Veterans, military families, caregivers and community members in Asheville and Western North Carolina can connect with local veteran organizations, service groups, volunteer opportunities and programs that honor and support veterans.

This section is a starting point for veterans looking for connection, families looking for support and community members who want to volunteer, donate or help honor local veterans.

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Firehouse Subs Asheville serves made-to-order subs to guests across the Asheville area, with local restaurants on Tunnel Road and Patton Avenue. Through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the organization supports first responders, disaster relief efforts and members of the military through grant funding and community-focused programs.

Support from our sponsors helps make this free guide possible.

Blue Ridge Honor Flight

Blue Ridge Honor Flight takes veterans from Asheville Regional Airport to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials honoring their service.

The organization began as HonorAir in 2005. Blue Ridge Honor Flight says its board and volunteers plan two to three flights from Asheville Regional Airport each year.

Blue Ridge Honor Flight serves veterans and Gold Star family members and is part of the national Honor Flight Network.

Veterans, family members and community members can visit the Blue Ridge Honor Flight website to learn about:

  • Veteran applications
  • Guardian applications
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Flight schedules
  • Donations
  • Welcome-home events

This is one of the most visible veteran community programs in Western North Carolina and can be a meaningful way for families and volunteers to help honor local veterans.

Veterans Healing Farm

Veterans Healing Farm in Mills River supports veterans and their families through farm-based programs, fellowship and connection.

The organization says its farm-based therapies promote emotional, mental and physical well-being for veterans and their families. Its programs include organic farming, beekeeping, medicinal herbs, workshops, events and community connection.

Veterans Healing Farm
138 Kimzey Road
Mills River, NC 28759

Phone: 828-595-6111
Email: veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com

Veterans Healing Farm says everything it grows is given back to the veteran community and other local organizations in need.

Volunteer with Veterans Healing Farm

Veterans Healing Farm volunteer opportunities are open to veterans and non-veterans who want to support area veterans.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

  • Vegetable garden work
  • Flower garden support
  • Medicinal herb garden work
  • Beekeeping
  • Event help
  • Outreach
  • Fundraising
  • Administrative support
  • Community programs

The organization says there is no required time commitment and no prior farming experience is required for many volunteer opportunities.

American Legion Post 70, Asheville

American Legion Francy-Burdett Post 70 is based in Asheville and supports veterans, families and the local community.

American Legion Post 70
103 Reddick Road
Asheville, NC 28805

Phone: 828-299-8463
Email: admin@americanlegionncpost70.org

Post 70 is close to the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and has a long history in the community. The post supports programs including American Legion Baseball through the Asheville Cardinals and Junior Shooting Sports through the Cardinal Shooters.

Veterans interested in membership, meetings or local programs can contact the post directly.

Find an American Legion post or service officer

The American Legion also offers resources to help veterans and families find accredited service officers who provide no-cost assistance with VA benefits claims and other support.

Start here: Find an American Legion service officer

Veterans outside Asheville can also search for American Legion posts by location through the national organization or the American Legion Department of North Carolina.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts provide community, advocacy and support for eligible veterans of overseas conflicts.

VFW Post 5202

VFW Post 5202 serves local veterans and the community in Western North Carolina.

The post says it is dedicated to fostering camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts and serving veterans, the military and local communities through advocacy, support, recognition and assistance.

Veterans interested in membership, events or community programs can contact the post directly through its website.

Disabled American Veterans

Disabled American Veterans provides support for veterans and their families, including help with VA benefits, transportation, employment resources, transition support and advocacy.

DAV says it provides a lifetime of support to veterans of all generations, their families and survivors at no cost.

Veterans can use the DAV location tool to find nearby offices and chapters: Find DAV offices and chapters

DAV transportation to VA Asheville

DAV provides free van rides to and from VA Asheville health care facilities for veterans who do not have other transportation options.

VA Asheville DAV transportation information

Disabled American Veterans
Building 47, first floor
1100 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805

Phone: 828-298-7911

Hospital Service Coordinator:
1100 Tunnel Road, Room B421
Asheville, NC 28805

Phone: 828-298-7911, ext. 2914

The VA says DAV vans can provide rides to ambulatory passengers for scheduled medical appointments. Veterans should contact DAV or the hospital service coordinator to ask about scheduling, availability and eligibility.

Marine Corps League, Asheville Detachment 1417

Marine Corps League Asheville Detachment 1417 is a local Marine Corps League detachment serving Marines, FMF corpsmen and the veteran community.

Marine Corps League Detachment 1417
P.O. Box 16464
Asheville, NC 28816

Meeting location:
Long Shoals Baptist Church
661 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

The detachment lists meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Veterans interested in joining or learning more can contact the detachment through its website.

Marine Corps League Blue Ridge Detachment 848

Marine Corps League Blue Ridge Detachment 848 serves Marine veterans and supporters in Western North Carolina.

The detachment says civilians or veterans who support its mission may be eligible to become associate members. Community members can visit the detachment website to learn more about membership, programs and fundraising.

Veterans Bridge Home

Veterans Bridge Home connects service members, veterans and their families with resources across North and South Carolina.

The organization helps connect veterans and families with support for mental health, wellness, VA benefits, health care, housing, employment, transportation and other needs.

Veterans Bridge Home also supports community connection through events and referrals. Military and veteran event organizers can submit event information through the organization’s Carolinas Veterans events resources.

Start here: Veterans Bridge Home

Veterans Services of the Carolinas

Veterans Services of the Carolinas helps veterans, service members and families connect with support related to housing, employment, health care and community reintegration.

Phone: 855-962-8387
Email: vsc@abccm.org

Veterans Services of the Carolinas can be a helpful starting point for veterans and families who need help navigating several needs at once, including housing, employment, health care or connection to community resources.

Veterans Foundation of North Carolina

Veterans Foundation of North Carolina supports veterans rehabilitation, welfare and service work by helping unfunded and underfunded veteran organizations serving North Carolina veterans.

Community members who want to support veteran-serving nonprofits across the state can learn more through the foundation.

Volunteer opportunities to support veterans

Community members in Asheville and Western North Carolina can support veterans in many ways, including:

  • Serving as a Blue Ridge Honor Flight guardian or volunteer
  • Helping with welcome-home events for Honor Flight veterans
  • Volunteering at Veterans Healing Farm
  • Supporting veteran housing programs
  • Donating to veteran-serving nonprofits
  • Helping with local Memorial Day or Veterans Day events
  • Joining a veteran service organization, if eligible
  • Supporting transportation programs for veterans
  • Sharing verified veteran resources with families and caregivers
  • Checking in on veterans who may be isolated or disconnected

Before volunteering, contact the organization directly to ask about current needs, application requirements, training and scheduling.

How families can help a veteran connect with community

Some veterans may not know where to start or may be hesitant to join a group. Family members and caregivers can help by:

  • Asking whether the veteran wants connection, support or a specific type of activity
  • Looking for groups tied to the veteran’s branch of service, interests or needs
  • Offering to attend a first event together
  • Helping with transportation
  • Contacting organizations ahead of time to ask about accessibility or eligibility
  • Looking for low-pressure opportunities, such as volunteer days, breakfasts, workshops or community events

Connection does not have to start with a formal membership. For some veterans, a volunteer day, a phone call or a local event may be the first step.

Before you attend a meeting or event

Before visiting a veteran organization or attending an event, check:

  • Meeting date and time
  • Location
  • Parking and accessibility
  • Membership requirements
  • Whether family members or guests may attend
  • Whether registration is required
  • Whether the event is open to all veterans or limited to certain groups
  • Whether volunteer training or background checks are required

Schedules and contact information can change, so call ahead or check the organization’s website before going.

Explore the Veterans Guide

The 828newsNOW Veterans Guide includes local and regional resources for veterans, military families and caregivers in Asheville and Western North Carolina.