Building Your Veteran Network
How to Connect with Veterans and Build Your Network
Finding and connecting with other veterans is an integral part of life after service. However, it can be hard when one is spread out and not living on a centralized military base.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of useful organizations that can help you connect with like-minded veterans and ease your transition after service.
Make The Connection
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, MakeTheConnection.net allows you to find various veteran organizations in your city, from chaplains to veteran centers. This can be a useful tool for families and friends, too. Explore the organizations near you, and go to a meeting! You never know, you may just find a great veteran friend there.
American Legion
Believe it or not, your local American Legion post can do a lot more for you that you thought! Most famously known for bringing veterans together and being among the largest advocates for veterans, it also has many other services. Explore how your American Legion post can help you here.
Veteran Business Network
Some professional associations cater directly to veterans. One example is the Veterans Business Network, but many other national, state, and local-level options exist. These may include Chambers of Commerce or local professional organizations.
On Campus
Getting your degree is a HUGE undertaking after transitioning out of the military. However, you aren’t alone. Many veterans are doing it. For that reason, you should make an effort to connect with other veterans on campus. Where? In veteran support groups, the student veteran office, or on-campus veteran club.
Haven’t started your campus search? No worries, this is THE place to start to exploring your education options after service. Finding your ideal institution to use your GI Bill benefits at is a big task.
It also makes the process easier by laying out the school’s characteristics and programs to highlight what services they do (and don’t) offer military-affiliated students.
(Courtesy: Cynthia Magana)
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.