Veterans & Military Family Resources

VA Resources — Benefits, Health Care & Support

VA Resources

Find your VA benefits and services in one place.

Choose the service you need, then follow the official VA site’s instructions for eligibility, applications, or appointments.

Your service matters. Your next chapter matters, too.

At Sledge Collective, we believe service continues through the lives we touch. Founded by retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Five David L. Sledge Sr., our mission—Greet One, Meet One, Teach One—includes helping veterans and military families connect with information, opportunity, and community.

Whether you are preparing to transition, pursuing a new career, returning to school, or supporting a loved one, use this guide to find a place to start.

Not Sure Where to Start?

You do not have to figure everything out at once. Choose the need that matters most today:

  • Understand my benefits: Start with Benefits and Support below. San Diego residents can also contact the County Office of Military & Veterans Affairs.
  • Find work or a new direction: Visit Careers and Civilian Transition.
  • Go back to school: Explore Education and Training.
  • Get care or support: Visit Health Care and Well-Being.
  • Find housing assistance: Go to Housing Stability.
  • Support my family: Explore Military Spouses and Families.
  • Start or grow a business: Visit Business Ownership.

Your Next Chapter: A Transition Checklist

Use these planning steps at your own pace, whether you are preparing to leave the military or have already transitioned.

  1. Organize your records. Keep your discharge paperwork, service history, training certificates, and relevant medical records in a secure place. Keep copies accessible for appointments.
  2. Review your benefits questions. Write down what you need help understanding and speak with VA or an accredited veterans service representative.
  3. Plan for health care. Identify your coverage options, providers, and any appointments you need to arrange.
  4. Translate your experience. Update your résumé with civilian language, leadership examples, and measurable accomplishments.
  5. Choose a direction. Identify a career, education, business, or volunteer goal and one action you can take this week.
  6. Review your household plan. Talk with your family about your budget, routines, responsibilities, and expectations for the transition.
  7. Build your support network. Reconnect with trusted peers, mentors, veteran groups, and community organizations.
  8. Make room for purpose and rest. Set a weekly routine that includes meaningful work, relationships, and time to recharge.

This checklist is a planning aid. Confirm program requirements and application timelines directly with the provider.

Start Here: Benefits and Support

Find a VA-accredited representative to help with a benefits claim or decision review. Accredited VSO representatives provide claims assistance free of charge; accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees. Next step: Search for a representative and contact them to confirm availability.

VA Resource Navigator — Explore VA resources for health care, disability benefits, education, housing, careers, and family benefits.

Urgent Support

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

For emotional distress or a suicidal crisis in the United States, call 988, text 988, or use https://988lifeline.org/chat/. Specialized support is available for veterans.

Health Care and Well-Being

VA Mental Health Services — Explore counseling and support for stress, grief, PTSD, and readjustment. Next step: Ask your VA provider for a referral or contact a nearby VA medical center or Vet Center to discuss available care.

VA Health Care — Learn about eligibility, applying for care, managing benefits, and accessing physical and mental health services.

Careers and Civilian Transition

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service — Find employment resources for veterans, separating service members, and military spouses, including help preparing for civilian careers.

Education and Training

VA Education and Training Benefits — Explore GI Bill benefits, school and training options, career counseling, and information about Veteran Readiness and Employment.

Business Ownership

SBA Veteran Small Business Resources — Explore resources for starting or growing a business, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and veteran business certification information.

Military Spouses and Families

Military OneSource — Find military life information, spouse employment resources, relationship support, and counseling information. Eligibility for individual services varies; review the provider’s requirements.

Caregivers

Supporting a veteran takes time, strength, and care. Your well-being matters, too.

VA Caregiver Support Program — Explore education, coaching, peer support, and caregiver services. Eligibility differs by program. Next step: Use the site to find your local Caregiver Support Team or call 1-855-260-3274.

Housing Stability

VA Homeless Programs — Find pathways to housing support and services for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing.

San Diego Connections

Employment: Veterans Village of San Diego Workforce Development offers résumé development, interview preparation, job-search support, and vocational training assistance. Next step: Contact employmentservices@vvsd.net or 858-867-9706 to ask about services.

Community and volunteering: Explore Veterans Village of San Diego volunteer opportunities. Ask about current ways to contribute at volunteer@vvsd.net.

A Message from David

I served in the U.S. Navy for 33 years and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Five. Today, through Sledge Collective, writing, coaching, and community service, I continue to put leadership and service into practice. I created this page to help fellow veterans and military families find a starting point for their next chapter.

“After 33 years in the Navy, I know that leaving the uniform behind does not mean leaving your purpose behind. Your experience still has value. Your leadership still matters. Take the next step, ask for support, and remember to reach back for someone coming behind you.”

— David L. Sledge Sr., CWO5, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Suggest a Resource

Know a useful veteran resource or found a broken link? Email David@sledgecollective.com with the organization’s name, website, and a brief description. Please leave out private medical information and personal records.

Stay Connected

For Sledge Collective speaking, leadership, or community collaboration inquiries, email David@sledgecollective.com. Please contact the organizations above directly for benefits applications and program assistance.

Sledge Collective provides this directory for general information and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations listed. Programs and eligibility may change; confirm current details directly with each provider. Resources reviewed November 5, 2026.