Veteran Resources
Hot Lines
24-hour counselor access for Pepperdine students. Call 310.506.4210. Visit Pepperdine Counseling Center for other resources and support groups.
24-hour confidential Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the VA. Call 800.273.8255 (or just dial 988) and press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online.
24-hour confidential call center, 877.WAR.VETS (877.927.8387), where veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is composed of combat veterans from several eras as well as family members of combat veterans. The service is free for combat veterans and their families; they may also find these resources in person at their nearest Vet Center.
Veteran Support Organizations & Services
Department of Veterans Affairs: You only need to remember one number for information on VA care, benefits, and services
or to speak with a live agent for assistance. 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) serves
all members of the veteran and service member community seeking information or assistance.
The VA's Education Call Center (ECC) can be reached directly at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Military OneSource: Many Veterans are eligible for non-medical counseling from Military OneSource including health and wellness coaching. Phone: 800-342-9647.
Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN): Launched to streamline services, resources, and opportunities for veterans and their families in LA county, VPAN supports and also hires veterans as "battle buddies" and systems navigators to connect their brothers and sisters in need with resources that will help. Resources and services available include employment, mental health, substance misuse support, housing, family services, benefits navigation, and other information. VPAN is a free and confidential service. To request assistance or services, email VPAN, call (800) 854-7771 (ext. 3) for veteran services (9AM to 9PM daily), or fill out the VPAN Referral Form located on their website.
Vets4Warriors: Housed at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center in New Jersey, is a one-of-a-kind 24/7 peer support network. Originally supported by the National Guard Bureau and the U.S. Department of Defense, today Vets4Warriors.com operates independently of the U.S. military, complementing official government resources available to service members and veterans. We are committed to ensuring that all veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers always have direct and immediate access to a peer who understands their life experiences and the challenges they face, and can provide support whenever they confront an issue, wherever they are in the world. We help before challenges turn into crises. Phone: 855-838-8255.
MakeTheConnection.net: An online resource designed to connect veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives. Hear stories of recovery and building resilience from veterans like you.
American Legion Ronald Reagan–Palisades Post 283: The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran's organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Post 283 is a place where veterans can come together, bring their families, and enjoy the special things we have in common with our fellow veterans. For more information or to join, visit: Post 283.
CalVet Minority and Underrepresented Veterans Division: Underrepresented veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces can be added to the CalVet Minority and Underrepresented Veterans Division Roster. As part of the roster, you will receive updated information about benefits, programs, services, and resources throughout California. For more information, visit: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/MinorityVets.
VetResources, Department of Veteran Affairs (VA): VetResources is a weekly newsletter for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Have a resource to share? Post it on #VetResources. Sign up for VA updates by email or text.
California Department of Veterans Affairs: California veterans and their eligible dependents may be eligible for unique benefits and services in addition to those available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specific California benefits include college tuition fee waivers, motor vehicle registration fee waivers, special license plates, veterans driver's licenses, fishing and hunting licenses, parks and recreation discounts, CalVet home loans, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program support. Check out the CalVet Resource Book for more information. Contact your County Veteran Services Officer for local services and support.
Los Angeles County Military Veterans Affairs: The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides counseling and assistance to and acts as an advocate for veterans, their dependents and survivors regarding entitlement to benefits.
Los Angeles/Ventura Region - Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC): LINCs serve as unique contacts to help assess benefits status, needs, and resources for veterans in a geographic region. They have the connections and authority to find a solution to issues in real time and are a resource for VA veteran questions regarding education, housing, healthcare, and employment.
LA/Ventura LINC: Anthony Rodriquez, anthony.rodriguez@calvet.ca.gov, 213.342.7741.
Local Vet Centers: Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible veterans and active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage, and family counseling are offered in addition to referrals and connections with other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma.
Locations:
5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Suite 140, Commerce, CA; Phone: 323.728.9966
5730 Uplander Way, Suite 100, Culver City, CA; Phone: 310.641.0326
1045 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 150, Gardena, CA; Phone: 310.767.1221
9737 Haskell Ave, North Hills, CA; Phone: 818.892.9227
20946 Devonshire Street, Suite 101, Chatsworth, CA; Phone: 818.576.0201
12453 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Garden Grove, CA; Phone: 714.766.0161
Ventura Co: 790 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA; Phone: 805.585.1860
Orange Co: 12453 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Garden Grove, CA; Phone: 714-776-0161 or 26431 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 100, Mission Viejo, CA; 949-348-6700
Veteran Family Wellbeing Center: The UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center helps veterans and their families throughout the state of California learn techniques that are designed to improve communication, problem solving, emotional regulation, and other important relational skills essential for building resiliency. They offer services and workshops to couples, parents, entire families, and individuals. Services are free and offered virtually or in person on the West Los Angeles VA campus. They can also offer free rides to and from appointments within Los Angeles County.
Women Vets on Point: Women Vets on Point is an independent, not-for-profit program designed and informed by women veterans for women veterans in order to address critical needs and barriers to mental health care after military service.
Foundation for Women Warriors - Childcare Assistance Stipend Program: The Foundation for Women Warriors’ childcare assistance program provides stipends to women veterans and active-duty women for daycare (children ages 0-5), camp assistance (summer, winter, and spring) for 1st through 6th grade, as well as distance learning, learning pods, and hybrid learning. This program allows working or student veteran mothers in Southern California to maintain employment and pursue their educational goals while offsetting the cost of childcare. Stipends are paid directly to licensed care providers of the veteran’s choice.
Career Development & Employment
American Corporate Partners: Post-9/11 veterans can receive civilian career planning assistance through customized one-on-one mentorship with business leaders nationwide (typically one hour/month for one year). Since 2008, more than 17,000 veterans have found success with an American Corporate Partners (ACP) mentor. Last year, nearly 2,000 veterans found new employment with the help of their ACP mentor. ACP mentors are volunteers from one of 85+ corporate partners, including: Deloitte, Disney/ESPN, Lockheed Martin, Major League Baseball, USAA, PepsiCo, and Wells Fargo. Mentors seek to help by equipping mentees with resume and interview skills; searching for meaningful employment; building a professional network; and refining career goals. Mentorship of service members and veterans is available.
Disabled American Veterans: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream that their sacrifices have made possible. With nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation's heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them. You can access their career information and register for free seminars with thier Veterans Career Program.
Hire Heroes USA: Hire Heroes USA holds career webinars and engages in active outreach to employers with veteran hiring initiatives. They also partner with Pepperdine on our yearly Vets2Employers event.
Hiring Our Heroes: Hiring our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community (veterans, service members, and military spouses) with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong workforce. Check out their hiring events, fellowship programs and education/networking/engagement opportunities.
Talents ASCEND: Provides priority services to military veterans and their family members. Candidates that use their AI Skills matching platform match to employers based on the skills they want to use in their next careers.
Veterati: Service members, veterans and military spouses can set up free 1-hour mentoring phone calls with successful professionals. Veterati allows you to choose your own mentors and as many as you would like; their average mentee has 4 mentors (some have 25+ mentors). You'll have unlimited and free access to thousands of volunteer mentors including CEOs, recruiters, and entrepreneurs.
EMPLOYERS:
Accenture (Consulting)
Accenture is committed to hiring 5,000 US veterans and military spouses; resources
include scholarships for education and technology training.
Activision
We believe veterans bring incredible value to our company and society.
Amazon
If you are a Veteran, transitioning service member, military spouse or a member of
the military community, we encourage you to join our virtual hiring events. Amazon
currently has over 40,000 open roles that can provide great careers in a wide variety
of fields.
Amgen
A call to serve, a mission to help others, a dedication to making a positive difference,
and pride in what we do: These qualities unite military veterans and the professionals
of Amgen. When you become part of our team, you can expect full support in your transition
and opportunities to develop the leadership skills you bring to the table. You also
can continue to optimize your experience by participating in our Veterans Resource
Group, a network of fellow military service colleagues.
Bank of America
The bank has a hiring campaign for 10,000 veterans, and provides transition timeline
for recent vets.
BNSF Railway
The railway offers competitive pay, benefits, training, and advancement opportunities
for those transitioning from military to civilian life, organizations interested in
those with prior service, retired veterans, members of National Guard and Reserve.
Boeing Industries
Boeing provides a military skills translation tool to match with job openings; talent
network specifically for veterans; 15 percent of hires are veterans.
Booz Allen Hamilton (Consulting)
One-third of employees at Booz Allen are veterans; it offers formal programs and support
for military employee spouses.
CACI International Inc. (Information Technology)
CACI provides professional services and IT solutions needed to prevail in the areas
of defense, intelligence, homeland security, and IT modernization and government transformation.
Cintas (Service)
Cintas provides training and mentorship to help ensure a successful transition from
military service.
DaVita Healthcare Partners
DaVita offers extensive benefits like differential pay, medical coverage, Employee
Assistance Program and multiple transition programs (Veterans 2 Village, Thriving
After Military Service).
Deloitte (Consulting)
The Deloitte firm's Career Opportunity Redefinition and Exploration program (CORE)
helps veterans translate skills into the business environment.
Disney
Disney's Heroes Work Here Initiative is devoted to hiring and training veterans, it
offers interview help, networking, civilian transition, and resume help.
Enterprise Holdings (Car Rental)
Veterans, reservists, and spouses hold mission-critical roles throughout the organization.
FedsHireVets
The US Office of Personnel Management's government-wide veterans employment website.
is a critical component of the federal government's strategy for the recruitment and
employment of veterans. Veterans Services works across the federal government to increase
the number of veterans, transitioning military service members, and their families
employed and retained in the civil service. Currently, veterans represent approximately
31 percent of the federal workforce and still growing.
General Motors
GM offers multiple hiring initiatives, training programs, and partnerships with support
organizations (e.g., Hiring Our Heroes Program).
Hilton
The Hilton organization has made a commitment to hire an additional 20,000 veterans
and families.
Hire Heroes USA
Hire Heroes USA holds career webinars and engages in active outreach to employers
with veteran hiring initiatives. They also partner with Pepperdine on our yearly Vets2Employers
event.
Home Depot
Home Depot joined forces in 2004 with the US Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans
Affairs to provide career opportunities in stores and distribution centers across
the nation for current and former members of the military.
Intelligent Waves (Technology)
A veteran-owned small business, Intelligent Waves offers an Employee Assistance Program
that provides counseling and referral services to their veterans, whether they are
in need of personal, health, or wellness assistance.
J.B. Hunt Transport
Hunt's hiring program hires, trains, and helps veterans with successful career transitions.
JPMorgan Chase
Chase cofounded the Veterans Jobs Mission, a coalition of more than 235 companies
dedicated to employing US military veterans.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser created the Military Talent Network for connecting veterans with opportunities
that align with their interests and skill sets.
ManTech International Corporation (Technology)
Nearly 50 percent of ManTech's employees are veterans.
Navy Federal Credit Union
The armed forces bank serves members of the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, veterans,
and DoD employees.
Northrop Grumman (Aerospace and Defense)
Northrop provides extensive resources for transitioning veterans and a military skills
translator to help veterans identify current openings that match with their MOS/Rate.
PwC (Consulting)
Pricewaterhouse Coopers is a corporate member in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership
and has been recognized as a Top 50 Military Spouse Friendly Employers by GI Jobs
since 2014.
Raytheon
Raytheon created the Operation Phoenix Program, which provides opportunities for transitioning
military personnel who were severely wounded, injured, and/or ill during combat operations
in the global war on terror. A special dropbox for veteran resume flagging is provided.
Recruit Military
Recruit Military holds veteran job fairs year-round, and provides an active map of
events.
Schneider National (Transportation Logistics)
Over a quarter of all employees at Schneider National are veterans, in part because
the company accepts driving certifications through the Military Skills Test Waiver.
Starbucks
Starbucks' goal is to hire 25,000 veterans by 2025; the company offers support with
civilian transition and education benefits while working.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has committed to hire 5,000 military veterans and spouses.
Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad hosts regional Military Leadership Hiring programs to place
vets in management positions and sponsors UPVETS, which provides support, networking,
and mentorships to veteran employees; the company has a 61 percent veteran retention
rate.
UPS
UPS hires an average of 5,000 US veterans each year; it works closely with a number
of veteran, disability, and Wounded Warrior organizations to promote career opportunities.
USAA (Insurance)
This insurance company aims to maintain a 30 percent military and military spouse
hiring goal and achieve 25 percent military employee representation. Multiple military
assistance and outreach programs are offered.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The Customs and Border Protection office uses special h authorities for veterans,
which allow it to circumvent the typical job-application process by directly appointing
qualified veterans into positions within the workforce.
Verizon
Verizon is a top veteran employer according to Forbes. Company is friendly when it
comes to accepting military experience in lieu of certification and received a four-star
rating for veteran on-boarding.
Veteran Jobs Mission
The Veterans Jobs Mission is a coalition of 200+ leading member companies that represent
virtually every industry in the United States economy and are committed to hiring
dedicated to hiring 1 million veterans.
Walmart
Walmart Inc. guarantees a position to every veteran honorably discharged since Memorial
Day 2013.
Wells Fargo
The Wells Fargo bank strives to create a culture of growth and development that supports
veteran team members throughout their careers.
Xerox
Xerox actively seeks job applicants who are transitioning military, retired military
personnel, and veterans with disabilities, as well as military spouses and family
members for job opportunities; it is a proud partner with the Military Spouse Employment
Partnership (MSEP), the White House Joining Forces Initiative, the US Chamber of Commerce,
and "Hiring Our Heroes" Career Fairs.
Additional Resources
- Candorful
- FourBlock
- Handshake
- GI Jobs
- MilitaryHire.com
- RallyPoint
- United States Department of Labor
- USAJOBS Help Center
- U.S.VETS Career Network
- Veterans2Work
- Veteran Jobs Mission
- Vets.gov
- Work for Warriors
Pepperdine Student Veteran Points of Contact
Director, Student Veteran Affairs
The director of Student Veteran Affairs is the primary resource to help veteran and military-connected students navigate their Pepperdine journey. The director supports student veteran organization activities; leads active communication initiatives with veterans and military-connected students; provides fundraising engagement for veteran services and scholarship programming; initiates veteran-focused events and activities; serves as an advocate, mentor, and resource for student concerns; and develops outreach partnerships with alumni and federal, state, community groups, and organizations to increase information, support, and employment opportunities for military-connected students.
Eric Leshinsky
Veteran Affairs
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-7999
Student Information and School Certifying Officials
The student information and school certifying officials are the primary veteran services support and resources for VA education benefits information and processing (including Yellow Ribbon Program), and VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Program benefits advisement and orientation. They process requests for payment for all student VA benefits.
School Certifying Official
Office of the Registrar
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-7999