Family Resources: Free National Park Entrance | Shop Commissary Savings | Create a Free Will

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors.  VIEW/SHARE | EVENTS | WELCOME KIT | PODCAST

Booster Up: Talk COVID-19 Boosters with Those You Care About this Holiday Season The holiday season is a time of giving, sharing and caring. VA’s “HolidayBoost” encourages Veterans to reach out to their Veteran friends and families, as well as those they care about, during the holidays with some suggestions for having constructive, compassionate conversations regarding getting the COVID-19 booster or vaccine. LEARN MORE

Upcoming Events Jan. 5 - End Veteran Homelessness Overview Jan. 6 - Salesforce Fellowship Program Information Session VIEW ALL EVENTS Veterans can Create a Will Free of Charge A will covers more than just what happens to your physical assets. What about the guardianship of your children? Or your pets? Providing clarity today will help family members later and your own peace of mind now. LEARN MORE Help VA Understand What Veterans Need for Childcare Please take this 2-minute survey to help us understand Veteran childcare needs. BEGIN SURVEY Register to Compete in Virtual Adaptive Fitness Event The 2nd Annual Sports4Vets Throwdown empowers Veterans of all ability levels, age and background to improve and showcase their fitness, live healthier lives though adaptive fitness and embrace a sense of a virtual community.  LEARN MORE Disaster Masters & Connecting with Your Kids During the Holidays In this special holiday episode of VA News, Patrick Battle, son of Air Force Veteran Patrick V. Battle, discusses how you can prepare your kids to be Disaster Masters and how to better connect with your kids during the holidays.  WATCH Veterans Shop Holiday Savings at Your Local Commissary Veterans with a 0% or more disability rating can shop for savings at their local commissary this holiday season. The commissary benefit is a huge money saver and can be a vital resource for Veterans and their families. LEARN MORE Veterans Receive Free Entrance to National Parks, Public Recreation Space Start your family spring break plans today! Veterans receive free access to approximately 2,000 public locations across more than 400 million acres, which host activities to fit any lifestyle, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more. READ MORE Stay Stress-free During the Holidays: Free Skills Training from VA The holidays are a festive time. They can bring joy and quality time with your family. But the holidays can also bring a lot of stress. Check out VA's free online courses, including Parenting for Veterans, Path to Better Sleep, Anger and Irritability Management Skills, and more. LEARN MORE Why I get my health care at VA: Army Veteran Scott Veteran Job Postings The American Legion - Veterans Employment & Education Policy Coordinator CDM Smith - Veteran Career Reboot Program Conservation Legacy - Veterans Fire Crew Member (Jan 2022) City of San Diego - Multiple Roles Post a free job to RallyPoint's community consisting of nearly 2 million veterans, spouses, caregivers and survivors. If your company is looking to hire military connected people, please post the open job URL.  POST FREE JOB How I Found Success as a Former Commander Embracing Humility and Uncertainty Win $100 Gift Card with Rally$weeps Holidays are cherished times spent with family and loved ones. Sometimes, due to deployment, or situations outside of our control, we can’t spend holidays with the people we love.   What coping techniques do you practice when you’re away from loved ones during the holidays?  Vets First Podcast: Perseverance Through Care, Routine In this episode, Vets First Podcast hosts Levi Sowers and Brandon Rea speak with Dr. Caroline Turvey to discuss her studies on functional impairment and depression in Veterans.  READ MORE VA COVID-19: Updates | Chat | App | Weekly Report | Vaccine 24 Hour Fitness $0 initiation and $5 off monthly dues. Oakley 45% off first purchase for military and Veterans. TOMS 10% off retail price online. Use code: MILITARY10. Available for active military and Veterans. VIEW ALL DISCOUNTS

VAntage Point Blogs: Student volunteer awarded Knights of Columbus Volunteer of the Year #VADidThat: A lifetime of service to Veterans Ask these six questions to find the workplace culture for you Helpful advice for handling holiday stress HolidayBoost campaign helps you talk about COVID-19 boosters with those you care about this holiday season Filing a VA claim for disability compensation Bootcamp for VA InnoVAtors revolutionizing the frontline to improve Veteran care Plant-based eating – Not what you probably think it is Veterans turn a corner with new VA Syringe Services Program Spread joy, not flu this season: Free flu shot at VA or 70,000+ network providers Vet Center: Veteran Sandra Hardy no longer suffering in silence Operational Stress Control critical to organizational health Chris Kyle: American Sniper Alaska VA chiropractor gets Veterans “out of pain” America250: Army Veteran Leslie MacDill VA News Releases:  Third report details VA’s continued efforts addressing COVID-19 pandemic VA strengthens care for Veterans impacted by intimate partner violence and sexual assault

Download the VA Welcome Kit  VA WELCOME KIT   Find a VA facility near you.  FACILITY LOCATOR VA is here for you. 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255 Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387 Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat White House VA Hotline: 1-855-948-2311

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Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA. Have a Veteran resource to share? Tweet it to @VetsExperience or tag it #VetResources If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at VA.gov/contact-us/.  Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Affairs.