LibGuides: Multicultural Outreach &amp; Accessibility: Military and Veterans

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Pikes Peak Library District

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Welcome to PPLD's Military and Veterans Resource Guide!

This guide is intended as a starting place for finding local and general information about the military within our collection at Pikes Peak Library District. Use the tabs on the left to locate frequently recommended resources. To gain access to a list of local resources and services, please click on the Local Agencies tab.

National Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month, a special time for those in and out of the military. It is a time designated to honor and recognize the contributions, sacrifices, and service of the members of the armed forces, past and present.
Month of the Military Caregiver
The Month of the Military Caregiver is observed in May each year to honor more than five million caregivers in the United States.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May; this year, it will be celebrated on Sat, May 18, 2024.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Recognized as the Friday before Mother's Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day recognizes the strength and contributions of our nearly 1 million military spouses in the U.S.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Library Databases -- Veteran Support

Frequently Used Resources

Air Force Academy Airman and Family Readiness Center
Connection to a variety of active duty and family support programs, including Air force Aid Society, Exceptional Family Member Program, Key Spouse Program, and Transition Assistance.
Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Service YMCA provides programs for 500,000 young enlisted soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and their families each year with the help of donors and volunteers.
Blue Star Families
We bridge the gap between military family communities and the general public. Through our partnerships, Blue Star Families provides free resources, services, and opportunities to more than 1.5 million military family members—making military life more sustainable.
Colorado Consumer Guide for Military Personnel and Their families
Provides information on protecting your finances. Includes information on high-interest loans/predatory lending, debt collector scams, foreclosure rescue firms, rental scams, education fraud, identity theft, fraud prevention tips, and more. From the Colorado Attorney General.
Fort Carson Army Community Service
Regardless of what stage of life you and your family are in, Army Community Service has services and programs to make your Army life more successful. If you are new to the Fort Carson Colorado area, make sure to stop in and pick up a welcome packet, get maps and directions about the local area and meet our professional staff. ACS offers monthly classes on parenting, finances, relationships, volunteerism, exceptional family members, and more.
The Home Front Military Network
A merger of two previous agencies, The Home Front Cares and Peak Military Care Network, this is a one stop entry for miltary members, their families, and veterans to access community resources.
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1120 N. Circle Dr. Suite 230
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-577-7417
Military OneSource
Assistance for all active duty military members and their family members with navigating the military system, counseling, and support.
Peterson Military and Family Readiness Center
The Military & Family Readiness Center serves as a one-stop information and referral center for single, married, active duty, Guard, Reserves, retired members, spouses and families. Connects military personnel and their families with the appropriate services both on and off base.. Provides links for Air Force Aid Society, Exceptional Family Member Program, Key Spouse program, Transition Assistance program, and other military support related services.
Plan My Move
Plan My Move provides military member sand family members with resources for planning a PCS, including access to information about entitlements and benefits, to points of contact, checklists, planning tools, and information on education and employment.
USO Programs
The United Service Organization (USO) offers a range of programs to help active duty servicemembers stay connected to their families.

American Legion
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
Center for Minority Veterans (CMV)
The Center assists eligible Veterans in their efforts to receive benefits and services from VA.
Center for Women Veterans
The Center assists eligible Veterans in their efforts to receive benefits and services from VA.
Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs
The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs is here to assist Veterans, their dependents, and their survivors in obtaining the State and Federal benefits for which they are qualified for.
Colorado Resource Portal for Veterans
Colorado directory of veteran resources.
Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs
To provide guidance, support, and legislative coordination to the divisions of the Colorado National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Veterans Affairs.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for disabled veterans of all generations and their families. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
El Paso County Veterans Service Office
The El Paso County Veterans Service Office was established by State law to advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and their survivors concerning any VA benefits which such person may be, or may have been, entitled to receive under the laws of the United States or the State of Colorado. The office is not a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a Federal government agency, but serves as a liaison between the claimant and the VA.
Government Loans
GovLoans.gov is your gateway to government loan information - business, education, housing, veteran, agriculture, and disaster relief.
Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors
from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, updated yearly.
HelpAdvisor's Veteran's Guide to Medicare Plans
Learn how different types of Medicare plans work with the Veterans Administration (VA) insurance and find other vital information for veterans who are on Medicare. Browse this helpful guide for a list of state VA benefits offices and Medicare plan comparison tips.
The Home Front Military Network
A merger of two previous agencies, The Home Front Cares and Peak Military Care Network, this is a one stop entry for miltary members, their families, and veterans to access community resources.
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1120 N. Circle Dr. Suite 230
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-577-7417
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.
The KWVA is a veterans' service organization which seeks to preserve the interest in the welfare of Korean War veterans and their families.
Legal Advice for Veterans
This guide will showcase legal concerns, and then provide resources to help veterans get the critical help they need to move past these concerns and enjoy a normal, healthy, and stable civilian life.
Mt. Carmel Veteran's Service Center
The Mt. Carmel Service Center provides "one stop" navigation for military members, veterans, and their family members for needed services. Services include counseling, assistance with housing, navigating military and educational benefits, financial and employment coaching, and legal assistance.
National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Pikes Peak Small Business Association Veterans Program
This website describes Pikes Peak SBDC's programs to assist veterans with creating and growing their small businesses.
Support for Veterans & Their Struggles
The Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) oversees the Real Warriors Campaign and mission as part of the Defense Department’s overall effort to promote a culture of support for psychological health.
VA Forms
Department of Veterans Affairs Forms web site
VA Loans
The VA Loan is a home-mortgage option available to United States Veterans, Service Members and not remarried spouses. VA Loans are issued by qualified lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veteran Aid
The veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension provides benefits that reduce the cost of care for veterans and surviving spouses who require assisted living.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 1-800-273-8255
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.

Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Service YMCA provides programs for 500,000 young enlisted soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and their families each year with the help of donors and volunteers.
Blue Star Families
We bridge the gap between military family communities and the general public. Through our partnerships, Blue Star Families provides free resources, services, and opportunities to more than 1.5 million military family members—making military life more sustainable.
Colorado Consumer Guide for Military Personnel and Their families
Provides information on protecting your finances. Includes information on high-interest loans/predatory lending, debt collector scams, foreclosure rescue firms, rental scams, education fraud, identity theft, fraud prevention tips, and more. From the Colorado Attorney General.
Colorado National Guard Family Program
The Colorado National Guard Family Program is a conglomerate of offices that has been put in place to support the Service Members and Families of the Colorado National Guard. The Family Program Office is here to assist Service Members and their Families in enjoying a positive military experience.
The Home Front Military Network
A merger of two previous agencies, The Home Front Cares and Peak Military Care Network, this is a one stop entry for miltary members, their families, and veterans to access community resources.
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1120 N. Circle Dr. Suite 230
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-577-7417
Military OneSource
Assistance for all active duty military members and their family members with navigating the military system, counseling, and support.
Military Spouse Career Coalition (Colorado Springs)
The Military Spouse Career Coalition (Colorado Springs) provides a centralized source of information on local and national resources for spouses, best practices for employers, and the latest in legislative updates that impact spouse employment.
Military Spouse Employment Partnership
Information for job seekers, including job postings, career development, and assistance with education, training, and licensing.
Military Spouse Jobs
Spouse employment page from military.com includes articles on job search and balancing a career with the challenges of military life.
Military Spouse Resources
From careeronestop.org, employment, education, and relocation resources just for military spouses.
Mt. Carmel Veteran's Service Center
The Mt. Carmel Service Center provides "one stop" navigation for military members, veterans, and their family members for needed services. Services include counseling, assistance with housing, navigating military and educational benefits, financial and employment coaching, and legal assistance.
National Military Family Association
Through the support and programs we provide, and our respected voice on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon and Veterans Administration, the NMFA looks out for the families who stand behind the uniform and for those who serve.
National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Navigating the Military Financial Lifecycle
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's guide to handling financial challenges throughout a military career and separation or retirement.
Plan My Move
Plan My Move provides military member sand family members with resources for planning a PCS, including access to information about entitlements and benefits, to points of contact, checklists, planning tools, and information on education and employment.
ThanksUSA
ThanksUSA provides college, technical and vocational school, need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel.
USO Programs
The United Service Organization (USO) offers a range of programs to help active duty servicemembers stay connected to their families.

Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Service YMCA provides programs for 500,000 young enlisted soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and their families each year with the help of donors and volunteers.
Blue Star Families
We bridge the gap between military family communities and the general public. Through our partnerships, Blue Star Families provides free resources, services, and opportunities to more than 1.5 million military family members—making military life more sustainable.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America -- Military Programs
For over two decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the U.S. Armed Services have partnered to help children of military families face the unique challenges of military life. Today, this enduring partnership continues to provide children of military personnel with critical youth development programs and activities, giving families the vital support they need.
Deployment Kids
Provides activities for children of deployed soldiers, letter writing guides, distance calculators, downloads, journals, and more.
Military Child Education Coalition
The work of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, world-wide organization, the MCEC performs research, develops resources, conducts professional institutes and conferences, and develops and publishes resources for all constituencies.
Military Kids Connect
Military Kids Connect (MKC) is an online community for military children (ages 6-17 yr old) that provides access to age-appropriate resources to support children dealing with the unique psychological challenges of military life.
Military Kids Life magazine
MILITARY KIDS' LIFE is a quarterly print magazine for kids.
Military OneSource
Assistance for all active duty military members and their family members with navigating the military system, counseling, and support.
National Military Family Association
Through the support and programs we provide, and our respected voice on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon and Veterans Administration, the NMFA looks out for the families who stand behind the uniform and for those who serve.
Operation Purple
Operation Purple offers free camp experiences for military kids. Does your family have a service member returning from a deployment, gearing up to deploy, or finding a new normal after an injury? Let us help your child prepare and cope. When your military kid attends Operation Purple Camp (OPC), they’ll thrive in an environment with fully trained counselors and camp staff experienced in helping children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life.
Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports children, ages 5-12th grade, of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and children of wounded warriors from all service branches.
Scholarships for Military Children Program
Sponsored by Fisher House and Military Commissaries, this scholarship provides funding for military children planning to enroll in a four year college program.
ThanksUSA
ThanksUSA provides college, technical and vocational school, need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel.
Tutor.com for Military Families
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, is a program that allows eligible students (grades K-12) and service members in U.S. military families to connect to a live tutor online at any time for one-to-one help with homework, studying, test prep, proofreading and more at no cost.
USO Programs
The United Service Organization (USO) offers a range of programs to help active duty servicemembers stay connected to their families.

Air Force Personnel Center
Job information for both active duty personnel, civilians and retiree services.
Colorado Veterans Services
Employment, education and training, benefits and services and more.
Corporate Gray
Links employers with transitioning and former military personnel.
Mt. Carmel Veteran's Service Center
The Mt. Carmel Service Center provides "one stop" navigation for military members, veterans, and their family members for needed services. Services include counseling, assistance with housing, navigating military and educational benefits, financial and employment coaching, and legal assistance.
Pikes Peak Workforce Center Veteran Services
Information about job search, career guidance, and training opportunities in the Pikes Peak region specific to veterans.
Soldier for Life -- Transition Assistance Program
U.S. Army's official transition website
Today's Military
Information on careers within the different branches of the military.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Military to Civilian Resume: How to Use Your Military Experience
A how-to guide with tips and examples by UptoWork.

10th Medical Group Air Force Academy
Provides a range of primary care and outpatient care for cadets, military members, their families, and retirees.
21st Medical Group (Peterson Air Force Base)
21st medical Group provides medical care for Peterson, Cheyenne Mountain, and Schriever Air Force Bases.
Defense and Veteran's Brain Injury Center
Information for service members & veterans, family & friends, and medical providers.
Evans Army Community Hospital
Provides a range of inpatient and outpatient medical services to military members, their families, and retirees.
Geriatrics and Extended Care -- Veterans Administration
Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC) is committed to optimizing the health and well-being of Veterans with multiple chronic conditions, life-limiting illness, frailty or disability associated with chronic disease, aging or injury.
Health Programs for Veterans -- Veterans Administration
Listing of health support services listed below to maintain Veterans' physical and mental wellness.
The Home Front Military Network
A merger of two previous agencies, The Home Front Cares and Peak Military Care Network, this is a one stop entry for miltary members, their families, and veterans to access community resources.
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1120 N. Circle Dr. Suite 230
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-577-7417
My HealtheVet
Online personal health record from the VA.
National Center for PTSD
Information on PTSD and treatment for veterans, family members, and the general public.
Operation TBI Freedom
Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) is a program of Craig Hospital that provides support for Veterans and active duty military personnel with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic
719-327-5660
This Colorado Springs VA Clinic provides primary care services for veterans in the Colorado Springs area
Public health -- Veterans Administration
Public health information for veterans, including potential exposures due to military service.
TRICARE
TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members around the world. TRICARE also provides health care for military family members, retirees, and their families.
UCCS Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic
719-255-8003
The Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic helps you recover from psychological challenges associated with military service, natural disaster, domestic violence, auto accidents, sexual assault or first responder trauma as well as a broad range of anxiety, mood, and eating disorders.
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4863 North Nevada Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
VA Health Care Benefits
Learn about VA health benefits eligibility.
VeteranAid.org
Website designed to educate veterans on the Aid and Attendance benefit designed to assist with home care, assisted living, and nursing home care for themselves or their spouse.
Veterans and Military Health
From Medline Plus. Information about military specific injuries, exposures, and ongoing health issues.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Health Care Benefits Handbook
This veteran-written guide addresses how to apply for benefits, veterans service centers, choosing a facility, changing a facility, second opinions, prescriptions, dental care, chiropractic care, non-VA care, travel, POW benefits, appeals, grievances, confidentiality, financial issues, means testing, hardship determinations, waivers, medication co-payments, health insurance and a complete listing of VA facilities.
VeteranRehab.org
VeteranRehab.org is a nationwide resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and mental health services for Veterans. Our helpline services are free and confidential. Our trained specialists will help you find the best options for treatment.

Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition (CVRC)
The Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition (CVRC) is a 501(c)3 organization that provides safe, healthy emergency housing and community-based residential care, treatment and rehabilitative services for veterans who are homeless and/or suffer from substance abuse and/or chronic mental illness.
El Paso County Veteran Services -- Homeless Veterans Programs
Description of El Paso County Veteran Services programs designed to assist veterans experiencing homelessness with housing, health care, employment and preventative services.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 877-424-3838
Pikes Peak Veterans Housing Fund
The purpose of the Pikes Peak Veteran Housing Fund is to get veterans experiencing homelessness into housing. The Fund offers financial assistance to veterans to help them obtain housing as well as offering compensation to landlords if damages and unpaid rent are incurred.
Rocky Mountain Human Services
855-838-7428
Homes for All Veterans provides a wide range of services designed to promote housing stability and alleviate chronic homelessness. Walk-ins for assessment and applications are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8am-5pm.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 1-800-273-8255

Colorado Lawyers for Colorado Veterans Clinic
Free legal clinic for Colorado Veterans. 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:30 - 3 p.m. at PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Outpatient Clinic
3141 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

Virtual Pro Se Law Clinic at Fountain Public Library
Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) Free Legal Clinic: First Monday of every month (except January and September) from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- call (719) 531-6333 ext. 6058 to schedule an appointment and for more information. **IMPORTANT as of March 2024 this clinic is cancelled until future notice.