Veteran/Military Family Services

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Airstreams Renewables, Inc.
Carl Box
(931) 249-0828
Email: carl.box@air-streams.com
Accelerated certificate course leading to careers.  Approved for VA benefits.  30 day Wind & Communications Tower training.  Resume, interview, and placement assistance jobs available nationwide.  Monthly training start dates.  ACCET Federal accreditation.  Recognized Nationwide.

American Legion Post 23
Commander Roger Miller
(270) 781-1872
Dishman Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Email: smiller403@bellsouth.net
The American Legion has a special visitation program for veterans in the nursing homes and convalescent centers in Warren County.  The average numbers of veterans visited each month ranges from 50-60 residents.  The Legion also provides travel support to veterans in the BRADD area for appointments at the VA Hospital in Nashville.  Transportation occurs five days a week.  Service officers are available weekly to assist veterans with benefits, issues, and other related family services. (from 9AM-12PM on Thursdays.)

Barren River Area Career Centers
Donald "Mac" McGlothlin
(270) 746-7265
Email: Donald.mcglothlin@ky.gov
Employers and employees now have access to a wide variety of important services designed to help meet their challenges all under one roof at the Barren River Area Career Centers.  Through the centers, our clients have direct access to resources about everything from jobs to specialized assistance and training programs designed to improve lives, improve production and retention, and develop a world-class qualified/trained workforce.

Blue Star Mothers of America Western Kentucky Chapter 7
P.O. Box 86
Madisonville, KY 42431
Email: wkybsma@hotmail.com or donna.slaton@gmail.com
Blue Star Mothers of America provides packages to deployed troops.  Blue Star Mothers of America also supports the Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson and assists American Legion Post 6 with Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemorations.  They also sponsor Hounds 2 Heroes dogs for veterans and provide social/networking assistance to motehrs and families of service members in all branches.  They continue to find new ways to support and honor veterans.

Bowling Green Military Liaison Board (City of Bowling Green)
Kim Bouchey
(270) 393-3077
Email: boucheycrew@yahoo.com
The Bowling Green Military Liaison Board provides a forum that allows veterans to raise concerns to the city and county governments.  It is also responsible for organization brick laying ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial downtown and running the City of Bowling Green's Annual Veterans Day Parade.  The board is comprised of 10 members who serve three-year terms.  Prospective members are recommended by the board and appointed by the Mayor.  The board meets on the last Monday of each month at 9AM.  All meetings are held in the City Commission's Chambers at City Hall.  These meetings are open to the public.

Center for Courageous Kids
1501 Burnley Road
Scottsville, KY 42164
(270) 618-2901
www.courageouskids.org
Email: info@courageouskids.org
Military Weekends: Serving children with life threatening illness, chronic conditions, and lifelong disabilities is what CCK does 90% of the year.  The other 10% of our programming is equally special to us -- hosting the men and women that have served our country.  Four weekends in 2015.  Military families that have a child with special needs have been enjoying CCK since we opened.  They come throughout the year to attend our Family Weekend Retreats or their child attends one of our 9 weeks of summer camp.  Our Wounded Warrior Camps began in 2008.

Community Blueprint Project
Col. William Lytle or Dr. Ray Biggerstaff
(270) 432-2638 or (270) 202-6991
This project focuses on the eight major areas of veteran need: education, reintegration, housing, family strength, employment, behavioral health, volunteerism, and financial assistance.  This service effort is sponsored by the Military Officer Association of America in cooperation with the Southern Kentucky Veterans Council.  The local project will work in conjunction with the Department of Defense's Warriors and Family Support Office in an effort to better serve the families throughout the Barren River Area Development District.

Community Blueprint Project: Homelessness
Family Programs: Contact: Ron Georgette
Community Support Specialist SSVF
(615) 426-2126
Bowling Green: 824 Broadway
CBP is working in partnership with Center Stone Agency in promoting supportive services for veterans.

Community Blueprint Project: Volunteerism
Veteran Service Officer: Denzil Lyle
(270) 234-6678
Volunteer Coordinator for Hosparus: Debbie Fairloth
(270) 799-3337
CBP is working in partnership with Hosparus to sponsor the veteran's initiative which is a process of honoring veterans that are patients with the organization.  Home visitations help veterans with a number of problems related to but not limited to benefits and special family services.

Cumberland Hall Hospital
Brad Kirkman
(270) 889-2127
Cumberland Hall provides clinical care for the men and women and their families who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Our Clinical team recognizes that military personnel and veterans face multiple readjustment issues after serving in active combat situations.  These issues can include PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, grief, anger and survivors' guilt.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20
(270) 678-4021
1297 W. Cleveland Ave
Glasgow, KY
Service Officers:
Charles McCubbins: (270) 678-5766
Dan Atkinson: (270) 678-2487
The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 provides services to veterans their families.  The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 helps their clients obtain military records, Veteran Administration Benefits, and medical assistance.  Also, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 has a color guard that provides the military rites for Honorably Discharged veterans at time of burial.  Families may contact their funeral director, or the Color Guard Commander for assistance in arranging this service.  The Color Guard also performs flag ceremonies and other veteran related ceremonies.  For more information on the color guard please contact the Color Guard Commander, Billy Houchens, at (270) 651-8470 or the Vice Commander, Mike Wilson, at (270) 579-2525.

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)
Western Kentucky University
Rita Meredith: Counselor
(270) 745-4441
www.wku.edu/eoc
The Educational Opportunity Centers' mission is to provide free information and assistance for adults who seek education beyond high school.  We offer free career, admission, and financial aid application assistance and advisement.  EOC gives you the tools to find your way to a better future through higher education.  EOC provides the following services: Educational Information, Financial Aid Information, Referral Services, Application Assistance, Academic Career Advising, and Workshops.  Eligibility: 19 years of age or older, expresses desire to enroll in postsecondary education, and a United States citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Phillip Miller
(502) 607-1532
www.jointservicessupport.org/ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve provides information about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). It also provides recognition through awards for employers who practice personnel policies that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve and Statement of Support certificates for you to display as you join thousands of employers nationwide who support and promote the military service of employees.  ESGR also provides professionally trained Ombudsmen for neutral mediation concerning USERRA compliance issues and local ESGR field committees to assist you in every state and territory in the US.

Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana
John Mustain
Coordinator of Veteran Services and Community Outreach
(502) 637-4440, Ext. 16
Email: jmustain@efky.org
Provides a variety of services to Kentucky's veterans with an emphasis on "Operation Outreach," a program for OEF/OIF combat veterans.  More information can be found online at: www.saluteyourhealth.org and www.efky.org.

Family Assistance Center
Danielle Rice
FAC Specialist, HRCI Contractor
410 Cavalry Drive
Glasgow, KY 42141
(502) 607-2358
Email: danielle.r.rice.ctr@mail.mil
The Family Assistance Center offers Family Services (financial, household, counseling, and health benefits), Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC), ID Cards (DEERS), Child and Youth Services, TRICARE (Medical/Dental Insurance), Red Cross Emergency Assistance, Veterans Benefits, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Education Services Offices, and Military OneSource.

Hot Rides of Heroes
Robert Mills
(931) 801-5731
Email: Robert@leadsledimaging.com
Car & bike show to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

In Gear Career
Katie Lopez
(727) 688-0184
Email: Katie.lopez@ingearcareer.org
A national nonprofit organization that provides professional development and networking opportunities to career-minded military spouses.  More details can be found online at www.ingearcareer.org.

Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations of Kentucky (JECVO)
This statewide veterans organization serves as an advocate for veterans their families dealing with but not limited to issues such as legislation, medical care, communication, and education.  JECVO membership includes 23 veteran organizations, associations, and service organizations dedicated to the common good for all.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of the Commissioner
1111B Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-9203
Fax: (502) 564-9240
veterans.ky.gov
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) was established on October 1st, 1998.  The Department is charged with helping veterans and their families obtain all federal, state, and local veterans benefits which they have earned.  To that end, KDVA serves the veterans of the Commonwealth in three primary areas of support: healthcare, benefits, and cemetery operations.

Marine Corps League - Toys for Tots
Janel Doyle
Sgt. Malcolm Cherry
(270) 781-3642
Sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Toys for Tots was started nationally in 1947 and has been providing toys to children in Bowling Green area since 1969.  Each child gets one new toy, a book and three stocking stuffers.  Toys for Tots has been ranked as the best children's charity in the world by Reader's Digest.

Military Student Services - Western Kentucky University
Tonya Archey - Director
Kent Johnson
Joshua Smith
(270) 745-2180
Tate Page Hall Rm. 408, WKU Main Campus
The Military Student Service Office acts as a hub of information and assistance to veterans, military students and their dependents attending WKU.  We offer textbooks through the Textbooks for Troops program for all those eligible, assistance with GoArmyEd and other tuition assistance, we operate the Veterans Resource Center (Tate Page Hall Rm. 410) and have Candoo, WKU's therapy dog shared with the Kelly Autism Program.  For the complete list of resources and services provided visit our website: www.wku.edu/veterans.

Military Officers Association - Cumberland Trace Chapter
Dwight Pounds, President
(270) 843-4820
dwightpounds@insightbb.com
Ray Biggerstaff, Chairman for Nursing Home for Veterans Project
(270) 202-6991
commalertrb@aol.com
The MOAA is working with the BRADD offices to prepare a project proposal to go to the federal government requesting approval to construct the next veteran's nursing home in Bowling Green, KY. MOAA also presents community service awards, supports the Marine Corps League and sponsors the Col. Joe Wright Memorial Scholarship, given annually to a Veterans Upward Bound student.  MOAA is also in the process of implementing a Community Blueprint initiative to improve services to all veterans in South Central Kentucky.  MOAA is also the sponsor of the Nursing Home for Veterans Project.

Military OneSource
1 (800) 342-9647
Military OneSource provides real help anytime, anywhere at no cost to you for active duty, Guard or Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.  Military OneSource offers consultations, research referrals, in-person counseling, Healthy Habits coaching, financial counseling, and educational materials.  Interactive website: Go to MilitaryOneSource.com for expertly prepared information, resource lists, financial calculators, moderated chats, audios, and podcasts.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Bowling Green Affiliate: (270) 796-2600
428 Center Street
NAMI-BG supports and works cooperatively with the Wellness Connection, also located at 428 Center Street.  This is a peer run service center for those recovering from mental illness.  Support meetings, educational links, networking, and socialization are all free of charge. The contact number is (270) 796-2600 (Tuesday-Friday 10-4:00; Saturday 12-4:00).Support and education are offered by NAMI-BG for the family and loved ones as well, (First and third Tuesdays at 7:00PM) at the Wellness Connection. Also offering the Family to Family 12 week course yearly, at no charge.  The latest facts about mental illness and coping with your loved ones mental illness are given.

Natural Resources Conservation Services
Ray Gonzalez
(270) 843-1112
Natural Resources provides volunteer programs, internships and career opportunities for veterans.

New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Inc.
Sandi Carter
(270) 777-3600
Volunteer Coordinator
www.nbtr-bg.org
Special programs for veterans.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.
Bill Coyne
Regional Coordinator
(615) 403-4623
Email: bill.coyne.phwff@gmail.com
www.projecthealingwaters.org
PHWFF is a unique community-based not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of active duty military personnel and veterans with disabilities through the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing.

Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 3
LTC Richard Palmer
(502) 545-0030
Email: Richard.palmer1@us.army.mil
Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder is a class 501(c)(4) non-profit organization with over 90 chapters chartered throughout the United States and members abroad.  Rolling Thunder Charities, Inc. spends thousands of dollars each year in financial aid, food, clothing and others essentials to veterans and veterans' families in need, women crisis centers and toys for children.

Soldier Support of Bowling Green
Ashleigh Keefer
(270) 320-3152
Ashley Slaughter
(270) 320-7701
Email: ssofbgky@yahoo.com
Soldier Support of Bowling Green celebrates and supports our local military members by holding community family events to show our appreciation for service members from our area.  SSBG has sponsored many events including Summer for Soldiers, Christmas for the Soldiers, and Bowling Green Fine Arts Gala.  Since 2011, they have raised over $20,000 and mailed local deployed military members of all branches over 1,000 care packages annually.

Student Veterans Alliance - Wester Kentucky Universty
(270) 745-5837
Email: student.veterans@wku.edu
SVA's mission is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education.  SVA strives to create positive atmosphere through academic, professional, and social programs. SVA provides direct assistance to veterans through peer-to-peer support with the Vet-to-Vet Sponsorship Program, networking opportunities at our annual campus and community Veterans Meet and Greet, academic support and information to veteran specific assistance, and host social events throughout the year.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families
824 Broadway Avenue
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 282-0121
Ron Georgette
(615) 426-2126
Email: ron.georgette@centerstone.org
Supportive Services for Veteran Families provides assistance to veterans their families who are at risk for homelessness in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

USA Cares
Jennifer Simpson - Director of Outreach
(270) 352-5451 (Ext. 136) or (270) 352-5456
USA Cares exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing Post 9/11 military families with financial assistance and advocacy on their behalf in their time of need.  Assistance is provided to all branches of service, all components, and all ranks while protecting the privacy and dignity of those military families and veterans who request our help.

US Department of Veterans Affairs
1 (800) 827-1000
Go to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov, your one-stop shop to apply for and learn about your benefits.  You can also visit the nearest VA regional office, call 1 (800) 827-1000, or go to our website at www.va.gov/benefits for more information.  The US Department of Veterans Affairs offer major service areas such as disability compensation, pensions, education and training, vetsuccess, life insurance, home loans, and health care.  VA also offers burial and memorial services to honor our Nation's deceased veterans.  VA also honors the sacrifices of service members' and veterans' dependents and survivors through many benefit programs.

VetCenter (Nashville)
(615) 366-1220
Outreach Specialists
Email: jose.melcio2@va.gov
VetCenter provides individual readjustment counseling, group meetings & counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, marital & family counseling, employment counseling & guidance, benefits assistance & referral, substance abuse information and referral, community education, liaison with community agencies, weekly PTSD support group meetings in Bowling Green, and mobile counseling unit.

Veteran Benefits at SKYCTC
(800) 790-0990 or (270) 901-1000
1845 Loop Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101-3601
Building A, Room 28
Veterans Benefits at SKYCTC is a School Certifying Official (SCO) that coordinates federal and state education benefits programs for veterans and eligible dependents through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.  The SCO will assist you with your application for benefits and certify your enrollment to the VA Regional Processing Office.  The office is open from 7:30AM to 4:00PM.

Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential Help for Veterans and their Families
1 (800) 273-8255 (Press 1)

Veterans History Project - Western Kentucky University
Gary Villareal PH.D.
(270) 745-8923
Veterans History Project provides a video recording of veteran's life and military experience at no cost to the veteran.  It also provides scholarship opportunities for veterans enrolled at WKU.

Veterans Tickets Foundation
VetTix can provide free event tickets to all kinds of things all across the country such as football, baseball, soccer, basketball, concerts, zoo passes, plays, and more!  You can sign up using the following link: www.vettix.org

Veterans Upward Bound - Western Kentucky University
Rick Wright
(270) 745-5008
Jones Jagger Hall Rm. 127, WKU Main Campus
Email: Rick.wright@wku.edu
Veterans Upward Bound is a free educational program. It helps low-income veterans and also veterans who are first generation college students get admitted to colleges and vocational schools.  VUB also offers students many support services including: academic advising, financial aid counseling, help with getting GI Bill benefits, and help with filling out school admissions applications, scholarships, gas stipends, and more.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1298
Glenn Skaggs, Commander
(270) 781-1872
1965 Highway 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Email: vfwpost1298@hotmail.com
The VFW Post 1298 sponsors an annual scholarship for the Veterans Upward Bound program, participates in Bowling Green's Annual Veteran's Day Parade, and they host their annual Veterans Day dinner for veterans and their families.  Service Officer Gary Villareal helps veterans get their VA benefits, healthcare needs, and other services.  The VFW Ladies Auxiliary does youth projects, donates to cancer aid research, organizes visits to nursing homes and helps the family readiness group at the local National Guard armory. Service officers are available to assist veterans with applications for benefits and other support services on the third Friday of each month.

Vocational Rehabilitation - US Department of Veterans Affairs
Stephanie Gabbard
(270) 846-2092
955 Fairview Ave. Suite 100
Bowling Green, KY 42102
USDVA provides service to veterans with a service-connected disability rating through the VA.  Every veteran is provided an evaluation to determine if they meet the entitlement criteria for services.  If entitled, they would then receive services under one of the five tracks depending on their individual circumstancesL re-employment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, and independent living services.

Wellness Connection
428 A Center Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 296-2600
Wellness Connection is a consumer-operated, peer run service program that is owned, administratively controlled and operated by mental health consumers and emphasizes self-help as their operational approach.  NAMI-BG and LifeSkills, Inc. are filling this need through the Wellness Connection.  The Wellness Connection promotes advocacy, education, support, and recovery through the VETS-4-VETS Program.

WKU Sports
Lindsay Boyden
(270) 745-6562
Email: Lindsay.boyden@wku.edu
Develops and delivers special events to honor military members and veterans before many WKU sports activities.

Yellow Ribbon Program
William T. Rice - Program Specialist
Office: (502) 607-2210
Yellow Ribbon hosts events for soldiers and their families before deployments to assist them with the stresses of preparing for deployment.  Events are held during deployment for families to assist with issues that have risen after their soldier has left.  Yellow Ribbon also hosts events for units after they come home to help the soldiers and their families reintegrate back into society and deal with the stresses of coming home.  All of these events are at no cost to the family or the soldier.

Veterans Affairs Facilities

Bowling Green VA Outpatient Clinic

600 US 31 West Bypass, Suite 12
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 782-0120

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Robley Rex VA Medical Center

800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: 502-287-4000 | 800-376-8387

Nashville VA Main Campus

1310 24th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-327-4751 | 800-228-4973

Alvin C. York VA Campus

3400 Lebanon Pike
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: 615-867-6000 | 800-876-7093

Veteran/Military Family Services