Marine Corps League of Naples
E.T. Brisson Detachment #063, Naples, FL
Marine For Life
MARINE FOR LIFE MISSION
The Marine for Life Program’s mission is to provide sponsorship for our more than 27,000 Marines each year who honorably leave active service and return to civilian life in order to nurture and sustain the positive, mutually beneficial relationship inherent
in our ethos, “Once a Marine Always a Marine”.
COMMANDANT’S INTENT
The program will enhance our investment in each individual, the Marine Corps, and the American society. The program includes initiatives involving commanders and Marine Corps culture, but its groundbreaking element will be the creation of an assistance network of and Marine Corps “alumni” to provide enhanced transition assistance and support to out transitions Marines.
END STATE
The end state of the Marine for Life program is a nationwide network available to all Marines honorably leaving active service that will improve their transition to
civilian life and ensure that no Marine who honorably wore the
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is lost to the Marine Corps family.
Marine Corps League of Naples Detachment Liaison:
Jerry Van Hecke
For more information &/or assistance contact:
Marine Jerry Van Hecke
239.451.0154
VETERANS ASSISTANCE
Collier County Veterans Service Office -- provides benefit assistance to Veterans and their families. 239.352.VETS [8387]
Need a ride to a VA Clinic / Health Center / Hospital 239.252.4VAN [4826]
Veterans Service Officer Alex Scardino -- veteranservices@colliergov.net
3339 Tamiami Trail East, Health Building H East, Suite #212, Naples, FL 34112
Naples VA Clinic 239.659.9188
800 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102
Monday -- Friday 8am to 4:30pm
Lee County VA Health Care Center 239.652.1800
2489 Diplomat Parkway East, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Monday -- Friday 8am to 4:30pm
Collier County [Naples] Vet Center 239.403.2377
The Vet Center provides readjustment counseling for a wide range of services offered to active duty, as well as veterans and their families, in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Confidentiality and privacy is respected and protected.
2705 Horseshoe Drive S, Suite #204, Naples, FL 34104
Vet Centers are open beyond regular business hours to accommodate veterans
24 Hour Call Center -- 1.877.WARVETS
Marine For Life Network -- The Marine for Life Network strives to connect transitioning Marines, veterans and their spouses to opportunities.
Connect with Marine for Life Network on LinkedIn
Visit Marine for Life Network Facebook Page
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund -- The fund exists to help qualified disable post 9/11 veterans. The mission is saving lives and keeping families together. They assist Florida Veterans transition with disabilities back into civilian life. They provide emergency financial support. Some items that they may provide assistance with is: Housing, Utilities and Transportation. They have started helping other than post 9/11 veterans.
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
1335 Old Dixie Highway, #3
Lake Park, FL 33403
561-855-4207
If you need assistance, and you live in Collier County, first contact the
Collier County Veterans Service Office. [contact information above]
The Injured Warriors Fund of Florida was created to provide financial aid and assistance to severely wounded service personnel and their families. Financial assistance will be considered to help the wounded Veteran and/or their spouses and/or dependent children to offset expenses of transportation, temporary housing, and certain daily living expenses, when such daily living expenses are incurred on an emergency basis.
Project: VetRelief assures that active and retired military members and their families can properly access and utilize the benefits earned with Service. When dealing with
a life emergency, PROJECT: VetRelief supports service members and families with immediate financial assistance. The funds provided are not a loan. Funds during a financial crisis are provided no strings attached.
407.295.2631 or 800.393.3378
Florida Veterans' Benefits...... find Florida state and local veterans’ benefits including education, employment, healthcare, tax breaks/exemptions, recreation and more
Scholarships For Military Dependents and Spouses; Florida Veteran Employment Benefits;
Florida County and Municipal Fee Exemptions For Disabled Veterans;
Florida Business Fee Waivers For Veterans; Certification For Florida Veteran-Owned Businesses; Florida Veteran Housing Benefits; Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program/Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC); Veterans Assisted Care Homes And Nursing Homes; Florida Veteran Financial Benefits; Tax Breaks for Veterans
Florida Homestead Tax Exemptions For Veterans;
100% Florida Property Tax Exemption For Totally Disabled Veterans
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Career Sources of Southwest FL -- partner with American Job Center and are a great source of assistance and information concerning your job search locally. Sign-up for their newsletter. 239.436.4301
3050 Horseshoe Drive, Building "A", Suite 119, Naples, FL 34104
Indeed.com --search for jobs, post resumes, etc -- https://www.indeed.com/
Hiring Our Heros, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation -- assistance in creating a resume -- https://www.resumeengine.org
“google” Jobs for Vets – numerous sites appear to be reviewed
Veterans Florida
Veterans Florida is a non-profit corporation created by the State of Florida to attract and retain veterans and their families by connecting them to employment, training and educational opportunities, and strengthen Florida businesses by educating them on the value and skillsets veterans bring to the workforce.
Hodges University
Career One Stop/ American Job Center
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. A proud partner of the American Job Center network.
Marine For Life Network -- The Marine for Life Network strives to connect transitioning Marines, veterans and their spouses to opportunities.
Connect with Marine for Life Network on LinkedIn
Visit Marine for Life Network Facebook Page
CAREERBLISS
Check this website. It is a national jobsite that has actual local jobs. I know this for a fact. I am still not in the job market but I still get emails from this website with local jobs that I would qualify for if I were still interested. This is a good website that in addition to jobs, it has a lot of good information and advice on building careers.
SPHERION STAFFING, Naples
Employment Agency / Recruiter; driving careers, growing businesses
4964 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL
239.494.3044
EDUCATION
Southwest FL State College [FSW]
Collier County Campus: 7505 Grande Lily Drive, Naples, FL 34113
Coodinator, Veterans Affairs Administrative Services -- 239.489.9398
Hodges University
Service to School (S2S)
S2S provides free application counseling to military veterans. Their mission is to
prepare transitioning military veterans for their next chapter of leadership by helping them gain admission to the best college or graduate school possible.
Service to School (S2S) helps with college guidance as well as the S2S VetLink Program.
VetLink is a partnership between Service to School (S2S) and select colleges and universities focused on identifying highly-qualified veteran applicants with an expressed interest in admitting them. Through VetLink, applicants are afforded an enhanced opportunity to showcase their military service and the university partners are introduced to more and more veteran applicants. S2S mentors work closely with VetLink applicants and guide them to make informed decisions.
Participating schools include
Amherst College, Cornell University, The University of Chicago, Emory University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame, Pomona College, Princeton University, Smith College, Stanford University, Syracuse University, Williams College, and Yale University.
THE BEST SCHOOLS.ORG
The Best Schools.org is an independent organization comprised of a dedicated group of educators, professionals, and authors providing the best resources and advice to assist learners through every step of their education, into their careers, and toward sustainable lifelong learning. The Best Schools.org have compiled several open-use guides to educational materials for current, past, and future military members to use in regard to academic resources necessary for their success. These guides cover scholarships, application processes, military academies, and other areas with the most current information.
These resources/guides are available for Florida’s service members to use at any time
*Making the Most of the GI Bill
*Attending College for Disabled Veterans
*Attending Military Academies
*Enrolling in Military Education
*Transitioning from College to Military
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
This website is a comprehensive directory of accredited on line Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. The accredit programs are nationwide. It not only shows most of the schools that provide the MSW online but provides information on the education required and information about the field.
Guide for Choosing a Trade Career for Returning Service Members
Many returning service members worry about choosing a civilian career they'll like — and that will give them the quality of life they deserve. The skilled trades offer a work environment that many veterans like, along with steady, reliable pay. Training in the skilled trades gives you knowledge that is always in high demand, and the chance to earn high wages.
PrimeWeld
856-537-4368
1001 Lower Landing Road, #205
Blackwood, NJ 08012
HOME OWNERSHIP / MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
Homes for Heroes of SWFL offers Real Estate Services and Closing Cost Assistance for all Active Military, Veterans, Police Services, Fire Services, Medical Services and Teaching careers. When buying, selling or building your next home for personal or investment use our program can be used no matter the type of financing source.
Lending to Heroes [ L2H ] offers assistance, guidance for all Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Teachers, Healthcare and Municipal Employees.
855.mtg.hero
VETERANS CRISIS LINE / NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
1.800.273.8255, press 1
Veterans Crisis Line is also available by Text or online Chat
Text 838255
Support for deaf & hard of hearing: 1.800.799.4889
The Veterans Crisis Line is a confidential, secure resource.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or distress or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
The Department was founded July 1, 1989 with the mission to advocate for Florida Veterans linking them to services, benefits, and support. The Department publishes a consolidated list of earned benefits, that range from additional property tax exemptions, veteran's preference for state jobs, educational benefits, and much more. A copy of "Florida Veterans' Benefits Guide 2019" can be downloaded at www.FloridaVets.org
The information provided on this M4L webpage is not an endorsement
of any organization, opinions, or views.
The information is provided only as an information source.
Always exercise discretion and caution.
THERAPEUTIC
Golden Paws Assistance Dogs
3645 Gateway Lane, Naples, FL 34109
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs.
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve.
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs provides education and community outreach in support of the mission through therapy and ambassador dog programs. Golden PAWS is a respected and sustainable organization that creates meaningful impacts for service dog recipients while making lasting contributions in support of our community and those we serve. Our extraordinary Goldens are the common denominator in all our work.
239.775.1660
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
206 Ridge Drive [just off North Goodlette Road], Naples, FL
Their "Operation Stride" mission is to improve the lives of Veterans through
Therapeutic Riding and Equine-related programs. All interaction is ground-work based.
Benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship: Opens an improved line of communication with family; Restores a strong bond with family; Gain confidence; Manager anger; Reduce Anxiety; Work together as a team; Develop strong interpersonal relationship skills
239.596.2988
For "Operation Stride" special Veteran event dates and more information, visit:
Veteran Barn Door Project
18531 Green Meadow Road, Fort Myers, FL
The Veteran Barn Door Project is committed to bringing balance and trust through Horsemanship training. Therapeutic horseback riding is the use of horses and equine-assisted activities in order to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people who have disabilities.
Services Offered
•
Horse riding lessons by certified instructors.
Horse riding lessons by certified instructors.•Non-riding therapy through horse grooming and care.
Non-riding therapy through horse grooming and care.•Opportunity for social interaction.
Opportunity for social interaction.•With instructors and volunteers that know horses you have a safe and welcoming environment.
With instructors and volunteers that know horses you have a safe and welcoming environment.•Other activities that promote and encourage positive sensory interactions.
Other activities that promote and encourage positive sensory interactions.•We can bring the horses to Veterans and their families to stables in their location.
We can bring the horses to Veterans and their families to stables in their location.•Supporting horse stables and their business.
Supporting horse stables and their business.•Fully insured for horse and rider.
Fully insured for horse and rider.Steven DePalma -- 802.917.3550; sdepalma@veteranbarndoor.com
Southeastern Guide Dogs
4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221
Our service dog program provides dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other challenges such as hearing loss, seizures, and balance issues. We have seen substantial success placing dogs with servicemen and women whose PTSD and other disabilities prevented them from returning to their previously active lifestyle.
941.729.5665; 800.944.3647 (Toll Free)
Freedom Waters Foundation
895 10th Street South, Suite 302-F, Naples, FL
Freedom Waters Foundation provides boating and fishing opportunities for Veterans and their family members, offering the opportunity to relax, leave their concerns on the dock and enjoy camaraderie with other veterans in a safe, enriching environment.
239.263.2377
ENTERTAINMENT / FAMILY ACTIVITIES / SPORTS
RESOURCES / DISCOUNTS
Financial Resources & Discounts for Military Families -- provides helpful financial guide aimed specifically to help military family members learn about resources, federal programs, retail discounts and deals for dependents of US Military
Vet Tix -- provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build
life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. Vet Tix provides tickets to all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, including immediate family of troops KIA.
VET TIX secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. For more information or to sign up online go to: https://www.vettix.org/
Please note: a small delivery fee to receive the free tickets will apply.
START/OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS
SCORE OF NAPLES -- Thinking of starting or already have a business check out SCORE.
The SCORE Naples chapter has over 65 experienced advisors with a wide variety of business backgrounds. In addition to free and confidential face to face counseling,
they offer a variety of resources, tools and educational workshops on topics of interest to small businesses.
SCORE OF NAPLES
900 Goodlette Road N
Naples, FL 34102
239-430-0081
MARINE CORPS ORGANIZATIONS
Marine Corps Recruiting Station Naples
7550 Mission Hills Drive
Naples, FL 34119
239-304-1126
Marine Corps Recruiting Station Ft Lauderdale
7820 Peters Road E101
Plantation FL 33324
954-452-0112
MARINE CORPS RESERVE UNITS
If you have finished active duty and have thought of maintaining an affiliation with the Marine Corps check out the Marine Corps Reserves. Having finished active duty, if you check out the reserves, join a reserve unit and find out that you can't participate for whatever reason you can leave anytime. The website lists every reserve unit in the nation. There are many benefits for participating as a Marine Reserve.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Many benefits and information available.
Join a local Detachment, connect with fellow Marines
Department of Florida Marine Corps League
US DEPT OF DEFENSE
The Department of Defense launched #KnowYourMil outreach initiative to connect the American public with their military and to help strengthen the civilian-military connection.
To receive the latest #KnowYourMil updates and news:
@DeptofDefense (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
@DoD_Outreach Hashtag: #KnowYourMil
Website: www.defense.gov/knowyourmilitary
The #KnowYourMil initiative encourageS new audiences to learn about their military, understand the connection to each other, and shed more light on the incredible service of the men and women in uniform.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Camp Lejeune Drinking Water
Letter from Department of the Navy, dated February 2021, regarding public health activities and benefits that may be available from the US Dept of Veterans Affairs
Click on "pdf" for more information and Resource Guide
Anyone who might have been at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or prior is encouraged to register or update your contact information at:
Call Center: 877.261.9782
Email: clwater@usmc.mil
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides several different compensation, benefits and assistance options to veterans who develop mesothelioma. Some of these compensation options are available regardless of whether the veteran's mesothelioma is service-related. There is also financial assistance for the surviving loved ones of mesothelioma veterans who passed away due to the disease.
Veterans make up the largest group of people diagnosed with mesothelioma because asbestos was so widely used by the military until the 1980s. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for Disability Compensation, Pension and/or medical care through the VA. Surviving spouses and dependents may also qualify for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor Pension and Aid & Attendance.
VA-accredited claims agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett
844-838-6376
US Dept of Veterans Affairs
VA plans expansion of benefits for disability claims for conditions related to certain toxic exposures
Fisher House
A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 84 Fisher Houses located on 25 military installations and 35 VA medical centers.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members, as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge.
Asbestos Exposure Benefits
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps have been exposed to asbestos in ships, airplanes and armored vehicles. Military housing for Marines also contained asbestos products. This has caused many Marine veterans to develop incurable diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
VA to Overhaul Disability Evaluations for Mental Health & Other Conditions
The Department of Veterans Affairs will change its disability ratings criteria for mental health conditions, sleep apnea and tinnitus, part of a major overhaul of the review process to ensure that compensation matches veterans' medical conditions and needs, department officials say. The VA plans to update its Schedule for Rating Disabilities -- its guide for determining how it evaluates and provides benefits for service-connected disabilities
NVision
Vision Care Guide for Veterans
SERVICE RECORDS
Request Military Service Records; Replace lost Medals-Awards;
Research using Military Records
HOUSING ASSISTANCE / TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Wounded Warriors of Collier County opens House for homeless veterans
For more information, visit:
VA and Homeless Veterans.
The VA initiated a program in 2009 to eliminate veteran’s homelessness.
The VA, working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides housing vouchers to homeless vets to assist in providing reliable rent payments and other extensive support services through VA Case Workers. According to a January 24, 2020 article in the Wall Street Journal, there are thousands of vouchers that have gone unused. The same article asserted that in 2009 there were 73,673 homeless vets and today there are just over 30,000 homeless vets. Even though the numbers have dropped significantly, there are still way to many homeless vets when there is assistance available.
In Collier County the person to contact is David Soldano, 239-403-2377
Veterans Outreach, 2705 Horseshoe Dr, Suite #204, Naples, FL 34104
Home Modifications for Wounded Warriors
Information and links to various Agencies and Government Departments, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), who provide a variety of veteran-specific services, including home modification assistance. These departments also offer grants, like the Specially Adapted Housing Grant, designed to help disabled veterans purchase or modify housing to accommodate their needs and living requirements.
TRICARE revises Telehealth Policy to Respond to COVID-19
To improve virtual access to health care during COVID-19, TRICARE recently revised its policy on telehealth services. This temporarily allows you access to care more easily during the constraints of the pandemic. These changes will
remain for the duration of the stateside public health emergency. They may
be in place overseas beyond the U.S. national emergency end date, based on
local conditions. For more information please see the article at:
Military Health System has additional information for MHS beneficiaries at:
Military Health System policies at:
DECEMBER 2020 info from Veterans Administration
VA 411 -- 1.800.698.2411
VA Welcome Kit and Quick Start Guides
VA GOV App Store
