we-are/districts-localities

Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) offers a number of discounted licenses for Disabled Military Personnel & Veterans. Applications are available at any VDGIF field office or online. For more information visit www.dgif.virginia.gov or call (804) 367-1000

Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small-Business (SDVOSB) Designation

As part of the Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority Owned Business (SWaM) certification program , qqualifying service-disabled veterans who are small business owners may obtain a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) designation in the Virginia SWaM vendor database. This is not a separate SWaM certification, but rather a designation of those small businesses that are owned by Service Disabled Veterans. SDVOSB certification is provided by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

To learn more visit www.dmbe.virginia.gov/swamcert.html or call (804) 786-6585

Virginia War Memorial

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond serves an integral role in supporting the mission of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The Memorial honors our fallen heroes by passing their extraordinary stories of sacrifice forward to future generations through many outreach and on-site educational programs. With regular patriotic events, educational seminars for students and teachers, historical museum exhibits, research library, first-person historical documentary videos, customized tours for schools and other groups, and near virtual reality film, Into Battle , the Virginia War Memorial is heralded by many as the preeminent state memorial to honor its veterans in the United States.

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-war-memorial

Veteran Boards

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Advising Boards and Supportive Organizations Board of Veterans Services The Board of Veterans Services advises the Virginia Department of Veterans Services regarding programs and policies that enhance veteran services across the Commonwealth. The Veterans Services Foundation The Veterans Services Foundation is an independent state entity that supports veterans and their families through financial support of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services’ programs. The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation accepts donations to support critical programs and services for Virginia’s veterans and their families that are not covered by state or federal funds.To learn more visit www.virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org. Virginia War Memorial Board The Virginia War Memorial Board advises the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the director of the Virginia War Memorial on the management, control, maintenance, and operation of the Virginia War Memorial. Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations The Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations provides a vehicle for veterans service organizations to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Services on meeting the needs of Virginia’s veterans. The Joint Leadership Council is open to one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization in Virginia that chooses to participate. All veterans organizations are encouraged to join this initiative to support Virginia’s veterans and their families, by contacting the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Serving Virginia’s Veterans

The Veterans Services Foundation and the Veterans Services Fund www.virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Federal Veteran Facilities

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Virginia VA Medical Centers Hampton VA Medical Center: (757) 722-9961 Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center: (804) 675-5000 Salem VA Medical Center: (540) 982-2463 Outpatient Clinic Bristol Virginia OPC: (276)-645-4520 Community Based Outpatient Clinics

Charlottesville CBOC: 434-293-3890 Chesapeake CBOC: 757-722-9961 Danville CBOC: 434-710-4210 Emporia CBOC: 434-348-1055 Fort Belvoir CBOC: 571-231-2408 Fredericksburg CBOC: 540-370-4468 Harrisonburg CBOC: 304-263-0811 X 5130 Marion CBOC: 276-783-2756 Norton CBOC: 276-679-8010 Staunton CBOC: 540-886-5777 Tazewell CBOC: 276-988-2526 Vansant CBOC: 276-597-2106 VA Beach CBOC: 757-722-9961 Winchester CBOC: 304-263-0811 X 5130 Wytheville CBOC: 276-223-5400 Vet Centers Jonesville CBOC: 276-346-2595 Lynchburg CBOC: 434-316-5000

Alexandria Vet Center: 703-360-8633 Or 703-360-8633 Norfolk Vet Center: 757-623-7584 Or 877-927-8387 Richmond Vet Center: 804-353-8958 Or 877-927-8387 Roanoke Vet Center: 540-342-9726 Or 877-927-8387 Virginia Beach Vet Center: 757-248-3665 or 877-927-8387 National Veterans Cemeteries Culpeper National Cemetery: (540) 825-0027 Danville National Cemetery: (704) 636-2661 Quantico National Cemetery: (703) 221-2183

Contact Information

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES HEADQUARTERS (804) 786-0286 BENEFITS (804) 786-0286 LONG TERM CARE CENTERS Virginia Veterans Care Center 4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24017 (540) 982-2860, (800) 220-8387 (toll free) Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center 1601 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23224 Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434; (757) 255-7217 Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, VA 24084; (540) 674-6893 Virginia Veterans Cemetery 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA 23002; (804) 561-1475 (804) 371-8000 CEMETERIES

VETERANS EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT (VETE) State Approving Agency - G.I. Bill Programs (804) 786-0571 Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) (804) 225-2083 Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) (804) 786-8060 Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program (804) 371-2683 VIRGINIA VETERAN AND FAMILY SUPPORT (VVFS) (804) 371-4675, (877) 285-1299 (toll free) VIRGINIA WAR MEMORIAL 621 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220; (804) 786-2060 VETERANS SERVICES FOUNDATION (804) 382-3715

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900 East Main Street, West Wing, Sixth Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219 www.dvs.virginia.gov

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Revised 2016

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