Veteran's Assistance


    The links provided below are intended for the purpose of providing our shipmates and others with helpful information and opportunities for research.   The content of the websites referenced are the responsibility of their respective organizations and USS Duluth Crewmembers Association makes no claim nor takes any responsibility for the content or accuracy of the websites’ information.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

College Education Information

    The following link is for those beginning their transition from Active Duty to Civilian life.   This like helps with your Education and the steps to fulfilling the next goal in your life.    College can be a wonderful experience, but getting there sometimes is daunting and challenging.    These websites will help in overcoming those obstacles.


*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Veterans Guide

    As a former servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task.   There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force.   Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.   They provide comprehensive educational materials and direct access to a panel of expert counselors and legal professionals in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, LLC (NAVDA).

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Veteran Suicide Information

    Sadly, 20+ U.S. Military Veterans commit suicide every day.    If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, please use one of these to contact someone at the VA Veterans Crisis Line who can help:  (800) 273-8255 then press 1, or confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or Text to 838255. 

    Here are links to some additional information on this:

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

*** Informational Links for ***

***Agent Orange***

    Below, are links that may prove helpful to USS Duluth crew members and/or their families pertaining to the use of and exposure to Agent Orange.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

 Mesothelioma Information   

Mesothelioma also plagues many Navy Veterans, as asbestos was used extensively on U.S. Navy ships.   Below, are links to sites with information that may be helpful for veterans and their families struggling with mesothelioma and related issues:

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Sleep Issues Information

    For those who may be experiencing sleep related issues, the links below may provide some helpful information.

    This page deals specifically with PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) and sleep:

    This is the home page of the site:

(Many categories of useful information can be found under the "Sleep Disorders" & "Sleep Resources" categories, near the top of the home page.)

         Tuck Sleep

 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

PTS & Substance Abuse Information

    For those who may be struggling with Post Traumatic Stress and or Substance Abuse, or who knows someone who is, here are a few links to some information on related topics:

    Vaping Daily

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Aging Care Information

    The National Council for Aging Care's Guide on Military Veteran Benefit Options:

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Memory Issues

  Those individuals who are experiencing or are concerned about memory issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer's can feel overwhelmed.  Getting the right diagnosis, as early as possible, is the first step in receiving the right care.  Understanding the condition and getting the right treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure the best quality of life.  From therapies to medications, new and innovative treatments are being developed all the time to improve the quality of life of those living with memory impairment.  This site provides a wealth of information:

 *******************************************************


Deployment Care Packages

    To directly support the morale of a loved one in the military, sending a personalized letter can make a huge difference.   Supporters who want to go one step further can put together a unique and individualized care package to help make deployment a little easier.



**********************************************************************

Cold War Recognition Certificate Program

Cold War Recognition Certificate Program:

    In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991, are eligible.

    This link (Cold War Recognition Certificate Program (army.mil)) is the official site for information Cold War Recognition Certificates.    This site is operated by the United States Army, the executive agency for the Cold War Recognition Program.   Cold War Recognition Certificates are available to qualified individuals at no cost.    Any other site offering these certificates or replicas for sale or purchase are not official sites and are not approved or endorsed by the US Army.

    Due to the remarkable success of this program, turn-around time for mailing certificates will be a minimum of two months.   The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. Please do not request feedback prior to 2 months from the request date.   Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.

    All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991, are eligible.   Individuals requesting a certificate will certify that their character of service was honorable.   Acceptable supporting document for proof of service is any official government or military document with recipient's name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number, and date of service.   Please only send copies of supporting documents.

    To apply for a certificate, follow these instructions to submit your application.

    Fill out the application available from the link below or at the website provided above.   Complete all fields that are applicable.

Print the application.   You must certify your honorable service by signing and dating the application or your application will be rejected.   If you are unable to print the application you may submit a signed and dated letter containing the same information as the application.   You must include the phrase "I confirm my faithful and honorable service to the nation during the Cold War Era."

    Mail or fax the application to the Cold War Office along with your supporting document to:

                            Commander, USAHRC

                            Cold War Recognition Program

                            ATTN: AHRC-PDP-A, Dept 480

                            1600 Spearhead Division Avenue

                            Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408

    You may also email your application to:

                            usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@mail.mil

    An acceptable supporting document includes any official government or military document that contains the recipient's name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number, and a date showing at least one day of service during the Cold War era (2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991).   

    Examples of acceptable documents include a Leave and Earnings statement, DD214 or other Discharge Paper, or SF50 (Civilian Personnel Action Form.)  Please send a copy of your supporting document, DO NOT SEND the original document.  Original documents cannot be returned. 

    You may also contact via email usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@mail.mil

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

     The information provided here about the Cold War Recognition Certificate Program was reprinted from the official web page(s).  Refer to the official website whose URL is provided in the second paragraph above for more information, FAQ's etc.

    Click on the link below to download the PDF file with the application for obtaining your certificate.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *