Helpful Links for Ohio Military Personnel and Veterans

Air Force Wounded Warrior
800-581-9437 (AFW2 Program Office)
This federally funded group offers comprehensive care for injured members of USAF and their families. The group will expedite the medical evaluation process if a Wounded Warrior chooses to separate from active duty and will assist in transition to civilian life. It also assists in providing education, training and vocational rehab and will assist in finding medical and non-medical assistance, counseling and crisis support.

County Veterans Services Officers
Each of Ohio’s 88 counties has an office dedicated to providing guidance, resources, financial assistance and access to benefits to residents who are veterans or their dependents. All of the county offices share a mission to support veterans and get them the help they need, but some of the details vary. The website above provides contact information for each county’s office.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
800-336-4590 (Customer Service Center)
ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers about their rights and responsibilities, as established by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). ESGR does not have statutory authority to enforce the law, but it serves as a neutral, free resource, including with specially trained ombudsmen who provide mediation of USERRA-related issues. The Defense Department program also recognizes employers that support servicemember employees.

Military OneSource
800-342-9647
Military OneSource is a confidential Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve Component members and their families. Information includes, but is not limited to, deployment, reunion, relationship, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and childhood, and much more.

Navy Wounded Warrior — Safe Harbor
855-NAVY WWP (628-9997)
The Navy’s sole organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen also provides resources and support to their families and tailored assistance to optimize the wounded warriors’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Ohio Department of Veterans Services
614-644-0898
The state agency is dedicated to providing veterans and their families with resources and a variety of helpful information and services, including job and mental-health support, information on Veterans Affairs medical facilities and facts about obtaining benefits.

Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program
614-336-7000
This state group’s website is designed to connect the families of servicemembers so that they can help support one another through the challenges of military life. The program accomplishes that through youth events, seminars and other offerings, and provides resource information, including on e-learning opportunities through Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Administration (VA) — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
844-698-2311
The federal agency has multiple missions, including ensuring that veterans and their families have access to health care and benefits that aid in the transition to civilian life, including education, home loans, life insurance and more. The agency serves as a portal to obtaining service records, disability benefits and health and wellness care.

Marines Wounded Warrior Regiment
877-487-6299
The U.S. Marine Corps command is charged with caring for and supporting active-duty, reserve and veteran Marines who are wounded in combat, injured or who fall ill in the line of duty. The command also enables non-medical care and provides support and assistance to family members to maximize recovery to duty or civilian life.

American Red Cross
877-272-7337
The Red Cross helps military members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. Emergency communications, training, support to wounded warriors and veterans, and access to community resources help more than 150,000 military families and veterans annually.

Ohio Department of Taxation
800-282-1780
State and federal income tax laws contain special provisions for members of the military and their families. The Ohio Department of Taxation offers details on some of the major issues facing military families during income tax filing season, such as the Ohio Veterans Bonus, deductions for military stationed outside Ohio, military retirement pay. There also are helpful tips, answers for frequently asked questions and more.

Operation Homefront
800-390-4643
This nonprofit organization provides various services and financial assistance to military families. The group operates Homefront Village to provide transitional housing for disabled service members and provides recognition and direct financial help for military families.

Semper Fi Fund
760-725-3680 
This nonprofit provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities.

Military Warriors Support Foundation
210-615-8973
Provides support for combat-wounded heroes and Gold Star Families as they transition out of the military and into civilian life. Programs include home donation, academic and employment assistance, as well as recreational activities.

Ohio Civil Rights Commission
888-278-7101
Ohio’s civil rights laws prohibit discrimination based on military status in employment, housing and public accommodations. Further, should a veteran need the use of an animal assistant due to a disability, Ohio law generally prohibits denying the use of that animal assistant in employment, housing and public accommodations. In addition, and in a more general sense, Ohio law also prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry and disability, thereby protecting veterans in those protected classes as well.

Boulder Crest Foundation
540-554-2727
This veterans-run foundation provides free, world-class, short-duration, high-impact retreats for combat veterans and their families.

IAVA: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
212-982-9669
The mission of this advocacy group is to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans. IAVA addresses critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health injuries, a stretched VA system, inadequate health care for female veterans and GI Bill educational benefits. Services include the Rapid Response Referral Program and Quick Reaction Force, for which a veteran fills out an online questionnaire and gets a personal care manager who is available by phone or email 24/7.

Fallen 15
info@fallen15.org
This Ohio-based nonprofit organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of those in the veteran community, in large part through honoring troops who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Camaraderie programs and events are designed to re-establish the bonds often found in a military environment, which can be lost upon returning home or transitioning out of the service.

Resurrecting Lives Foundation
614-602-1753 (calls returned within a week)
The nonprofit organization assists in the recovery and reintegration of veterans with traumatic brain injury, particularly those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The foundation also advocates for returning veterans and their families while educating the public about the issues associated with TBI.

Summit for Soldiers
info@summitforsoldiers.org
The nonprofit organization utilizes outdoor adventure programs to provide camaraderie, support, education and encouragement as a therapeutic approach to healing and recovery for veterans, service members and family members who are living with or suffering from service-related mental health injuries or loss to suicide.

Team Red, White & Blue
502-930-8401
The nonprofit group’s mission is to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity, thus providing “an unwavering sense of belonging born of challenges that show us what each of us is capable of.” Volunteers host regular fitness activities and gatherings, and multiple chapters operate in Ohio.

Adaptive Sports Connection
614-389-3921 
The Ohio-based nonprofit organization and chapter of Disabled Sports USA connects individuals with disabilities, their families, volunteers and community organizations through adventure sports. While the coalition started as a way to rehabilitate veterans of Word War II, Korea and Vietnam, the organization now serves all children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. It also offers regular events such as veterans bike rides.

Vet Motor Sports
614-407-3894
The Ohio-based outreach program uses motorcycle and auto racing as an inspiration to propel veterans forward, encourage them to find their strengths and be inspired. The philosophy is that activity, engagement and empowerment help build resiliency in active-duty troops, veterans and their family and caregivers. The organization is not a race team, but uses existing team structures to provide needed non-clinical outreach.

U.S. National Archives Veterans’ Service Records
866-272-6272
A variety of military records, from photos to documents to searchable databases, are available from the U.S. National Archives.

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
614-466-6573 (Ohio’s commissioner)
The MIC3 is an interstate compact that governs the treatment of military children as they move from one school district to another as their parents are transferred pursuant to active duty orders.

Ohio AgrAbility at The Ohio State University
614-247-7681
The Ohio AgrAbility Program is part of a national program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that promotes independence for people in agriculture who want to continue to farm after experiencing a disabling condition. The Ohio State University has partnered with Easter Seals to provide education, resources and technical assistance so people may continue to be successful in agriculture.

Transition Assistance Advisor Program
614-336-7349 or 614-336-4192
Now operated via Military OneSource, Transition Assistance Advisors (formerly State Benefits Advisors) are veterans, service members or military spouses who are practiced in cutting through red tape to get Guard members and their families the help they need, be it obtaining benefits, legal help or financial assistance.
 
Troops to Teachers
614-728-2704, 877-644-6338
Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career teaching in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are needed and valued.

University System of Ohio: Veterans programs
614-466-6000 (Ohio GI Promise)
The public colleges and universities of Ohio have multiple programs to help veterans, service members and their families achieve college degrees. The website provides information on the Ohio GI Promise and service members’ and veterans’ rights to in-state tuition and college credit for military experience, as well as scholarship opportunities and on-campus support.

Ohio State Bar Association Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee
800-282-6556
Members of the Ohio State Bar Association can join various committees on specialty areas of the law. The Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee offers an interactive forum for legal professionals to foster, coordinate and deliver legal assistance and programs to service members, veterans and their families.

U.S. Department of Justice’s Servicemembers & Veterans Initiative
202-307-SCRA (7272)
The Department of Justice, in partnership with other federal agencies, enforces federal laws that protect the civil rights of servicemembers, including the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”), Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act of 1986 (“UOCAVA”) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”). ServiceMembers.gov is a resource about those federal laws and provides information on how federal agencies can help and what servicemembers can do to protect their rights.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Employment Center
800-827-1000
The VEC is the federal government’s authoritative internet source for connecting transitioning service members, veterans and their families to meaningful career opportunities. The VEC website also links to VA for Vets, a resource that includes private and public job postings as well as training opportunities.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
800-336-4590
This Department of Defense office was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. Volunteers — hailing from small business and industry, government, education and prior military service — bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, service members and their families.

Helmets to Hardhats
866-741-6210
This national nonprofit program connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members to skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality job.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Veterans Workforce Services
888-296-7541, option 5
Veterans Workforce Services offers policies and programs to help veterans obtain employment, job training, intensive services and assistance in employment and training programs. The website includes listings of military-friendly employers and veteran-owned businesses, military skills translators and occupation matching, and other tools. Help for business owners includes information on hiring veterans, obtaining federal contacts and accessing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Ohio Means Jobs Centers
888-296-7541, option 5
Ohio has regional Ohio Means Jobs Centers that assist job seekers, employers and youth with job search assistance, employee recruitment, job training and more. Services include resource rooms, job-related workshops, resume writing, labor market research, supportive services and other activities that match job seekers to employment.

Ohio Means Jobs Veteran Career Information Center
888-296-7541, option 5
This website offers a complete collection of resources available to military veterans and their families, including information on top Ohio careers, federal and state benefits, the Transition Assistance Program, financial assistance and state education benefits.

Troops to Teachers
614-728-2704, 877-644-6338
Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career teaching in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are needed and valued.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
866-4-USA-DOL
The U.S. Department of Labor supplies information on and enforcement of the USERRA, which protects the job rights of those who leave employment to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. The act also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present service members or applicants to the armed forces.

Veteran Readiness and Employment
800-827-1000
The Veterans Benefits Administration provides this program (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) helps veterans explore employment options and address training needs, including job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. In some cases, family members may also qualify for certain benefits.

Ohio Department of Commerce Veterans Resources Guide
614-466-3636
The state Commerce Department compiles helpful links and resources for veterans offered by its divisions, including Industrial Compliance, Real Estate and Professional Licensing, Financial Institutions and the State Fire Marshal. The website includes information on applying GI Bill benefits as well as pre-licensing education and testing.

Ohio Means Jobs Ohio Licensed Occupations for Veterans
888-296-7541, option 5
The state Department of Job and Family Services offers a tool that translates Military Occupational Code (MOC) or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) occupations to state-issued licenses and certifications, which can help veterans map a pathway to a civilian occupation. The site links to the appropriate agencies, licensing boards or commissions to make getting certification details easier.

State Medical Board of Ohio
614-466-3934
The state board issues licenses and regulates: allopathic, osteopathic and podiatric physicians; physician assistants; massage and cosmetic therapists; naprapaths and mechanotherapists; respiratory care professionals and anesthesiologist assistants; acupuncture and Oriental medicine; radiologist assistants; and Genetic Counselors. On the board’s website, people can look up license requirements, apply for a license and renew licenses.

Ohio State Board of Pharmacy
614-466-4143
The state board offers several benefits, including fee waivers, to veterans and their spouses to assist in obtaining or maintaining an Ohio license as a pharmacist or pharmacy intern.

Ohio Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee
614-336-7031
This state program supports, offers assistance and acts as a conduit to resources for Ohio service members, veterans and military families. Its purpose is to connect the military community with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support opportunities.

Veteran/Military Pending Legislation
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services maintains an updated list of pending legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that may be of interest to Veterans or active duty Military personnel.

Veterans Health Issues

My HealtheVet
877-327-0022 (TTY: 800-877-8339)
This online tool allows veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents and caregivers to self-enter information concerning their health record. The system compiles a journal that includes Veterans Affairs immunization records, lab reports and current medical issues. Clinical notes are entered by health care workers, and other services include VA appointment tracking, an online pharmacy and secure messaging.

Traumatic Brain Injury
800-232-4636 (TTY: 888-232-6348)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer this compilation of information about traumatic brain injury, including publications summarizing research and programs to prevent such injury, online concussion training, acute concussion evaluation forms and videos with expert commentary.

Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an organization that provides telephone counseling for people who are thinking about suicide or who need assistance with substance abuse, economic worries, relationship problems, sexual orientation-related issues, mental and physical illness, and loneliness.

Women Veterans Health Care
855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636)
Veterans Affairs offers a collection of resources for female veterans, including a campaign to respect their service. Resources offered by Women Veterans Health Care include programs for victims of domestic violence, education and employment assistance, substance abuse counseling, cancer screenings, reproductive care, HPV vaccines, menopausal support, mental health evaluations and assistance. In addition, military sexual trauma (MST) counseling and treatment are highlighted.

Ohio’s VA Facilities

Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center
614-257-5200 or 888-615-9448
The Wylie VA Center aims to improve the wellness of those who have served the country. The center offers diagnostics, fitness and rehabilitation services.

Chillicothe VA Medical Center
740-773-1141 or 800-358-8262
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center provides mental health, primary and secondary medical services such as mental health diagnosis, and nursing home care services. The center also operates community clinics that provide outpatient services in Athens, Cambridge, Lancaster, Marietta, Portsmouth and Wilmington.

Cincinnati VA Medical Center
513-861-3100
The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and is the referral site for neurosurgery. It offers residential programs for men and women, a traumatic brain injury residential program and a mobile health unit.

Dayton VA Medical Center
937-268-6511 or 800-368-8262
The Dayton VA Medical Center is a teaching facility that also provides a full range of services such as mental health, surgical, home and community programs, nursing homes, physical medicine and therapy services, neurology, oncology and dentistry. In addition, the center offers specialized programs including a hospice unit, Alzheimer’s unit, a sleeping disorder program and a substance-abuse program.

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
877-838-8262 or 216-791-3800
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center overs primary, secondary and tertiary care, including mental illness, cardiac surgery, spinal cord treatment and geriatrics care. The center also offers 13 multispecialty clinics, veteran centers and community-based contract nursing homes.

Out-of-State VA Facilities