Exchange Shopping Benefits
In October 2021, Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians and retirees were granted in-store and online shopping privileges. Additionally, all honorably discharged Veterans can shop the Exchange tax-free online for life.
Visit: publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/veterans
Resilience
"The process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands."
From the American Psychological Association — read more on building resilience.
VA Character of Discharge Update
More service members are now eligible for VA benefits after the VA amended character of discharge barriers. Generally, to receive VA benefits, the Veteran's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions — and the VA has expanded what qualifies.
American Legion Alexander Hamilton Post 448
Location: 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Post Commander: Jimmy McConnel — jlmcconnell2001@yahoo.com
Founded in 1984, Post 448 has a predominantly LGBTQ+ membership and serves as a welcoming home for all veterans. Visit Post 448 →
Disabled Veterans of America
The DAV is committed to ensuring all veterans, including gender and sexual minorities, are "treated with dignity and respect." They provide dedicated LGBTQ+ veteran resources and support.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
IAVA advocates for policies that include "Minority and Underserved Veterans" as a core part of their policy agenda.
IAVA — P.O. Box 70216, Washington, DC 20024 | 202.544.7692
Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282)
This legislation would allow combat-disabled retirees with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both disability compensation and retirement pay concurrently — ending an unfair offset that affects thousands of veterans.
Action needed: Contact your congressional representatives to support this bill.
PTSD Bytes: Trauma in LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ people experience increased vulnerability to abuse and assault — and trauma affects the LGBTQ+ community at disproportionate rates. The VA has published research and resources specifically for LGBTQ+ veterans dealing with PTSD.
Veterans Guide
VeteransGuide.org provides disability compensation calculators and detailed VA rating guidance to help you understand and maximize your benefits.