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Virginia Veterans Resource Guide www.dvs.virginia.gov

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Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Commissioner’s Message Veterans,

Virginia wants to serve you! This Veterans Resource Guide is your roadmap to veterans benefits in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is filled with useful information on the programs and services offered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and other state agencies. We are very proud of all the innovative programs and services we offer. In this guide, you will read about: • Our network of 37 benefits offices, stretching from Accomac to Big Stone Gap, which will help you access the federal and state veterans benefits you have earned through service and sacrifice; • The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program, which monitors and coordinates behavioral health, rehabilitative, and supportive services through an integrated and responsive system of care; • How DVS helps connect you to more than 900 world class programs in Virginia that are certified for GI Bill® use; • Our Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) program, which helps put highly-skilled military medical professionals on an express track to employment in hospital and health care settings; • The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program and the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, which connect veterans with employers who understand and appreciate the value of your military service; • Our veterans care centers, which offer in-patient skilled nursing, memory, and short-term rehabilitation care; • How DVS provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries; • The Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present; • How to get a Veteran Indicator on your driver’s license, or how to buy one of the more than 50 military and veterans license plates offered by the DMV; • Legal assistance offered by the Office of the Attorney General and through our colleges and universities; • Employment assistance offered by the Virginia Employment Commission; and • Much more! Virginia is home to nearly 700,000 veterans. You are leaders in our businesses, our schools, and our communities. You are our friends and our neighbors. You are living examples of service, of sacrifice, and of teamwork. You are our inspiration. You served us – now it is our turn to serve you.

Chuck Zingler Commissioner Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Table of Contents

Employment/Transition..................................................................... 1 • Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program • Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) • Military Medics and Corpsmen Program (MMAC)

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

• Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) • Hiring Preference in State Government

Women Veterans Resources................................................................6 Education............................................................................................ 7

• Using GI Bill ® Benefits in Virginia • Virginia’s Credits2Careers Initiative • Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

Benefits Services..................................................................................8 Veteran Legal Assistance..................................................................10 • Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS) Justice Involved Veteran Services • 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).................12 Veteran Housing and Homeless Services.........................................13 Long Term Veteran Care Centers.....................................................15 Cemetery Benefits.............................................................................16 Other State Services..........................................................................17 • Virginia Drivers License Veteran Indicator • Veteran and Virginia Women Veteran License Plates • Troops to Truck Program • Real Estate and Property Tax Exemptions – Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses • Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Virginia Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB) • Extended State Tax Exemptions for Military Retirees • VCU RTR Teacher Residency Partnership • Mason Veterans and Service Members Legal Clinic • The Virginia Bar Association Veterans Task Force Virginia War Memorial.....................................................................21 Advising Boards and Supportive Organizations.............................22 • Board of Veterans Services • Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations • The Veterans Services Foundation • The Virginia War Memorial Foundation U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Virginia.............23 Contact Information.........................................................................24

Craig Crenshaw Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs

Chuck Zingler Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

DVS Locations

Care Centers

State Veterans Offices

Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, Virginia Beach Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center, Roanoke Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond Puller Veterans Care Center, Vint Hill*

Benefits Only

Benefits + VVFS

24 25 26 27 28

Accomac Emporia Fort Belvoir Fort Gregg-Adams Hampton VA Medical Center Harrisonburg - JMU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Abingdon Arlington

Big Stone Gap Charlottesville Danville Fairfax Fredericksburg Front Royal Hampton Henrico Loudoun

* Facility to open in 2024. Visit dvs.virginia.gov for more information.

Valor Center JBLE (Eustis) Pentagon Portsmouth Quantico Richmond VA Medical Center

33 34 35 36 30 31 32

Cemeteries

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

14 15 12 13 10 11

Lynchburg Manassas

Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia

Roanoke Tazewell

Norfolk Petersburg, Virginia Community Resource Center Salem VA Medical Center South Hill Springfield Staunton Virginia Beach - Oceana Virginia Beach - Pembroke Williamsburg Wytheville

Virginia War Memorial

Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Only

37 38 40 39 41

Blacksburg Covington Martinsville Richmond Suffolk

17 18 19 20

22 23

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 to 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. Thousands 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 Values Veterans (V3) Transition 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

Helping Transitioning Service Members and Families Mission: The mission of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program (V3 Transition) is to assess, coordinate, and disseminate opportunities for members of the armed forces and their spouses transitioning from military to civilian life, thereby providing pathways to employment, education, and entrepreneurship. Key Activities: • Peer to Peer support to transitioning service members and their spouses through assessments, personalized career coaching, referrals, and a variety of career networking opportunities • Outreach for the Commonwealth of Virginia, answering the question “Why Virginia?” • Partnerships with federal, state, local, nonprofit, and employers to provide the best possible resources to our service members and spouses by certified career coaches For more information on career coaching services or employment and transition workshops hosted by the V3 Transition team, e-mail us at v3transition@dvs.virginia.gov, call us at (804) 786-8060, or visit our website at www.dvs.virginia.gov under Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment. HIRE VETS NOW Networking and Hiring Events Virginia’s HIRE VETS NOW brings together transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses and dedicated V3 certified businesses to share in camaraderie, professional development and career networking. Hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Transition Assistance Offices on military installations, these events offer opportunities to connect with Virginia companies looking to hire you! For more information, please visit www.vachamber.com/hirevets. The Virginia SkillBridge Program The Virginia SkillBridge Program is the only state-run DoD Approved Skillbridge Program. Collaborating with Virginia Value Veterans (V3) certified companies and state agencies, the Virginia SkillBridge Program offers transitioning service members the opportunity to participate in an internship up to six months prior to separation. Through their participation, service members gain valuable real-world experience, preparing them for entry into the civilian sector. For more information, please visit: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/military-education-and-workforce-initiative

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide H H

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:

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

✩✩ 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; then an employer may not deny you: ✩✩ initial employment; ✩✩ reemployment; ✩✩ retention in employment; ✩✩ 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.

1-800-336-4590 Publication Date — April 2017

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

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Special Counsel

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Military Medics and Corpsmen Program Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Veterans and Military Spouses: Your Path Is Clear to A Civilian Healthcare Career How can the Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program help you? Easy. Give us your employment and education goals. We’ll put you on the path to reach them. Looking to continue in patient care? Perhaps a non-clinical career that matches your military training and experience? Maybe a leadership role? Are you a Military Spouse seeking a position in Virginia’s healthcare system? Whatever path you choose . . . we’ll clear it for you. Path One: MMAC Qualified Are you a veteran or transitioning Medic, Corpsman, or Medical Technician with less than 12 months since you practiced hands-on clinical care? You may be MMAC Qualified. Only in Virginia you can continue to practice your clinical skills without the required civilian healthcare credentials – while in school to get those credentials. Keep skills sharp and credentialing on track with MMAC. Path Two: No Veteran Left Behind From HR to the ER or from PT to IT or engineering, healthcare needs people now with clinical and non-clinical military training and experience. Ever thought of a non-clinical role in HR, logistics or HVAC? We can help. Next to a patient, behind a desk, or on a ladder, we’ll help find your place in healthcare. Path Three: Healthcare Leadership Hospitals are like military installations. They need experienced leaders to keep things running efficiently and effectively. Are you that leader? From leading a practice or program, to managing safety, supply chain, infrastructure or information technology – if you are management material we’ll help find your fit. Path Four: Military Spouses As a Military Spouse looking to start or continue a career in Virginia’s healthcare system, you’ve come to the right place. We are advocates, an employment resource, and a source of credentialing information. MMAC sets you up for success and potential employment at MMAC Partner Healthcare Systems and Virginia Values Veterans Certified Healthcare Employers statewide. Spouses serve too. Let MMAC serve you. What We Do At MMAC: The MMAC team recruits, reviews and refers candidates to healthcare employers statewide. The hiring decisions and scope of practice are up to the employers. While we don’t provide licensure and certification or direct financial assistance – we do clear the path for your next mission: being part of Virginia’s civilian healthcare team. Whatever your role – we’ve got your route.

To learn more email mmac@dvs.virginia.gov, visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call (804) 482-8528

Employment/Transition

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Finding Employment As a Transitioning Service Member, Veteran, Spouse, or Military Family Member, you will find help locating your next job at an American Job Center (AJC). In Virginia the AJC is called the “Virginia Career Works” (VCW) Center. The VCW is comprised of nine agencies that provide free help to job seekers for a variety of career and employment-related needs and you will receive “Priority of Service”. Furthermore, AJCs have experienced career counselors on staff that work with job seekers to identify their interests, assess their skills and abilities and advise them on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities. Many AJCs also offer recruiting events, workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search activities. Comprehensive AJCs offer free services and are open to the general public. Services vary by location but can include: • Resource rooms with phones, free internet and resume writing tools • Employment plan development • Resume building • Career counseling • Practice interviewing • Skills testing • Labor market and employer information • Employment workshops • Supportive services (which can include information about SNAP, financial assistance, Medicaid, training services, child care, emergency funds, and other benefits) • Hiring events and business service information • Job training services • Career exploration • Job search assistance The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is a part of the VCW and serves all Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Military Family Members. The VEC also oversees the Jobs for Veterans State Grant which hires dedicated staff to provide individualized career and training-related services to veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment, and help employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans. Find a Job You are strongly encouraged to 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. To learn more or ask questions, please email: Veterans.Services@vec.virginia.gov Helpful links: https://virginiacareerworks.com/ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/ https://vawc.virginia.gov/ https://www.careeronestop.org/ResourcesFor/Veteran/veteran.aspx • Accessibility and special accommodations for people with disabilities • Referrals to community resources and other agencies, and more • Access to your state’s job bank or CareerOneStop’s national Job Finder • Unemployment insurance information

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. Furthermore, veterans who are disabled, who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring for virtually all federal government jobs. For more details visit jobs.virginia.gov/veterans-hiring-resources dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/vetpref | fedshirevets.gov Women Veterans Resources The Virginia Women Veteran Program (VWVP) is a port of entry to provide referrals and ease of access to community resources to educate, unify, and empower Virginia’s women veterans who have served in the military in all eras by ensuring they receive timely yet appropriate transition and benefits support; employment and education outreach; health and community advocacy.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), and community partners host an annual Women Veterans week in March and a bi-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. These events bring 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, exhibitors, workshops, and virtual resources sessions. For more details and resources visit dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-women-veterans

Education

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Using GI Bill ® Benefits in Virginia The State Approving Agency of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services has approved more than 900 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 GI Bill ® approved programs visit: www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/state-approving-agency * GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Credits2Careers ( www.credits2careers.org ) is a free academic and career portal, designed specifically for prospective military and veteran students. The portal presents multiple academic pathways for veterans based on their military experience and allows them to see potential prior credit awards before applying to a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) school. The portal also provides an opportunity to explore career paths and resources related to the certifications that will be important for a particular career.

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

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Programs (VMSDEP) is a Commonwealth of Virginia program which provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a result of military service. Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, or the Virginia National Guard. 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 37 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 the 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, the United States Space Force, 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 Guard may be eligible for certain benefits, such as home loan guaranties and education, if they meet time-in-service and other criteria. 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 the offices listed 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

• ABINGDON BENEFITS OFFICE (276) 525-6559 202 Abingdon Pl., Abingdon VA 24211 • ACCOMAC BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 787-5862 23365 Front St., Suite B, P.O. Box 7, Accomac, VA 23301 • ARLINGTON BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 399-9590 American Legion Post 139, 3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 • BIG STONE GAP BENEFITS OFFICE (276) 523-1411 322 Cloverleaf Squ., Suite E-1, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 • CHARLOTTESVILLE BENEFITS OFFICE (434) 529-6431 1430 Rolkin Ct., Suite 202, Charlottesville, VA 22911 • CHESAPEAKE BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 567-9351 Chesapeake Central Library 298 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 • DANVILLE BENEFITS (434) 836-8447 441 Piney Forest Rd, Ste B, Danville, VA 24540 • EMPORIA BENEFITS OFFICE (434) 829-6386 Emporia Community Based Outpatient Clinic 1746 E Atlantic St., Emporia, VA 23847 • FAIRFAX BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 359-1210 9990 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 120, Fairfax, VA 22030 • FORT BELVOIR BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 805-0177 9625 Middleton Rd., Bldg. 1189, Rooms DH124 and DH125, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 • FORT GREGG-ADAMS BENEFITS OFFICE (804) 766-3478 Soldier/Civilian Support Center, 1401 Barfoot Ave., Bldg 3400, Room 102E, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA 23801 • FREDERICKSBURG BENEFITS OFFICE 1 (540) 376-7298 10300 Spotsylvania Ave., Lee Hill Building 1, Suite 100, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 • FREDERICKSBURG BENEFITS OFFICE 2 (540) 656-7092 10304 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 100, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 • FRONT ROYAL BENEFITS OFFICE (540) 551-8909 1516 N Shenandoah Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630 • HAMPTON BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 825-7893 2101 Executive Dr., Ste. 420, Tower Box 48, Hampton, VA 23666 • HAMPTON VAMC BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 722-9961 ext. 2940 100 Emancipation Dr., Building 43, Room 114, Hampton, VA 23667 • HENRICO BENEFITS OFFICE (804) 593-2784 121 Cedar Fork Rd., Room 412, Henrico, VA 23223 • JOINT BASE – LANGLEY-EUSTIS BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 878-0906 705 Washington Blvd., Suite 71, JBLE-Fort Eustis, VA 23604 • LOUDOUN BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 995-9998 Lakes at Ashbrook Bldg 2 44345 Premier Plaza, Suite 200, Ashburn, VA 20147 • LYNCHBURG BENEFITS OFFICE (434) 582-5102 519 Leesville Rd., Suite A, Lynchburg, VA 24502

• MANASSAS BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 479-7437 9300 West Courthouse Rd., 3rd Floor, Suite 305, Manassas, VA 20110 • NORFOLK BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 455-0814

6350 Center Dr., Bldg. 5, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23502 • PENTAGON BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 545-7461 VDVS does not provide sponsorship into the Pentagon. 1500 Defense Pentagon, Suite 1A126, Washington, DC 20301 • PETERSBURG BENEFITS OFFICE (804) 720-8027/(804) 773-0864/(804) 691-4905 Virginia Community Resource Center 22 West Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803 • PORTSMOUTH BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 953-6205 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Bldg. 3, 7th Fl., Portsmouth, VA 23708 • QUANTICO BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 630-2810 Education Center - 3089 Roan St., Quantico, VA 22134 • RICHMOND VAMC BENEFITS OFFICE (804) 675-6546 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Room 1M-169A, Richmond, VA 23249 • ROANOKE BENEFITS OFFICE (540) 982-2463 ext. 6547 210 Franklin Rd., Suite 810, Roanoke, VA 24011 • SALEM VAMC BENEFITS OFFICE (540) 982-2463 ext. 6547 1970 Roanoke Blvd, Bldg. 8 Rm 113, Salem, VA 24153 • SOUTH HILL BENEFITS OFFICE (434) 584-9100 118 East Danville St., South Hill, VA 23970 • SPRINGFIELD BENEFITS OFFICE (703) 417-9090 6564 Loisdale Ct., Suite 301, Springfield, VA 22150 • STAUNTON BENEFITS OFFICE (540) 332-8900 Greenbrier Office Complex, 1600 North Coalter St., Building 1, Suite 17B, Staunton, VA 24401 • TAZEWELL BENEFITS OFFICE (276) 988-3761 657 Main St., Tazewell, VA 24651 • VIRGINIA BEACH – OCEANA BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 689-3729 1232 Perimeter Pkwy., Suite 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 • VIRGINIA BEACH - PEMBROKE BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 552-1884 293 Independence Boulevard, Pembroke Five, Suite 109, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 • WILLIAMSBURG BENEFITS OFFICE (757) 209-0370 203 Ironbound Road, Galt Complex, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795 • WYTHEVILLE BENEFITS OFFICE (276) 228-5211 335 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Wytheville, VA 24382

Meeting Veterans Legal Needs

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Virginia Veteran and Family Support, Justice Involved Services The Department of Veterans Services’ (DVS) Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Justice Involved Services (JIS) program provides resource connections, care coordination, and support to Virginia Veterans and service members involved in the criminal justice system. JIS serves veterans of any era and members of all branches of the Armed Services, National Guard and Reserves who are Virginia residents. JIS offers assistance to those veterans and service members involved with: • Veteran and/or problem solving treatment dockets • Local jails and state prisons • Probation and/or parole supervision CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES OFFERED • Pre-release Comprehensive Needs Assessments • Homeless and Housing Services • Outreach and Education Services If you know a justice-involved veteran in need of services, please send an email or submit a VVFS Veteran Justice Client Service Request form to the VVFS Justice mailbox at justice.vvfs@dvs.virginia.gov | (804) 225-4734 Veterans Assistance and Resources Offered by the Office of the Attorney General • Care Coordination Services for Behavioral Health, Rehabilitative and Supportive Services • Direct Linkage to Treatment Services for Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury • Direct Linkage to VA Benefits and Healthcare, Employment, and Education Services • Peer Support Services Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) offers the Virginia Military and Veteran Legal Resource Guide, a tool to help Virginia service members, military families, and veterans understand the unique legal protections, rights, and resources available to them under the law. The guide is available at www.dvs.virginia.gov. In addition, the OAG offers veterans legal service 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

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Meeting Veterans Legal Needs

Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic, The College of William & Mary The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans 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 (M-VETS), George Mason University The law students participating in the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) 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. VVFS also has a new sub program known as the Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) Program. SOS aims to enhance understanding of suicide prevention and opioid addiction among Service

Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and build community support capacity to ensure the RIGHT HELP is widely available RIGHT NOW to military-connected citizens and families. The SOS team has developed a Community Grant Program to enhance outreach and direct services for SMVF. The Virginia Veteran and Family Support program 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 and Virginia’s Community Services Boards. 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 9-8-8 (press 1) or text 838255

Veteran Housing and Homeless Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Veteran Housing and Homeless Services 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

If you’re a veteran seeking a place to rent, start with VirginiaHousingSearch.com . Search for housing all over the state, and find landlords looking to rent to veterans. See photos and get info on utilities, pets, accessibility features and more. Search for free online, or call us at 877-428-8844 .

Virginia Housing Development Authority

Peer Support Program Services The Virginia Department of Veteran Services (VDVS) Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Veteran Peer Support Program (VPS) assists veterans with identifying their own personal health and wellness goals by pairing them with peer support staff who, through their own lived experiences, identify as Military Service Members or Veterans and have relatable behavioral health and life experiences. • Peer Support Staff are trained to Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Standards and receive continual training on suicide prevention and communication skills. • Staff share their unique military and behavioral health experiences to increase bonding with clients • Program allows veterans to progress at their own pace toward recovery and wellness. • Program staff maintain a peer or non-hierarchical relationship with other Service Members or Veterans • Program staff provide resources and care coordination support If you are a service member/veteran or want to refer someone, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call our toll free number 1-877-285-1299. For more information on the program please call the Peer Services Director at (540) 840-3003. Peer Support Groups (Virtual and In-person) Virginia Department of Veteran Services (VDVS) Veteran Peer Support Program (VPS) offers both Virtual and in-person groups where service members and veterans are invited to dialogue with others who have similar military experiences. Groups are facilitated by like-minded veterans who have experience in the military and can relate to behavioral health challenges. • Virtual and in person peer support groups • Group exclusively for female service members and veterans • Groups are facilitated by former military service members who identify with and can relate to behavioral health challenges. • Non-clinical • Discussions are tailored to groups needs • Resources are provided by facilitator and fellow participants If you are a service member/veteran or know of a service member/veteran who could benefit from participation in a peer support group, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call our toll free number 1-877-285-1299. For more information on the program please call the Peer Services Director at (540) 840-3003.

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Health Care

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

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, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach, 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 Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center 4550 Shenandoah Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24017 (540) 982-2860 Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center 2641 Nimmo Parkway Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 (757) 263-3100 Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center 1601 Broad Rock Blvd. Richmond, Virginia 23224 (804) 371-8000

Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center, Roanoke

Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, Virginia Beach

Virginia is building an additional long term veteran care center located in Fauquier County opening in 2024.

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 final resting places for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in places of honor, dignity, respect, and remembrance. Spouses may be interred in the same gravesite as the veteran at no cost; eligible dependent children may be interred in the same gravesite as the veteran for a nominal fee. The grave space, columbarium niche, headstone/marker and vault or crypt are provided free- of-charge. This benefit also includes the use a facility for the committal service, military funeral honors, and perpetual care of the gravesite. These National Shrine-standard cemeteries are located in Amelia, Suffolk and Dublin. Each cemetery can 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 855-4VA-VETS Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk) 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 855-4VA-VETS Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin) 5550 Bagging Plant Road Dublin, VA 24084 855-4VA-VETS

To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov/cemeteries.

Other State Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Driver’s License - Veteran Indicator Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces have the option of adding a veteran indicator to their driver’s license or ID card. Having the word “veteran” appear on your driver’s license or ID card is a convenient way to show your veteran status at retailers and restaurants that offer discounts to veterans. To learn more, go to dmv.virginia.gov/military and click on “add a veteran indicator to your drivers license or ID card.” Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the veteran indicator, you must: • Be a Virginia resident • Apply for or currently hold an unexpired Virginia commercial driver’s license, driver’s license, learner’s permit or DMV-issued ID card • Have served either (1) in the active U. S. Armed Forces or (2) for more than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard or U. S. Reserves • Have received an honorable discharge • Present a photocopy of a veteran service proof document or combination of documents that provide branch of service, discharge date and discharge status (eg. DD 214, DD 256, WD AGO, or NGB 22). Alternatively, you may present your U.S. Military Retiree ID Card (DD Form 2) and a completed

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.

Virginia Veteran Military Service Certification application (DL 11). • Consent for the information on your application and any subsequent address changes you make to be shared with DVS. For more information on eligibility, please refer to § 46.2-328.2 of the Code of Virginia. Cost There is no fee for the veteran indicator. However, you must pay the standard fee for an original or replacement credential that will display the veteran indicator. Applying for a Veteran Indicator When applying for a veteran indicator, make sure that DMV has your current address on your record. • You may apply for a veteran indicator online, by mail, by fax, or in person at a DMV customer service center. • If you apply online, you must submit the required veteran status proof document(s) to DMV within 45 days of submitting your online application. These documents can be submitted to DMV online, by mail, fax or in person at a DMV customer service center. • If you are applying by mail, fax or in person, you must complete a Virginia Veteran Military Service Certification (form DL-11) and provide a copy of your veteran service proof document(s). Mail to: Driver Support Work Center, Room 419, P. O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001 Visit a DMV customer service center www.dmv.virginia.gov/DMVLocator Fax (804) 367-1112

Other State Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Virginia Women Veteran License Plate DVS is pleased to announce that Virginia’s first Women Veteran License Plate has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles and will be in production by mid-March 2024. Questions? Contact Kayleigh Rosenthal at Kayleigh.Rosenthal@dvs.virginia.gov .

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.dmv.virginia.gov/military

Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Real Estate Tax 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. The surviving spouse of an eligible veteran who was receiving the tax exemption may continue to receive the real estate tax exemption. The spouse will lose the exemption if he or she remarries or does not occupy the property as his or her primary residence. Exemption Eligibility for the Surviving Spouse of a member of the U.S. armed forces who was killed in action The surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action, as determined by the U.S. Department of Defense, and who occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence, are exempt from paying real estate taxes. For purposes of this exemption, the determination of “killed in action” includes a determination by the U.S. Department of Defense of “died of wounds received in action.” 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

Other State Services

Virginia Veterans Resource Guide

Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers a number of discounted licenses for Disabled Military Personnel & Veterans. Applications are available at any DWR field office or online. For more information visit www.dwr.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 , qualifying 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.sbsd.virginia.gov or call (804) 786-6585 Extended State Tax Exemptions for Military Retirees Virginia’s veterans will now have an expanded state tax benefit effective January 1, 2024 with the removal of age restrictions for state tax-exemptions for military retirement pay. VCU RTR Teacher Residency Partnership Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Education’s RTR Teacher Residency Program began a new partnership under the Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) to promote RTR to veterans, spouses, and their adult dependents. RTR Teacher Residency recruits, trains, and supports passionate, future teachers (residents) for hard-to-staff schools. Residents learn side-by-side with top district teachers (mentors) for an entire year while completing an undergraduate or graduate program at VCU. Successful residents receive a stipend and reduced tuition. Those interested in becoming a resident teacher or learning more about the program should visit www.teachrtr.org .

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