VA Launches New Site for Returning Vets

The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new Web site today aimed at informing recent veterans of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq about the benefits available to them upon their return. The new site is the department's first big embrace of Web 2.0 and builds on its presence on Facebook, YouTube and Second Life.

The site's wording and layout tries to make the site as easy-to-navigate as possible for veterans and their families. A "How do I get help?" page states questions and answers in clear English and prominently posts related telephone numbers. It also posts frequently asked questions, including "I don't feel like myself since I came home from Afghanistan. Is this normal?" with links to answers and resources.

Perhaps most critically, the site welcomes veteran feedback and will eventually link to veterans' personal blogs.

"We are their VA, so we are eager to provide a forum for Veterans to discuss their lives," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's principal deputy undersecretary for health.

Visit the site at http://www.oefoif.va.gov/ (acronyms for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom).