Pop Smoke
The Pop Smoke network of partners was created to provide a simple and digital pathway for veterans and their families to access the support they are seeking. By completing a simple profile and letting the network know what services you are interested in, referrals will be generated, and you will be contacted within 5 business days.
MACV
Housing and Legal Services – Having a roof over our heads and a place to call home are essential to living our best life. Our partner, MACV, is the best in the business at supporting vets who are searching for a place to live and their VetLaw program has assisted thousands of veterans navigate legal issues.
ETS
Clothing and Supplies – At one time or another, most of us have been in a position to need a hand up to support us through tough times. The ETS Supply Store is free for veterans and family members to shop through and acquire clothing, shoes, coats, boots, hygiene items, and much more.
Lockleed
Employment – these days, finding a job is easy, finding the job that is right for you is the tough part. Lockleed International is a veteran owned company which does everything in its power to place veterans into the right career considering every vet’s unique skill sets and experience. Companies are lined up wanting to hire veterans, and Lockleed makes the connection between you and employers and veterans never pay a dime.
DAV
VA Benefits – The DAV is the best in the business when it comes to fighting for veteran’s rights to disability compensation, VA healthcare, education benefits, and support for spouses and loved ones. Ensure you are receiving all of the benefits you have earned by reaching out to the DAV of MN.
Veterans Resilience Project
Warrior’s Return
Mental and Emotional Health – Good mental and emotional health is just as important as keeping up our physical health. The Pop Smoke network has 2 great options for veterans who are seeking to address mental and/or emotional challenges. The Veterans Resilience Project is a network of highly trained therapists who offer EMDR treatment at no cost to veterans. EMDR has a proven record of improving the mental health of those that have engaged in the therapy. Second, the Warrior’s Return course offers veterans an opportunity to find resources and expertise in a wide range of fields and topics. Everything from the REBOOT recovery course to workouts with certified trainers, advice from financial professionals, engagement with new ways of thinking taught by experts and exploration of what it means to carry a “soul wound”.
Recreation and camaraderie – Getting out of our own heads, getting to together with others, and having some fun is an essential part of life. Whether it is learning to scuba dive with Veterans Scuba, doing a ruck march with Operation 23 to 0, our partners are waiting for you to check in with them so you can check out for a while and have some fun.
About Pop Smoke
In the military, when things have gone wrong, and support and evacuation are necessary, we pop smoke. It is not only an opportunity, but a responsibility to put our hand up and seek support.
Veterans in MN are fortunate to have an extensive network of resources and services to tap in to when they are needed. Unfortunately, the sheer number of possibilities can be intimidating and confusing. The Pop Smoke network of partners was created to provide a simple and digital pathway for veterans and their families to access the support they are seeking. By completing a simple profile and letting the network know what services you are interested in, referrals will be generated and you will be contacted within 5 business days.
Pop Smoke also serves as the title for ETS outreach efforts. Look for our Pop Smoke outreach vehicle at events around the Twin Cities such as the State Fair, sporting events, job fairs, and wherever else we think we can run in to veterans!
