Military Connection: Ohio Veterans App: By Debbie Gregory

Across the nation, there are many communities, organizations and agencies diligently working to improve the lives of service members, Veterans and military families. As a means of thanking Veterans for their sacrifices, there is an increase in technological advances that benefit the Veteran community.

A new service from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services that is available through a mobile app provides Ohio Veterans, from all generations, with information and links to resources for employment searches, education benefits and news. The July 18, 2014 launch of the Ohio Veterans App contained upgrades from the original app. The new version, officially Version 1.3.0, expands availability to Veterans who utilize Windows devices. The original version launched in November of 2013. The app has over 6,500 users.

The latest version includes employment search functions that allow Veterans to find Ohio One Stop Centers and Small Business Development Centers by a variety of methods, and provides a map, directions and a point of contact at the centers.

Ohio Veterans who are interested in using their education benefits can access a bounty of information and resources regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other service-earned education benefits. The app provides a list of Veterans Resource Centers that are located on the campuses of public colleges and universities, including contact information and directions.

The updated version of the app also includes a button for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services Advisory Committee, with contact information for the Veterans’ organizations and affiliated organizations that make up the committee. Veterans can also have easy access to current news releases issued by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. The app also contains quick links to the department’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube).

One of the app’s most significant features is the “In Crisis” button. This tab is located on each page, and provides vital information to Veterans who might be facing immediate crisis. The tab provides direct access to a toll-free, 24/7 hotline, *******or******* a web site with a live chat feature, operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where Veterans can communicate directly with a trained counselor.

The app is available for download, at no cost, from the Windows, Google Play and iTunes stores, by searching the key words “Ohio veteran.” The department’s web site, www.ohiovet.gov, contains a link to the stores. The app is compatible with Windows, Android and iOS devices.

While this app is intended and designed for the exclusive use of Veterans residing in Ohio, it is encouraging to know that services of this type exist, and are gaining traction. Other states’ departments of Veteran services are providing, *******or******* are in the process of designing, similar apps of their own.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard &amp,amp,amp,amp,amp,amp,amp, Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Ohio Veterans App:  By Debbie Gregory