Veteran Resources
Resources for Veterans
The volunteers at Portrait of a Warrior have dedicated a substantial amount of time researching and compiling a comprehensive directory of over 160 resources that are available to veterans, their families, loved ones, and supporters. This extensive list includes local and national organizations that have been grouped into categories to easily address specific needs and desires.
PTSD & Suicide
Veterans Crisis Line
Helping anyone experiencing a crisis or supporting a loved one / suicidal ideation / depression
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
VA Mental Health
Website including suicide prevention / suicidal ideation / depression
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National network of crisis centers providing free & confidential emotional support
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Wounded Warrior Project
Helps post 9/11 Veterans & service members with physical/mental wounds
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Hope For the Warriors
Marine & Sailor medical care / mental health counseling / professional training / education
https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org
M.A.R.E.
Partners with Wounded Heroes Fund to provide equine therapy
https://www.mareridingcenter.com
Project Healing Waters
Physical & emotional healing for disabled Veterans through fly fishing
NOT OK
Online App to reach out to trusted contacts when you are feeling vulnerable
Sheep Dog
Improves the lives of Veterans & First Responders by reengaging them in living with purpose
Warriors Spirit Project
Restores the soul & strengthens the spirit of Veterans & First Responders thru Yoga, dogs & dirt
https://warriorspiritproject.org
22 Kill
Combats suicide by empowering Veterans, First Responders & their families through therapies
Counseling & Medical
Bakersfield Vet Center
Assisting Veterans with counseling and programs
https://www.icarol.info/ResourceView2.aspx?org=2285&agencynum=36279464
Legacy Village
Local inpatient drug and alcohol programs sponsored by the Veterans Administration
Cole’s Comrades
Local news article discussing the death of USMC combat Veteran, David Cole Lang & Cole’s Comrades
https://www.bakersfield.com/news/mother-of-slain-combat-veteran-taking-on-mission-of-her-own/article_e49c6376-21ba-5445-91dc-f1da27d2087d.html
Wounded Heroes Fund (Kern County)
Organization supporting service-connected Veterans & families affected by the war on terror
https://www.thewoundedheroesfund.org
USA Cares
Pays basic expenses for Veterans with PTSD, TBI & MST while receiving treatment
Wounded Warrior Project
Helps post 9/11 Veterans & service members with physical/mental wounds
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Veterans In Pain (V.I.P.)
Connects Veterans suffering from chronic pain to volunteer physicians
Hope For the Warriors
Marine & Sailor medical care/mental health counseling/professional training & education plus more
https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org
Veterans Path
Enables returning Veterans to rediscover meaning, purpose & fulfillment in life
Tunnel 2 Towers
Helps & honors catastrophically injured Veterans/Gold Star families/Fallen First Responders
TAPS
Provides comfort, care & resources for those grieving the death of a military loved one
Purple Heart
Various supportive programs for combat wounded Veterans
Blind Veterans of America
Support for blinded Veterans
My Warriors Place
Giving the gift of hope & healing to those who keep us safe, secure & free
Sons of The Flag
Provides burn care & quality of life for Veterans, First Responders and families
https://sonsoftheflag.org/contact-sons-of-the-flag
Travis Manion Organization
Empowers Veterans & families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations
Sheep Dog
Improves the lives of Veterans & First Responders by reengaging them in living with purpose
Warriors Spirit Project
Restores the soul & strengthens the spirit of Veterans & First Responders thru Yoga, dogs & dirt
https://warriorspiritproject.org
Boot Campaign
Supports the lives of Veterans & military families through life-improving programs
Medical
CBOC
Veterans Administration Medical Outpatient Clinic Bakersfield, CA
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp.id=525
Rise Up Recovery
Local Veteran outpatient addiction treatment program – including Ketamine
https://synergywellnesscenter.com/addiction-treatment/programs
Heal Vets
Provides free healing therapeutic craft kits for hospitalized and homebound Veterans
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Provides services & programs for Veterans, family members & caregivers of those with spinal cord injuries & diseases
Fisher House
Provides lodging for military & Veteran families while a loved one is in the hospital
Fallen Heroes Fund
Treats military personnel with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS)
https://www.fallenheroesfund.org
Soldiers Angels
Compassionate mental health care for any/all Veterans and families
Supports family members who have tragically lost a Veteran
https://www.facebook.com/groups/472684959790552
Sons of The Flag
Provides burn care & quality of life for Veterans, First Responders and families
https://sonsoftheflag.org/contact-sons-of-the-flag
Healing Warriors Program
Provides non-narcotic therapy to service members and their families for pain, PTSD & sleep
https://healingwarriorsprogram.org
Warrior Bonfire Program
Provides opportunities that improve the lives of combat-wounded Veterans
https://warriorbonfireprogram.org
DNL
Free dental services for those who lack adequate income and are permanently disabled & other issues
https://dentallifeline.org/california
Veterans In Pain
Offering Ortho/Biologic & alternative solutions for Veterans suffering from chronic pain
Responder Wipes
Decontamination wipes for First Responders
Disaster & Financial Assistance
Red Cross
Helping members of the military, Veterans and their families with many support programs
USA Cares
Pays basic expenses for Veterans with PTSD, TBI & MST while receiving treatment
Semper Fi Fund
Provides resources & support for combat wounded & critically ill Service Members and families
USO
Programs for Service Members and their families
Navy & Marine Corps
Offers members & family financial, educational & other assistance
Team Rubicon
Disaster relief engaging Veteran volunteers regain purpose, community & identity
Air Force Aid Society
Provides emergency assistance, education support & community programs
Pen Fed Foundation
Financial assistance for active duty military
Operation Homefront
Assists military families during difficult times
https://www.operationhomefront.org
USA Cares
Provides military families with financial & advocacy support
Aid & Attendance
Pension benefits for Veterans, their spouses & widows to help cover living expenses
http://benefits.veterancareservices.com/aid-attendance-pension
Homelessness & Housing
California Veterans Assistance Foundation (CVAF)
Serving Veterans & their families who are homeless, at risk and low income
Homes for Heroes
Real estate company offering Veteran discounts on homes
https://www.homesforheroes.com
CAL VET
Veteran home loans, education, employment, healthcare & other programs – State of California
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/veteran-services
Operation Homefront
Offers critical financial assistance & transitional housing for Veterans
https://www.operationhomefront.org
Homes for Our Troops
Provides specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post 9/11 Veterans
NCHV
Help for homeless Veterans
Back Packs For Life
Personalized support for homeless and at-risk Veterans
https://www.backpacksforlife.org
Homes 4 the Brave
Provides free home modifications & repairs to Veteran homeowners
https://www.facebook.com/pg/homes4thebrave/about/?ref=page_internal
Building Homes for Heroes
Provides homes to wounded Veterans throughout the USA
Employment – Jobs & Hiring
Kern Patriot Partnership
Businesses giving local Veterans an opportunity to interview for a job / training
Vet Jobs
No cost employment assistance for military job seekers
VA Jobs
Careers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Military Spouse Jobs
Connecting military spouses with careers
https://millitaryspousejobs.org
CASY
Bringing military & Veteran job seekers together with employers
Vets2PM
Helping military Veterans achieve post-service careers in Project Management Professional International certification
X-Military Careers
Helps bridge the gap from military to civilian life
http://www.ex-militarycareers.com
Hiring Our Heroes
Connecting our military community with civilian companies
https://www.hiringourheroes.org
Hire Our Heroes
Jobs for Veterans
Invest Vets
Improves employment outcomes for those who have served in the US Armed Forces
Military Talent Partners
Empowers Veterans & military spouses throughout their careers
https://militarytalentpartners.com
Mentors For Military
Veteran-owned management, corporate training, development and media company
https://mentorsformilitary.com
Lifeline For Vets
Multitude of resources to help Veterans & their families
https://nvf.org/veteran-resources
Work For Warriors
Matches skills of highly qualified Service Members, Veterans & spouses with civilian employers
Education
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website
Benefits / Education / Homes / End of Life / Burial
CMA Warrior
Provides skill training & education for professional career paths after exiting military service
CSUB Veterans
Local CSUB Veteran Center website helping Veterans succeed
Bakersfield College Veteran Center
BC website helping Veterans get their benefits and education
https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/veterans
Taft College Veterans
Veterans Services website at Taft College
https://www.taftcollege.edu/admissions/veterans
Project Relo
Educates corporate America on the value of hiring Veterans
Fallen Shipmate
Provides educational tuition grants to children of graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy lost in combat
Student Veterans
Addresses the needs & concerns of American military Veterans in higher education
Coast Guard Foundation
scholarships and support for members and family
https://coastguardfoundation.org
Soldiers Strong
Provides technology and educational opportunities to Veterans
Gratitude Initiative
Educational support/college scholarships to children of military service members & Veterans
Veterans Administration & Services
KCVSO
Kern County Veterans Service Department/Assisting Veterans with claims, paperwork & misc. support
https://www.kerncounty.com/government/veterans-service#.VD00cOl0yHs
The Wall
Vietnam Veterans Memorial website with extensive database of names & info
https://www.virtualwall.org/iAlpha.htm
Vietnam Memorial Wall of Faces
Dedicated to honoring/remembering everyone on the Vietnam Wall
Kern County Veterans Service Department’s partners (non-profits) helping Veterans
https://www.kerncounty.com/government/veterans-service/partners/non-profit-and-other-agencies#cavaf
Armed Forces Support Foundation
Local Veteran support for Veterans of all eras
https://www.armedforcessupportfoundation.org
Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County
Honors Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War & Post 9/11 Veterans
Honor Flight Kern County
Local Honor Flight hub honoring and sending our Veterans (WWII / Korean & Vietnam) to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials
http://www.honorflightkerncounty.org
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
Perpetuates legacy of the Medal of Honor
Blue Star Mothers
Organization of mothers supporting their children who are serving in the military and each other
https://www.bluestarmothers.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57
Gold Star Moms
Mothers who strive to keep the memory of their sons & daughters alive by supporting veterans
Gold Star Mothers and Families Honored at Bakersfield Ceremony
Honor & Remember
To publicly honor and remember every fallen American service member who died in combat for our freedom through a flag presentation customized to their fallen warrior
https://www.honorandremember.org
Gold Star Dads
Helping fathers, who have fallen sons or daughters, heal while supporting returning soldiers
https://goldstardads.org/about-us
DAV Bakersfield Chapter 20
For Disabled American Veterans
https://nrd.gov/resource/detail/21077055/Disabled+American+Veterans+-+Bakersfield+%2320
K9 for Warriors
Provides service dogs to Veterans
https://www.k9sforwarriors.org
Patriot Paws
Trains & provides service dogs to disabled American Veterans
National WWII Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C.
https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org
Korean War Veterans
Federally chartered Veterans service organization for Korean War Veterans
Missing In Action Remembered
Local organization informs & educates the public on U.S. Veterans listed as missing in action
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Local VFW Post 97
Richard H. Woodward Post
Local VFW Post 10859
Rosedale-Greenacres Post
VFW Post 7216
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/VFWPost7916
Camp Hamilton
A place to plant a tree in honor of a Veteran who has passed / shooting range
Local American Legion
Post 26
https://centennial.legion.org/california/post26
Bakersfield National Cemetery
Veteran burial benefits/Grave Locator/other resources
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/bakersfiel.asp/id=5645
Carry the Load
Connects Americans by honoring & remembering our military, Veterans & First Responders
Gary Sinise Foundation
Serving Veterans, First Responders and families with unique support programs
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Operation Gratitude
Sends care packages and letters to military members, first responders, Veterans and their care- givers
https://www.operationgratitude.com
Vietnam Veterans of America
Helps Vietnam Veterans with claims assistance, job placement and outreach programs
Mission Continues
Connecting Veterans with under-resourced communities
Blue Star Family
Strengthening America’s families through communities
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Pets For Vets
Connecting Veterans with rescued animals
MIA Remembered
Inform & educate public about U.S. Veterans Missing In Action
Vietnam 50th Anniversary
Thank & honor Veterans of the Vietnam War
https://www.vietnamwar50th.com
Yellow Ribbon Fund
DoD promotes well-being of National Guard & Reserve Service Members
DPAA
DoD provides fullest possible accounting of MIA’s
National Museum of the U.S. Army
Minter Field Museum
Educate public about Minter Army Air Field’s impact on aviation
https://minterfieldairmuseum.com
Psych Armor
Provides resources to support military service members, Veterans and families
Hershal Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation
Conducts Gold Star Families Outreach/Provides Living Legacy Scholarships to eligible Gold Star kids
Mentoring for military children
https://www.bbbs.org/?s=military
Americas Mighty Warriors
Focuses on programs to help warriors & their families get access to needed support
https://americasmightywarriors.org
Patriot Paws
Trains & provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American Veterans
Strength For Service
Provides inspirational & spiritual literature for members of the Armed Forces & others
http://www.strengthforservice.org
American Warriors Association
Supporting Veterans, First Responders & their families for a life of purpose and contribution to society
https://www.americanwarriorassociation.org
Operation Encore
Helps Veterans & active duty military take their music and singer-songwriter skills to the next level
Lifeline for Vets
Multitude of resources to help Veterans & their families
https://nvf.org/veteran-resources
Local news article about VFW Post 7216 changing name to SP4 Leonard L. Alvarado Post
Faith Based Programs & Veteran Related Businesses
Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation
Veteran programs (Faith-based) for help with post-traumatic stress and other service-related issues
https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org
ReBoot Combat Recovery / ReBoot First Responder
12-week free trauma healing courses for Veterans (faith-based)
Celebrate Recovery
A Christ-centered 12 step recovery program
https://www.celebraterecovery.com
Flags of Valor
Veteran owned/Vet operated/Vet made company crafting American art raising money for Vets
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Veteran-owned coffee company
https://www.blackriflecoffee.com
Military Metal Art
Veteran-owned company producing custom military metal art
GovX
Website offering savings on many items for military, police & first responders
Yank Apparel
An apparel company employing Veterans who offer military themed clothing
https://yankapparel.comhttps://yankapparel.com
Dealhack Military & Veteran Discounts Guide
Active-military & Veteran discounts broken down into 26 categories
Outdoor Activities
Aqua Nuts (Scuba Diving)
Disabled military Veterans learn to scuba dive free of charge
http://www.aqua-nut.com/index.html
Comrades and Canopies
Makes it possible for Veterans to skydive Taft, CA
https://www.skydivetaft.com/comrades-canopies-make-possible-veterans-skydive
Operation Hunt 4 Heroes
Central coast hunting expeditions for service-connected Veterans and First Responders FREE
https://www.bitterwateroutfitters.com/operation-hunt-4-heroes
National WWII Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C.
https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org
Korean War Veterans
Federally chartered Veterans service organization for Korean War Veterans
Camp Hamilton
A place to plant a tree in honor of a Veteran who has passed / Shooting range
Operation Surf
Surfing taught to wounded Veterans & active-duty military
Anglers Anonymous
Free Veteran deep-sea fishing
https://anglersanonymous.weebly.com
Team Red White & Blue
Enriching Veterans lives by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity
Surf the Nation
Veteran discounts on surfing lessons
VET TIX
Provides tickets to events which reduces stress & strengthens family bonds
Native American Veterans Memorial
Memorial honoring Native American’s service to our country
https://americanindian.si.edu/nnavm
Minter Field Museum
Educate public about Minter Army Air Field’s impact on aviation
https://minterfieldairmuseum.com
Enabling military Veterans & their families therapy through horsemanship programs
https://archiefoundationth.org
Heroes on the Water
Helping Veterans, First Responders and their families paddle, fish and heal
Gold Star Parents Retreat
https://goldstarparentsretreat.org
Memories of Honor
Honoring our fallen military through athletics, entertainment & special events
https://www.memoriesofhonor.org
Mustang Heritage Foundation
Facilitating placement for America’s excess wild mustangs & burros to Veterans
https://mustangheritagefoundation.org
Project Healing Waters
Physical & emotional healing for disabled Veterans through fly fishing