National Resource Directory: A Valuable Link for Military Community

Posted by Jennifer Hunt, Veteran & National Resource Directory Subject Matter Expert on December 8, 2010

This post is courtesy of the Disability Blog. http://www.dcoe.health.mil/blog/article.aspx?ID=1&postID=176

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces have deployed across the globe. Overseas or stateside, these service members do not bear burdens alone; their loved ones share the challenges of reintegration to civilian life as well.

As the need for transition resources grow, government agencies and grassroots organizations are expanding to support wounded warriors, service members, veterans and their families. These efforts by government agencies and non-profit organizations to support our wounded warriors, veterans and their families have created what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen calls the “Sea of Goodwill.” The next step in assisting those who have served and sacrificed is to create a connection to those people, agencies and organizations available to help service members and veterans transition. The National Resource Directory provides that link.

A partnership of the U.S. Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, the National Resource Directory creates a link between military and veteran communities and the ‘Sea of Goodwill’ by providing online access to more than 11,000 programs, services and resources at the national, state and community levels. With nine different subject areas, including education and training, employment, homeless assistance and health care, the directory helps veterans, service members and their families navigate the variety of organizations and agencies providing services. Furthermore, the directory acts as a beacon for service organizations to connect with the communities they support.

Over the coming years, as more service members return home from war zones and transition back into civilian life, the resources that create the ‘Sea of Goodwill’ will remain vital to ensuring successful community reintegration. Through its partnerships, the National Resource Directory is honored to act as a compass, sending wounded warriors, service members, veterans and their families on a path to success.

Jennifer Hunt provides subject matter expertise to the National Resource Directory team. Having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, she offers valuable perspective on the needs of returning service members and their families. Prior to joining the directory team, Jennifer worked for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as for the U.S. Department of Defense. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. and continues to serve as a civil affairs specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve.