Español
Need to talk to someone now? Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: Dial 988, press 1 · Text 838255 · Chat

For Veterans, from a Veteran.

Our strength comes from the range of backgrounds, cultures, and stories that make it up. Here are two of those stories, plus free resources every Veteran should know about.

01

Medal of Honor

61

Veterans of Hispanic heritage have received the Medal of Honor, from the Civil War through Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez

Vietnam War · May 2, 1968

Then-Staff Sgt. Benavidez volunteered to run into an active battlefield near Loc Ninh, Cambodia, to rescue a Special Forces reconnaissance team pinned down by enemy fire. Over six hours of continuous combat he suffered a broken jaw and 37 bullet and bayonet wounds while pulling wounded teammates to safety. His commanding officer didn't expect him to survive and first nominated him for a lesser award. It took more than a decade to correct the record: President Reagan presented him the Medal of Honor in February 1981. He went on to fight for disabled Veterans' access to their benefits.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry

Afghanistan · May 26, 2008

Then-Staff Sgt. Petry was leading a raid in Paktya Province when he and a fellow Ranger were wounded by enemy fire. After he moved his teammate to safety, a grenade landed just feet from him and another wounded Ranger. Without hesitating, Petry picked it up and threw it away from his fellow soldiers. It detonated as it left his hand, costing him his right hand, and sparing his fellow Rangers from serious injury or death. In July 2011, President Obama presented him the Medal of Honor, making him the second living recipient for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. Today he continues to serve fellow Veterans as an advocate for resiliency and reintegration into civilian life.

See the full list of Hispanic and Latino Medal of Honor recipients at cmohs.org.

02

You don't have to go it alone.

Isolation is a real challenge for a lot of us after service. Through VA's VetResources Community Network, member organizations offer free, low-barrier ways to build routine, confidence, and camaraderie.

  • Early Alert for Veterans

    Confidential weekly text check-ins to help you stay on top of your wellness and connect to support when you need it.

  • Guitars for Vets

    A 10-week guitar instruction program for Veterans affected by PTSD and service-related trauma. You keep the guitar at the end.

  • Liberty Dogs

    Free service dogs and training for Veterans experiencing PTSD, plus a Warrior Wellness program for guided personal growth.

  • Veterans Talking to Veterans

    Veteran coaches bring peer support and coaching conversations into communities where Veterans live and gather.

03

Your GI Bill goes beyond college.

Traditional college isn't the only way to put your earned benefits to work. Veterans are using them to build real-world skills through non-degree pathways:

  • High-tech training

    Coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and other in-demand digital career tracks.

  • Trade certifications

    HVAC repair, trucking, EMT training, barbering and cosmetology, and other hands-on careers.

  • Apprenticeships & on-the-job training

    Earn a paycheck while you learn from approved employers.

  • Licensing & certification exams

    Cover essential credentials in fields from IT to real estate.

How to use your GI BillApply for VA benefits
04

Talking to someone helps.

When things feel overwhelming or hard to sort through, you don't have to carry it alone. Whether you have PTSD, know someone having thoughts of suicide, or just want to be prepared, help is there.

Veterans Crisis Line

Free, confidential support, 24/7, for Veterans and those who care about them.

988then press 1
Call 988, press 1Text 838255Chat online

Not enrolled in VA health care yet? Apply for VA health care (Form 10-10EZ).

05

From one Veteran to another.

Jorge Figueroa
Jorge Figueroa

Veteran · Loan Officer, NEXA Lending

I'm a Veteran, and I put this page together because these are the resources I'd want every brother and sister in arms to know about. No strings attached.

Today I help families with home financing through figcapital at NEXA Lending. If you've earned a VA home loan benefit and want to understand how it works, from eligibility to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to what to expect along the way, I'm glad to walk you through it. Veteran to Veteran. No pressure, no obligation.

Already own a home? If you need cash out of your equity, for whatever reason, ask me about your options.

Email JorgeCall 407-620-9798

jorge@figcapitalgroup.com · 407-620-9798