Buddy Finder, Access VA Health Care While Traveling, Join Online Football Gaming League

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 07/30/2025 09:44 PM EDT

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors.
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Silhouette of military person with a magnifying glass and flag in the background.

Free Veteran Buddy Finder

Find people you served with and make contact using Together We Served’s Veteran Buddy Finder. Over 2.5 million Veterans registered with service histories.

FIND YOUR BUDDIES

VA Secretary Doug Collins speaks at the opening of the 100th Fisher House in North Chicago, Illinois.

Healing with Heart: What 100 Fisher Houses Means to Veteran and Military Families

Since 1990, Fisher Houses have provided a comfortable home away from home—at no cost—for military and Veteran families whose loved ones are receiving medical care at military and VA medical centers.

FIND A FISHER HOUSE

See photos from VA Secretary Doug Collins' visit during the opening of the 100th Fisher House in North Chicago, Illinois on July 29, 2025.

How to Access Your VA Health Care Benefits on the Road

Planning a trip? Did you know...if you have a health care need while traveling VA can help, anytime, anywhere.

DON'T MISS THESE TIPS

Join Madden League, Compete Alongside Other Veterans

VFW's Combat Tested Gaming is launching its first-ever Madden league, running alongside the upcoming NFL season. Participants will compete in weekly matchups, division playoffs, and a Super Bowl-style championship. Prizes include jerseys, swag and a custom gaming PC for the top analytics performer. Registration opens July 30 and closes August 30.

JOIN NOW

Young man walking with older man through a forest.

How Do You Want to Live Your Life, Now and Through the End?

The Conversation Project offers free resources to help you talk with those you trust about what matters most long before a health crisis hits, including: What kind of health care do you want as life changes? How to choose or be a health care proxy, how to support someone who’s seriously ill, and more.

ACCESS THE RESOURCE

VA News: Supporting and Honoring Veterans

In this episode of VA News, explore the WellWithin Coach mobile app designed to meet the mental health needs of women Veterans, celebrate an epic coast-to-coast relay with Team Red, White & Blue, and honor the bravery of the Hello Girls from World War One.

WATCH

Two women having a conversation sitting down outdoors.

Start a Conversation that Could Save a Life

Notice something off about your Veteran buddy? Speak up. You don’t have to wait for the “right” moment or perfect words.

HOW TO START

Celebrate Veteran Canteen Service's 79th Birthday with Deals, 79-cent Specials

VCS is offering awesome deals Aug. 4-8, including daily specials in VCS retail stores, cafés and coffee shops, in honor of the agency’s 79 years of service.

The PatriotCafé will feature a different food item priced at 79 cents each day of the week. PatriotBrew customers can enjoy a tall coffee and a blueberry muffin, each priced at $1.79. This special 79-themed birthday deal is available all week.

FIND A LOCATION

Anxiety can appear as worry, restlessness, or trouble sleeping, among other symptoms. If it’s getting in the way of your daily activities, there are steps you can take to find support. Hear five Veterans describe their experiences with anxiety.

Free Online Streaming of 12th Annual Warrior Symposium August 5-6

Join the Warrior Symposium online this August and be part of the movement to bridge the gap in the transition from military service to civilian life for our nation's Veterans. Register and select "Virtual Admission" to watch online for free.

GET THE DETAILS

Upcoming Events

There are hundreds of free events for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. Check out the weekly outreach events calendar for all upcoming events, including:

Virtual Veteran Information Session: VA Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment, Baltimore, MD - Aug. 6, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ET

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the Week

Employers are looking to hire Veterans across the country. We're now posting all jobs in "Hiring Veterans" on VA News. Check out this week's list of over 78 jobs and nine career fairs and two small business events, including:

Online - Vetrepreneur Franchise Coaching Information - Aug. 1, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CT

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB

Check on Your Veteran Buddy!

For those with an immediate need, regardless of whether they are enrolled in VA benefits or health care, the Veterans Crisis Line is the fastest way to get help for someone in crisis or at risk for suicide. Dial 988 and Press 1, Text 838255 or Chat online.

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Discounts and Deals for Veterans

NFLShop.com is proud to offer a discount of 15% to customers who have served our country in the military or as first responders and their spouses and immediate families.

CATCH THE DISCOUNT

SAVE MONEY, FIND MORE DISCOUNTS

VA News:

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Download the VA Welcome Kit

VA WELCOME KIT

Find a VA facility near you.

FACILITY LOCATOR

Update Your Contact Information Online

Are you moving, currently receiving benefits or prescriptions, or enrolled in VA health care and want to know how to change your address? You can update your personal contact information anytime, anywhere through VA.gov. Log in or create a free VA.gov account today!

UPDATE YOUR INFO

VA Resources, we're here for you.

For any questions or requests, 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number.
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255
Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
Ask VA
Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment with a VA Benefits Expert

For non-urgent questions, you can reach VA using the VA Health & Benefits App or MyHealtheVet secure messaging to schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, and access your medical records.

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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.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 988, 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/.

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