HELPFUL LINKS - American Legion 2

  Helpful Links offers links to programs and assistance from the VA as well as independent sites. To ensure that our veterans and their families are given legitimate information we make every effort to thoroughly research all links before placing them on our website.

  The American Legion Post #40 has no commitment to or association with these websites.

  Please use caution when using these links. When interacting with any website, read their posted privacy statements as you will be subject to their privacy policies.

 While we support the protection of privacy on the internet, the American Legion Post #40 is not responsible for actions between you and the actions of third parties.

  Should you have any problems with any links, please notify webmaster@lanesboroamericanlegion.org

  Due to the number of VA benefits available to Veterans and their dependents, we provide limited information on our site with links to the information.  We recommend that you contact the Fillmore County Veterans Service Office 507-765-4937 for details and assistance.

Fillmore County Veterans Services Office  Fillmore County, MN

Fillmore County Veteran Services FAQ  http://www.co.fillmore.mn.us/community-services/veterans/93-veterans-faqs

Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs  http://mn.gov/mdva/

US Department of Veteran Affairs  http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/

Obtaining DD-214 (Discharge Papers) and other military records  http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Learn about VA benefits you may be eligible for.  https://explore.va.gov/

ARMED FORCES SERVICE CENTER  Updated  01-08-2024

   The ARMED FORCES SERVICE CENTER (AFSC) at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) , since 1970, for traveling Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retirees, Purple Heart and MoH recipients, former POW, Dependents, and DoD. Current ID cards must be presented for entrance.

   The AFSC is open seven days a week, from 0800-2245 (8:00 A.M. – 10:45 P.M.) with complimentary refreshments and limited sleeping bunks during these hours. The showers are currently unavailable. For operational updates, please call 612-726-9156.

  The AFSC is located at Terminal 1, inside security at the entrance to the A Concourse, on Level 2. Take the tram on the C Concourse to the last stop and exit right. Follow the signs to the elevator across from the gift shop. (See the map.)

   Safe travels!  https://www.mnafsc.org/

PROJECT NEW HOPE

  Project New Hope’s mission is to provide combat veterans and their families (including the kids) and fosters family togetherness through a wilderness getaway.

  Whether a soldier served in Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf War, Iraq, Afganhistan – it doesn’t matter. All US families are welcome. NO COST to the families on the retreat.

 For details click here.

RESOURCE NETWORK

  The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has complied a comprehensive directory of resources for veterans and their families. They maintain ongoing relationships and do their best to stay up to date on all of the groups.

  Looking for any assistance (other than Emergency Aid from the Coalition) please contact the Advocate Coordinator, Whitney at whanrahan@saluteheroes.org for more information on all of the connections we have available in our network.  https://saluteheroes.org/get-help/resources/

SCAM PROTECTION RESOURCE GUIDE

  Birch Gold Group Scam Protection Resource a guide to scams. Here are a few of the topics covered in this resource guide: Warning signs of a scam, The most common types of fraud, How to avoid being scammed. Updates on the latest financial scams. This guide is monitored and updated as things change.  https://www.birchgold.com/scam-protection-resource-guide/

CARRYING CREDIT CARD DEBT?

    How to avoid debt relief scams. Looking for ways to pay off credit card debt? Offers to help you cut down or wipe out your debt might sound like a perfect solution, but dishonest debt relief companies will take your money and do little or nothing to help. So how do you get real help and skip the scammers?  Click here for details.

30 CREDIT CARD SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

  This link contains a lot of helpful information from what to watch out for and what to do if you are scammed. Click here for the details.

WOMEN VETERAN CALL CENTER

   For more information on VA benefits and services provided to women Veterans, call the Women Veteran Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN or 1-855-829-6636.  Confidential chats are also online.  You can also learn about VA benefits you may be eligible for at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/

GUARD AND RESERVE SUPPORT NETWORK

   Guard and Reserve service members face challenges throughout the deployment cycle that are uniquely different than those confronting their active duty counterparts.

   The GRSN is a partnership of programs working together to serve the National Guard and Reserve community, dedicated to promoting Service member and family resilience, connecting service members and their families with resources where they live and provides a support network to aid their unique challenges.

   GRSN connects tools, information, and partner organizations with Service members, their families, and their employers to mitigate and address the challenges of Reserve Service.  https://guardreserves.com/

VETERANS CARE GUIDE

   Individuals who serve within the United States Military may qualify for certain monetary and medical benefits through the US Office of Veterans Affairs.  These may include a monthly financial pension, Aid & Attendance, Housebound benefits and/or Specially Adapted Housing grants.  This guide is designed to help veterans and/or their surviving spouses determine their eligibility, explain how to apply for benefits and cover the various veteran care options.  https://www.seniorliving.org/research/veteran-care/

TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS)

   Provide comfort and hope 24/7 through a national, peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.

   If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).  https://www.taps.org/

ANNOUNCEMENTS, REMINDERS AND HELPFUL LINKS

  Have an announcement you would like posted on the website? Would you like to receive our announcements? Helpful Links offers links to programs and assistance from the VA as well as independent sites.

  Click here for details.

  Have questions or comments?  We welcome your opinion.  Please email your comments or suggestions to webmaster@lanesboroamericanlegion.org or call Anne at 507-460-9040.  Thank you for your support.