Resources

Pacific County is grateful for the opportunity to support our Veterans who have served our country with honor.  The Veterans Assistance Program offers temporary financial assistance.

To apply for assistance, contact your local Veterans Post or Veteran Service Officer:

• American Legion Post 150 - 221 Duryea, Raymond 98577 - Contact: 360/942-3034

• American Legion Post 48 - PO Box 686, Ilwaco 98624 - Contact: Teresa Bryan - 360/642-2041              

• VFW Post 3721 - 318 N 2nd, Long Beach 98631 - Contact: 360/642-1228

• VFW Post 968 - 131 Duryea St, Raymond 98577 - Contact: 360/942-3082

See Policies and Procedures for eligibility guidelines. 

For questions regarding the program, please contact Veterans Services Clerk, Amanda Bennett, Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm at (360) 875-9334.

County Services for County Veterans

The Veterans Bureau administers the Veterans' Assistance Fund as mandated by State Law to provide emergency relief to indigent veterans residing in Pierce County. The purpose of the Veteran's Assistance Fund is to provide emergency assistance to qualified veterans in need. It is funded by Pierce County using property tax dollars. We are not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and assistance is provided on an emergency need basis only. 

Partnerships

We also partner with other agencies and organizations to act as a central collection point for the veteran community. 

• The Pierce County Veterans Bureau has the right to verify all information on any application and to share information with other counties to establish statistical data and prevent fraud.
• Assistance is provided in the form of vouchers only. No cash is provided.
• Non-receipt of checks (VA, Social Security, Military Retainer, etc.) is not considered automatic entitlement to assistance.
• The purpose of the Veterans Assistance Fund is to provide emergency assistance to qualified veterans in need and is funded by Pierce County using property tax dollars. We are not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and assistance is provided on an emergency need basis only.

For More Information

For more information about services offered by the Veterans Bureau, call us at (253) 798-7449 or toll free at 1 (800) 992-2456.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service. 

Our Central Office is located in Olympia and includes a Veterans Service Center as well as administrative support for all agency programs.

WDVA offers long-term care in our four State Veteran Homes (the Washington Soldiers Home, the Washington Veterans Home, the Spokane Veterans Home, and the Walla Walla Veterans Home) for honorably discharged veterans, and in some cases, their spouses. 

The Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness Divisions provide claims assistance as well as counseling services for veterans and their family members.  And our State Veterans Cemetery honors veterans in their final resting place.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service. 

Our Central Office is located in Olympia and includes a Veterans Service Center as well as administrative support for all agency programs.

WDVA offers long-term care in our four State Veteran Homes (the Washington Soldiers Home, the Washington Veterans Home, the Spokane Veterans Home, and the Walla Walla Veterans Home) for honorably discharged veterans, and in some cases, their spouses. 

The Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness Divisions provide claims assistance as well as counseling services for veterans and their family members.  And our State Veterans Cemetery honors veterans in their final resting place.

Antioch University welcomes military veterans and military-connected students to our campus. We are deeply grateful to those who have served our country in war and peace and honored to have them join our Antioch community.

Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) is part of the ArtsWA Community of Care Initiative. WAM supports the growth of artists and arts organizations who have arts and wellness programs for military connected communities. WAM began in 2017 as a Community Connections Project supported by the NEA Creative Forces Military Healing Arts Network. Through summits, convenings, and key partnerships, the WAM program has grown to include arts programming grants, training, funding, and outreach.

Welcome to Bates Technical College!

Our Veterans Affairs Benefits office is dedicated to supporting your transition into higher education. We offer:

• Peer connections for veterans new to higher education.
• Links to federal, state and local veteran resources to assist you.
• Direct collaboration with the college to address the unique needs of our veteran students.

To get started:

• Explore Career Pathways: Complete a career assessment and discover our diverse programs on the pathways page.
• Steps to Enrollment: Follow the Steps to Enrollment to become a student.
• Veterans Affairs Benefits: Visit Veterans Affairs Benefits for information on applying for VA Education and Training benefits and how to use them at Bates Tech.

For personalized assistance, we offer a dedicated veterans' benefits employee and a Vet Corp Navigator, available to help current and prospective military-connected students access benefits and provide referrals to campus and community resources. 

We look forward to supporting you on your educational journey at Bates Technical College.

Centralia College is an approved institution for the education and training of veterans, reservists and the children and spouses of deceased or 100% "total and permanently" (with no further exams pending) disabled veterans.

Services Available:

• Assistance with the college application and registration process
• Assistance throughout the education benefit application process
• Notification of enrollment and enrollment changes to the VA
• Help in interpreting, explaining and implementing VA policies and college regulations

The CPTC Veterans Resource Center is a place for veterans and their family members to connect with other veterans and non-veterans to create and learn about community resources within the college and surrounding communities. In addition, the center provides services specifically designed for veterans.  It is not just an office, but rather a place where veterans can find and build their community within the college. 

In addition to the CPTC Vet Corp Veterans Navigator, Peer Navigators are available to assist current and prospective military-connected students with accessing benefits as well as providing referrals to a number of campus and community resources with the goal of helping veterans balance their academic and personal demands. Specific services include:  

• Tutoring 
• Support for veterans' student group 
• Activities for veteran and military students and their families 
• Public presentations and speakers 
• Workshops for veteran and military students 
• Faculty and staff training 
• Food pantry 
  
  The Veterans Resource Center is located in Building 2, Room 109 on the Lakewood Campus. 

Forefront Suicide Prevention is a Center of Excellence at the University of Washington focused on reducing suicide by empowering individuals and communities to take sustainable action, championing systemic change, and restoring hope.  

Lower Columbia College is committed to ensuring that all veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and their families have access to the educational benefits and resources entitled to them.

The Office of Veterans Services at North Seattle College offers a range of assistance to veterans, reservists, active duty personnel and eligible family members who receive Veteran’s Administration education benefits.

We provide help with any issues having to do with veteran status and serve as a resource for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

We also offer certification services for anyone eligible for: Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill ® ; Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill ® ; Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation; Chapter 35/ Aid for Eligible Family Members and Chapter 1606/1607 Selective Reservists.

Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding More than a Veteran supportive campus.

For the past 6 years, since NWSWB officially enrolled to become a veteran supportive campus with WDVA, we have grown, learned and adapted over the passing days. I stand 4th in line as the Vetcorps representative for our school, which is tucked away in Port Hadlock, WA. The passing of the position has been a serene service from veteran student to veteran student. Chiefly, with the support of the school, staff, and all students we interact with, everyone is keen to support all veterans at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Part of the reasoning: the school itself is greatly invested in the surrounding community and cultures.

Having attended multiple educational institutes across the U.S. I have had my share of what, “I” thought schools were like, as a veteran supportive campus. That is until I enrolled in NWSWB back in 2018. Once the selection process has been made, which happens quickly but with much deliberation, all staff reach out and contact the selected students and veteran students. I was contacted by the then, Vetcorps team member. Letting me know, and ensuring there is and will be a veteran on campus to assist with any questions and concerns. I was contacted multiple times, via email, phone calls, even letters USPS.

The amount of effort and stamina the school gives every year to all students. New, returning, and veterans. Goes beyond what a supportive campus is. Port Hadlock,WA is a very small town next to multiple tiny towns on the peninsula. People come from all over the globe to attend our school programs, including service members about to exit the United States Military. And no matter where you are coming from, moving to a small community, even from a small town, can be, and is, trying. The School sets ALL students first, and communicates with everyone about moving to the peninsula with a clear and honest picture.

The full reason I chose to become a VC rep. after they asked if I would join the schools team was the fact they want no gaps in communication and interaction with current local veterans, veteran students and any veteran interested in our programs. NWSWB works with and supports the Vetcorps representative in the new school year and through. All school staff listen and participate in any and all training seminars held by the current Vetcorps member. NWSWB Executive Director has a huge part and heart for the veterans that attend here. They ensure all are being heard and listen to on a daily basis. One big precedent of Veteran supportive Campus institutions involves providing a space for Veterans. The space is intended for resources, communication, meditation, and gatherings. When NWSWB was accepted as a “VSC”, the school created a space for the Veterans. Called the “Veterans Loft”. With all the High energy to set up a Vet space, a few ideas arose.  The campus heard, listened, and walked the talk. With the aid of current Veteran students, Veteran instructor, and the Vet Corps member. We worked with the Executive Director and found a location suited for our new “Veteran Student Resource Center”.

NWSWB-VSRC is fully furnished and equipped for all students to utilize to the fullest. NWSWB provided resources, time, equipment, material, and assistance for setting up our VSRC to be ready for the first class back in March 2021. They allowed myself and the other Veteran students to partake in setting up the space for all to feel welcomed. With the effort and flexibility of all the staff and instructors at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. It has allowed myself and our Veteran Students to tend to what has to be. The confidence the school has in every Vetcorps member that comes through. Allows us to work with the veteran students more freely and openly. While it maybe going into there perspective shop, setting up a meet and greet with our local Vetconnect aid, Rita Frangoni. Allowing the students to attend any and all events held out of school,during school hours. But also, NWSWB, like said before. Are heavily invested in our surrounding community and sister schools. As a VC member. My duty is to serve those who served. And that doesn’t stop at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. I assist Port Townsen School of Woodworking veteran students when needed. I work with NWSWB in setting up a relation with PTSWW to stay in contact with students. In which, I believe helps more then the community. It helps a human in more ways then we know.

Olympic College is a public two-year community college that educates more than 13,000 students a year. Founded in 1946, the college has three campuses in Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton and serves a population of 280,000 residents living in Kitsap and Mason Counties. Olympic College Military & Veterans Programs’ mission is to serve Veterans, Active Duty, and their dependents in their educational goals every step of the way. Assisting in Outreach, Enrollment, Transitions, Navigating and processing VA (Veteran Affairs) and DoD (Department of Defense) Benefits, and advising to meet their specific needs.  Military & Veterans Programs (MVP) Support Center provides a centralized location for Active Duty, Veterans, and their dependents to obtain assistance with their education benefits, receive tutoring, have computer and printer access and the ability to work closely with military success coaches, support specialist, Vet Corps and VA certifying officials. The MVP Benefits Office provides a wide number of services, with a focus on students who are accessing benefits from the Department of VA, Department of Defense-Education, and Washington State.

MVP is also a partner PAVE campus. PAVE is a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with student veterans already on campus to help them navigate college life, identify challenges they face, refer them to appropriate resources on or off-campus, and provide ongoing support. Through peer support from other student veterans on campus, PAVE builds on the camaraderie veterans' experience in the military to create a sense of community and connectedness that contributes to academic and personal success.

Path with Art offers multi-disciplinary arts programming, offered quarterly with a specific emphasis on the veteran experience. Our programming is guided by the Veterans’ Program Steering Committee which is composed of veterans and community members who work with veterans.

All veterans are eligible for our programming. Our programming is free for all participants.

As a veteran, member of active duty military personnel or dependent, you may qualify for a variety of resources to help you pay for your education as well as other services that may help you to achieve your educational goals. Benefits include:

• 50 percent off tuition waiver for qualified military personnel and veterans
• Early registration for veterans each quarter
• Easily transferable credits
• Courses taught on campus, online and through distance learning programs
• College Transfer program and Professional/Technical programs
• Active and diverse campus dedicated to student success
• Dedicated staff aimed at supporting veterans during the transition and in the path for college success.

Seattle Pacific University’s military roots span generations among students who have served honorably around the world. Today we welcome a new wave of veterans and have military-friendly resources to serve our veterans and their dependents as they embark on their educational journey at SPU.  SPU continues to partner with the WDVA to cultivate a veteran friendly education atmosphere and present opportunities and avenues to success for veteran students. 

Welcome FIRST-GEN AND MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

The Outreach Center is a community and resource space for members of the Seattle University community who identify with the first-generation college student experience and the military-connected student experience.

We acknowledge and affirm our community’s multiple intersecting identities, including low-income, international, undocumented and DACA, and graduate students.