
Quick Summary
- Programs, services and resources for veterans include mental health care, employment training and tax relief.
- Fairfax County is home to more than 65,000 veterans.
- View events around Veterans Day in the county and across the region.
With Fort Belvoir in our backyard and the Pentagon as a next door neighbor, there are an estimated 65,000 military veterans who live in Fairfax County (as well as 13,000 active personnel), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their service to our nation ranges from World War II to the conflicts in today’s news. We provide and support a number of veterans services and programs, as do state, non-profit and support organizations.
Veterans Day
We honor veterans everyday, but most especially in November and on Veterans Day. Visit Fairfax has compiled a list of events in Fairfax County, neighboring counties, D.C. and elsewhere to honor our vets.
Veterans in Need
- Mental health, healthcare and other resources designed for veterans and their families.
- The General District Court provides the Veterans Treatment Docket, a voluntary, court-supervised treatment program to help veterans who have been arrested and have substance use issues and/or have other diagnosed mental health conditions.
- Every day, dozens of veterans are experiencing homelessness in our county. We work closely with our community partners, including nonprofits and faith organizations, to provide housing and support services.
-
Medical Foster Homes give veterans an alternative to a traditional nursing home care setting, offering a smaller, community-based, family setting in a safe environment.
Employment, Training and Other Resources
- Veterans preference for Fairfax County Government jobs. Fairfax County is a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3)-certified organization.
- Our Human Services Resource Guide includes a comprehensive list of services available for veterans.
- The D.C. Chapter of Blue Star Families provides resources to help active duty, reserve and veteran military families transition, live and thrive in the county.
- Virginia Career Works provides individualized career counseling and job training for local veterans and their spouses.
- The Economic Development Authority has resources to help veterans interested in becoming an entrepreneur develop a business plan.
- The Virginia Department of Veterans Services also provides information on benefits; veterans education; transition and employment; care centers; veterans cemeteries; the Virginia War Memorial; and the Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program.
- The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir provides a comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American soldier.
Tax Relief
- Real estate tax exemption for disabled veterans or surviving spouses.
- Vehicle exemption/reduced rate for disabled veterans.
- Real estate tax exemption for surviving spouses of member of Armed Forces killed in action or in the line of duty.
Purple Star Schools Support Military-Connected Families
Eighteen Fairfax County Public Schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2023 Purple Star Schools.
The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
Veterans and Military Family Commission
The Veterans and Military Families Commission was recently created to identify issues and challenges facing Fairfax County:
- Veterans
- Active-duty Service Members
- Military Retirees
- Families
The commission strives to connect the military community with support, find service gaps and improve access to resources. The commission explores issues such as home and childcare costs, access to food, employment, and mental health. Issues like medical treatment, justice issues, homelessness, and education are also be considered.