Want to serve again—or support those who did? Start with AmeriCorps Seniors for 55+, VA hospital roles, Team Rubicon disaster teams, The Mission Continues service platoons, Red Cross SAF, DAV volunteer drivers, and Honor Flight guardians/greeters. Below is a fast, plain-English guide to who each program fits and how to apply today.
Quick answer: the best volunteer paths for veterans
- Mentor, tutor, or be a companion (age 55+): AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP (flexible, no stipend), Foster Grandparent (FGP) and Senior Companion (SCP) (offer small stipends if you qualify by income). Source: AmeriCorps Seniors brochures & guidance; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+2promote.americorps.gov+2
- Serve inside VA care: Volunteer through VA’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE)—formerly Voluntary Service. Source: VA CDCE; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov
- Disaster response & rebuilding: Join Team Rubicon (veteran-led; “Greyshirts”) or a Mission Continues Service Platoon in your city. Source: Team Rubicon; The Mission Continues; last checked Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon+1
- Support military & veteran families: Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces (including virtual casework). Source: Red Cross SAF; last checked Sept 12, 2025. American Red Cross+1
- Drive vets to appointments: DAV Transportation Network (largest program of its kind). Source: DAV; last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV+1
- Honor and accompany older vets to D.C.: Honor Flight (greeters, guardians, ground teams). Source: Honor Flight; last checked Sept 12, 2025. honorflight.org
Bottom line: Match the mission (mentoring, health, disaster relief, transport, or honoring service) to the program—there’s a place to serve for every veteran.
AmeriCorps Seniors: RSVP vs Foster Grandparent vs Senior Companion
What it is: The federal AmeriCorps Seniors umbrella for age 55+ volunteers. Core tracks:
- RSVP: Extremely flexible roles (food security, tutoring, tax/benefits help, disaster prep, and more). Source: AmeriCorps RSVP brochure & handbook; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+1
- Foster Grandparent Program (FGP): Mentors children in schools/Head Start/classrooms; small stipend for income-eligible volunteers. Source: FGP brochure; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov
- Senior Companion Program (SCP): Companions for frail adults; stipend for income-eligible volunteers. (Stipend policies are set by AmeriCorps Seniors.) Source: AmeriCorps guidance; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov
Background checks & safety: Stipended AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers (e.g., FGP/SCP) must clear National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC); RSVP placements follow host-site screening. Source: AmeriCorps NSCHC; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov
Where to find openings: Use the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder or your local sponsor’s page. Source: americorps.gov Pathfinder; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov
Bottom line: RSVP is the most flexible; FGP/SCP add stipends for eligible 55+ volunteers who mentor children or support older adults.
Volunteer at VA hospitals & clinics (CDCE, formerly VAVS)
What you’ll do: Escort patients, greet families, assist clinics, join programs like Compassionate Contact Corps, or support recreational therapy—roles vary by facility. Source: VA CDCE; CCC page; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov+1
How to apply: Contact your nearest VA medical center’s CDCE office or submit the “Volunteer Now” form; local staff handle interview, orientation, placement, and required screenings. Source: VA CDCE; FAQs; last checked Sept 12, 2025.
Source: VA CDCE “About/Volunteer at Facility,” last checked: Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov+2cdceportal.va.gov+2
Bottom line: If you want to serve inside VA care, start with your local CDCE office; they’ll match you to a safe, meaningful role.
“Serve again” in the community: Team Rubicon & The Mission Continues
- Team Rubicon (veteran-led): Deploy for disaster mitigation and response (floods, wildfires, hurricanes) and long-term recovery. Sign up on Roll Call to become a Greyshirt and complete training. Source: TR “About,” disaster response, and volunteer pages; last checked Sept 12, 2025.
Source: Team Rubicon, last checked: Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon+2Team Rubicon+2 - The Mission Continues: Join a Service Platoon for recurring neighborhood projects; lead events or pitch in alongside civilians. Source: TMC Service Platoons & Get Involved; last checked Sept 12, 2025. The Mission Continues+1
Bottom line: Prefer hands-on, physical service? These two put your military skills back to work in local communities.
Support military & veteran families: Red Cross SAF, DAV drivers, Honor Flight
- Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces (SAF): Roles include Hero Care Network casework (often virtual), hospital support, deployment-readiness workshops. Source: Red Cross SAF; last checked Sept 12, 2025. American Red Cross+1
- DAV Transportation Network: Volunteer drivers provide free rides to VA medical appointments; programs operate at VA facilities nationwide and are a lifeline for rural vets. Source: DAV; last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV+1
- Honor Flight Network: As a greeter/guardian/ground crew, help WWII/Korea/Vietnam-era veterans experience memorials in Washington, D.C.; 130+ hubs operate nationwide. Source: Honor Flight; last checked Sept 12, 2025. honorflight.org+1
Bottom line: If your heart is in direct support, these roles deliver immediate impact—from a safe ride to a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Comparison table: which program fits you?
| Program | Best for | Typical roles | Time commitment | Perks / notes | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP (55+) | Flexible service for 55+ | Food security, tutoring, tax/benefits help, disaster prep | From a few hours/month to weekly | Training; no stipend; local placements | AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder. Source: RSVP brochure/handbook, last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+1 |
| AmeriCorps Seniors – Foster Grandparent (55+) | Mentoring kids | Classroom reading/math mentor | Weekly | Small stipend if income-eligible; training provided | Local FGP sponsor via Pathfinder. Source: FGP brochure/income guidance, last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+1 |
| AmeriCorps Seniors – Senior Companion (55+) | Supporting older adults | Friendly visiting, respite | Weekly | Stipend if income-eligible; safety checks apply | Local SCP sponsor via Pathfinder. Source: AmeriCorps guidance, last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov |
| VA CDCE (all adults) | Serving inside VA | Greeter, unit support, Compassionate Contact Corps | Weekly or flexible | Training; required screenings | VA CDCE site or local VA. Source: VA CDCE & CCC, last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov+1 |
| Team Rubicon | Disaster relief | Muck-outs, chainsaw ops, logistics | Episodic deployments | Training; veteran-led teams | Team Rubicon Roll Call. Source: TR, last checked Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon |
| The Mission Continues | Ongoing local service | Parks, schools, neighborhood builds | Monthly projects | Leadership roles (platoon leaders) | Mission Continues – Service Platoons. Source: TMC, last checked Sept 12, 2025. The Mission Continues |
| Red Cross – SAF | Direct support to military/vets | Virtual casework, hospital support | Flexible; remote options | National training | Red Cross SAF portal. Source: Red Cross, last checked Sept 12, 2025. American Red Cross |
| DAV Drivers | Helping vets reach care | Drive to VA appointments | Weekdays; half/full days | Mileage coverage varies; recognition program | DAV volunteer driver page. Source: DAV, last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV |
| Honor Flight | Honoring older vets | Greeter/guardian/ground crew | Event-based | Training by local hub | Honor Flight hub pages. Source: Honor Flight, last checked Sept 12, 2025. honorflight.org |
7-step “apply now” checklist (save/print)
- Pick your lane: mentoring (FGP), companioning (SCP), flexible (RSVP), VA hospital (CDCE), disaster (Team Rubicon), ongoing community (Mission Continues), SAF casework (Red Cross), driving (DAV), or Honor Flight.
- Check basic fit: Age 55+ for AmeriCorps Seniors; others open to adults of all ages (some roles prefer vets). Source: AmeriCorps brochures; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov
- Know the screenings: Stipended FGP/SCP require NSCHC background checks; VA and Red Cross also screen/credential for clinical settings. Source: AmeriCorps NSCHC; VA CDCE; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov+1
- Set your time budget: weekly (FGP/SCP/VA) vs episodic (Rubicon/Honor Flight) vs monthly projects (Mission Continues).
- Gather documents: photo ID; driving record (DAV); references for casework roles; any medical or vaccination paperwork required by facilities. Source: DAV & Red Cross role pages; last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV+1
- Apply at the official portal (links above), respond quickly to orientation emails, and finish required training.
- Bring a buddy: many programs welcome spouses/caregivers and civilian friends—great for accountability and fun. Source: CDCE FAQs; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov
Bottom line: Decide what impact you want, confirm eligibility & checks, then apply through the official page and complete training.
Health, time & money: what to expect
- Stipends: Only certain AmeriCorps Seniors roles (FGP/SCP) offer small hourly stipends to income-eligible volunteers; RSVP does not. Stipend policy updates are posted by AmeriCorps Seniors. Source: FGP brochure; AmeriCorps updates; last checked Sept 12, 2025.
Source: AmeriCorps Seniors materials, last checked: Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+1 - Background checks: NSCHC is required for stipended AmeriCorps Seniors roles (and staff with vulnerable-population access). Facilities (VA/Red Cross) add their own screenings. Source: AmeriCorps NSCHC; VA CDCE FAQ; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov+1
- Training: All listed programs provide role-specific training; disaster programs (Team Rubicon) offer structured courses/exercises. Source: TR volunteer & training pages; last checked Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon
- Well-being bonus: Purpose, camaraderie, and routine are consistent benefits cited by these programs and their volunteers. (See AmeriCorps Seniors materials for volunteer health findings.) Source: AmeriCorps brochures; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov
Bottom line: Expect screenings + training; stipends exist mainly in FGP/SCP; everything else is purpose-driven service with strong support.
Sensitive program facts — source stamps
- AmeriCorps Seniors age 55+ & FGP/SCP stipends: Source: AmeriCorps Seniors brochures & income guidance; last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+2promote.americorps.gov+2
- NSCHC applies to stipended roles: Source: AmeriCorps NSCHC; last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov
- VA CDCE application path & FAQs: Source: volunteer.va.gov; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov+1
- Team Rubicon mission & “Greyshirt” onboarding: Source: teamrubiconusa.org; last checked Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon+1
- Red Cross SAF roles (virtual casework): Source: redcross.org; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteerconnection.redcross.org
- DAV Transportation Network scale & driver roles: Source: dav.org; last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV+1
- Honor Flight hubs & volunteer roles: Source: honorflight.org; last checked Sept 12, 2025. honorflight.org
FAQ Section
Can veterans join AmeriCorps Seniors?
Yes—AmeriCorps Seniors is for adults 55+, including veterans. FGP/SCP may offer small stipends if you meet income guidelines; RSVP is typically non-stipended. Source: AmeriCorps Seniors brochures/guidance, last checked Sept 12, 2025. promote.americorps.gov+1
Do AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers need background checks?
Stipended volunteers (e.g., FGP/SCP) must complete NSCHC. Host sites may add checks for RSVP placements. Source: AmeriCorps NSCHC, last checked Sept 12, 2025. americorps.gov
How do I volunteer at a VA medical center?
Contact your local CDCE office or submit the VA Volunteer Now form; you’ll complete orientation and screenings before placement. Source: VA CDCE, last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteer.va.gov+1
What’s the best disaster-response volunteer program for veterans?
Team Rubicon is veteran-led and trains “Greyshirts” for disaster operations; The Mission Continues leads recurring community projects if you prefer local service. Source: TR & TMC, last checked Sept 12, 2025. Team Rubicon+1
Can I support veterans from home?
Yes—Red Cross SAF offers virtual casework roles; many RSVP projects are remote-friendly; VA’s Compassionate Contact Corps includes phone-based visits. Source: Red Cross SAF; VA CCC; last checked Sept 12, 2025. volunteerconnection.redcross.org+1
Is there a way to help vets get to medical care?
DAV’s volunteer drivers take veterans to and from VA appointments nationwide. Source: DAV, last checked Sept 12, 2025. DAV
How do Honor Flight volunteers help?
As greeters/guardians/ground crew, you help coordinate trips and welcome veterans in D.C. and at airports nationwide. Source: Honor Flight, last checked Sept 12, 2025. honorflight.org
Takeaways & next steps
Takeaways
- AmeriCorps Seniors (55+) is the place for flexible mentoring/companion roles; stipends are mainly in FGP/SCP. promote.americorps.gov
- To serve inside VA care, start with your local CDCE office for screening and placement. volunteer.va.gov
- For hands-on missions, try Team Rubicon (deployments) or The Mission Continues (local platoons). Team Rubicon+1
- Prefer remote or family-support roles? Red Cross SAF offers virtual options. volunteerconnection.redcross.org
- Driving with DAV or welcoming with Honor Flight delivers immediate, visible impact. DAV+1
Next steps
- Open the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder and search your ZIP for RSVP/FGP/SCP. americorps.gov
- Call your local VA CDCE office or submit the Volunteer Now form. volunteer.va.gov+1
- Create a Team Rubicon Roll Call account or find a Mission Continues platoon near you. Team Rubicon+1
- If you want remote service, browse Red Cross SAF virtual roles. volunteerconnection.redcross.org
- To drive or greet, apply with DAV (driver) or your local Honor Flight hub. DAV+1
Disclaimer
This guide offers general information about U.S. volunteer programs; requirements and benefits vary by site and may change. Confirm eligibility, screenings, health/safety policies, and stipend details with the official program before you apply.