TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by DMVA.

The material provided in this publication is presented in summary form, is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only.

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About This Publication

The 2020 Resource Guide is a combination of information compiled from the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Commerce, and state and federal resources. This is one central location where you can find some of the most frequently accessed resources available to veterans, military service members, and their families. It is not an exhaustive list of all resources or protections available. Please contact NCDMA if you have questions regarding the content or if you need additional assistance.

ALL IMAGES LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0 unless otherwise indicated.

See https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode for terms and conditions. They are attributed to dvids, sdvietnamveterans, and soldiersmediacenter.

North Carolina’s tradition of being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation extends back even before the country was founded. Since the first Minutemen turned back British forces at Moore’s Creek, our state has strived to support the mission of our Armed Forces, and to be the place where veterans come to live, work, and raise their families. As Governor, I understand firsthand the gratitude we owe to the nearly one million service members, guard and reservists, veterans, and their families who call North Carolina home today. That is why my administration is working day in and day out to ensure that these families receive the benefits and respect they have so rightfully earned.

We also understand the importance of the leadership, integrity, and innovation that military veterans bring to our communities and workplaces. As home to some of the largest and most renowned military installations in the world, we know that North Carolina is ground zero for the cutting-edge training and experience that military service provides. When these highly skilled soldiers, sailors, pilots, and marines transition back to civilian life, we want them to continue to call North Carolina home—that’s why our state is one of the top 10 destinations for veterans after their service career.

Under the leadership of Secretary Larry D. Hall, the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is continuing the effort to keep North Carolina the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. As a Marine Corps

From The Governor

veteran and son of an army paratrooper, Secretary Hall knows what it means to serve and the impact that service has on the individual and those in their lives. That’s why this year alone the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has secured nearly $17 million in retroactive earned benefits to veterans and their families, under the most recent policy changes at the VA.

Each year, Secretary Hall and his staff produce the NCDMVA Resource Guide, a single publication that contains answers for nearly any kind of question a North Carolina veteran or family member might have. From finding a service office to applying for a scholarship, from information on veterans nursing homes or how to start your business, the Resource Guide is designed to directly meet the needs of veterans and their families.

As Governor, it’s part of my mission to ensure that every active duty service member, military veteran, and their families know that we respect and value their extraordinary sacrifice and contribution to North Carolina and the United States of America. You’re always home in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is the central state government agency dedicated to serving North Carolina’s active duty military service members, veterans, and their families. Since 2015, our staff has been dedicated to providing the highest levels of service to our state’s military and veteran community, with a responsiveness and integrity keeping with the principles and values we hold dear as North Carolinians. That’s the level of support we know our veterans deserve, and it’s in that spirit that we publish this annual Resource Guide, to ensure you and your loved ones have access to the support you’ve earned.

As a native North Carolinian, proud Marine, and the Secretary of the NCDMVA, I know firsthand the impact that military service can have on an individual and the loved