When I returned from Iraq in July 2006, I had no idea what kind of hurdles I still faced. I thought my deployment would be the most difficult time, but transitioning to civilian life quickly became a challenge in itself. Navigating the world of benefits, health care, education and employment as a Veteran was overwhelming, to say the least. I knew there were programs available to me because of my service to my country, but determining which I was eligible for, deciding what was the best choice for me, and learning how to apply were a few of my many questions. On top of that, as soon as I answered one question, another would appear.
Today's transitioning Service Members and their families face the same difficulties. But now, a tool exists to help navigate the many layers of questions and decisions they will encounter.
The National Resource Directory (NRD) serves as a link between military and Veteran communities and those who want to help. The U.S. departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs worked together to create this online tool that provides access to more than 10,000 programs, services and resources at the national, state and community levels.
Still, with so many resources, it can be tricky to plot a course through the rapidly moving lives in which we Veterans find ourselves. Thankfully, the NRD team has provided a solution. Each resource added to the Web site is vetted for relevance and appropriateness by Veterans and subject matter experts to ensure only the best resources are made available. Additionally, the key word search is organized by relevance so users do not have to wade through pages of search results to find the best program for their immediate needs.
The National Resource Directory has nine different subject areas, including education & training, employment, homeless assistance, and health care. Veterans, Service Members and their families, as well as organizations providing services to these communities, can browse for information by topic if they are unsure of what their exact needs are. They will find resources arranged by popularity, so they can see what their peers are most interested in, and they can compare similar programs to determine which is best for them. There are also individual sections for 56 states and territories where local resources can be found.
Designed by Veterans, with Veterans and Service Members in mind, the NRD presents an effective way to answer the mountains of questions we encounter. The new look includes a Stay Connected feature where anyone interested in military and Veterans issues can suggest a resource, sign up for email notifications, subscribe to RSS feeds, and share what they learn with friends and family through social networking tools.
I wish a tool as efficient, reliable and easy-to-use as the National Resource Directory had existed when I was transitioning. Without a doubt, it should be the first stop for any Veteran or Service Member with questions, as well as their families, caregivers and support networks. To learn more about the National Resource Directory visit www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov.
Browse around, search for answers, and spread the word. Meg Krause is a federal contractor who works for DoD supporting the National Resource Directory.
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