Georgia Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Georgia serves approximately 700,000-740,000 veterans - about 7.6% of the state's population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Georgia, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Georgia veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Georgia has 3 VA medical centers, 10+ community-based clinics, 2 state veterans homes, and 7 Vet Centers

Education: HERO Scholarship for Guard/Reserve dependents, Yellow Ribbon schools, and strong GI Bill support at major universities

Employment: State hiring preference (5-10 points), Fort Moore (23,000+ jobs), Robins AFB (24,000 employees), massive logistics hub in Atlanta metro

Veteran Population Hotspots: Metro Atlanta (~298,000), Muscogee County/Columbus (Fort Moore), Houston County/Warner Robins (Robins AFB)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Georgia

VA Medical Centers

1. Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center

Address: 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: (404) 321-6111 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 466 beds (tertiary care facility)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services (PTSD, depression, substance abuse)
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular, cardiothoracic)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Spinal cord injury care
• Polytrauma support
• Women's health clinic
• Prosthetics
• Pharmacy
• Audiology
• Optometry
• Physical therapy
• Homeless veteran services

Specialty programs:

• PTSD residential rehabilitation
• Substance abuse treatment
• Blind rehabilitation
• Telehealth services
• Domiciliary residential treatment

Parking: Available on-site, free for veterans

Serves: Metro Atlanta, north Georgia

2. Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center - Augusta

Address: 950 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: (706) 733-0188 Main line: 1-800-836-5561

Bed count: 338 beds

Services:

• Primary care
• Emergency care (24/7)
• Mental health services
• Surgery
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pulmonology
• Spinal cord injury center (one of 24 in VA system)
• Polytrauma care
• Women's health
• Geriatrics
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory services
• Imaging
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Specialty features:

• Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Center: One of only 24 VA SCI centers nationwide, providing comprehensive care for veterans with spinal cord injuries
• Research programs in partnership with Augusta University
• Telehealth capabilities

Parking: Available on-site

Serves: East-central Georgia, western South Carolina, parts of South Carolina Lowcountry

Adjacent facility: Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home - Augusta (state-run skilled nursing)

3. Carl Vinson VA Medical Center - Dublin

Address: 1826 Veterans Boulevard, Dublin, GA 31021 Phone: (478) 272-1210 Main line: 1-800-595-5229

Bed count: 178 beds

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Geriatrics
• Hospice and palliative care
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Radiology
• Physical therapy
• Audiology
• Optometry

Specialty programs:

• Rural health initiatives
• Telehealth for remote areas
• Community Living Center (long-term care)

Parking: Free on-site parking

Serves: Central and south-central Georgia, particularly rural areas

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Georgia has an extensive network of CBOCs providing primary care, mental health, and specialty services closer to where veterans live.

Atlanta Region

East Point VA Clinic Address: 1513 Cleveland Avenue, East Point, GA 30344 Phone: (404) 321-6111 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Lawrenceville VA Clinic Address: 1970 Riverside Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone: (404) 321-6111 Services: Primary care, mental health

Stockbridge VA Clinic Address: 224 Willow Lane, Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (404) 321-6111 Services: Primary care, mental health, podiatry

Oakwood VA Clinic (Hall County) Address: 3931 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566 Phone: (404) 321-6111 Services: Primary care, mental health

Augusta Region

Evans VA Clinic (Columbia County) Address: 4369 Highway 20, Evans, GA 30809 Phone: (706) 733-0188 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care

Thomson VA Clinic Address: 2111 White Oak Road, Thomson, GA 30824 Phone: (706) 733-0188 Services: Primary care, mental health

Savannah VA Health Care Center Address: 325 West Montgomery Crossroad, Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: (912) 920-0214 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty clinics, imaging

Dublin Region

Albany VA Clinic Address: 1607 North Jefferson Street, Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (478) 272-1210 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Columbus VA Clinic Address: 1310 Wellborn Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Phone: (478) 272-1210 Services: Primary care, mental health

Macon VA Clinic Address: 3797 Northside Drive, Macon, GA 31210 Phone: (478) 272-1210 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Valdosta VA Clinic Address: 2841 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: (478) 272-1210 Services: Primary care, mental health

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members. These are non-medical settings focused on readjustment counseling.

Atlanta Vet Center Address: 1700 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 110, College Park, GA 30349 Phone: (404) 321-6111 (press 1 for Vet Center) Services: PTSD counseling, depression, MST counseling, readjustment counseling, family counseling

Augusta Vet Center Address: 2050 Walton Way, Suite 100, Augusta, GA 30904 Phone: (706) 729-5762 Services: Individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, MST support, family counseling

Columbus Vet Center Address: 2601 Cross Country Drive, Suite B, Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: (706) 596-7170 Services: Readjustment counseling, PTSD, MST, combat stress, bereavement counseling

Lawrenceville Vet Center Address: 930 River Centre Place, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Phone: (678) 442-3082 Services: Combat veteran counseling, PTSD, MST support, family counseling

Macon Vet Center Address: 750 Riverside Drive, Suite 103, Macon, GA 31201 Phone: (478) 477-3813 Services: Readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, MST services, group therapy

Marietta Vet Center Address: 40 Dodd Street SW, Suite 700, Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: (770) 423-7800 Services: Individual counseling, PTSD, depression, MST, bereavement counseling

Savannah Vet Center Address: 8110 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: (912) 961-5800 Services: Combat veteran counseling, PTSD, MST, family services, group therapy

24/7 Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387 (confidential support anytime)

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Atlanta VA Medical Center: Generally rated above average for specialty care; primary care wait times average 10-20 days

Augusta VA Medical Center: Known for excellent spinal cord injury care; average wait times 7-14 days for primary care

Dublin VA Medical Center: Strong rural health services; typically shorter wait times due to lower patient volume

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing Care)

Georgia operates two state veterans nursing homes providing skilled nursing and memory care:

1. Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home - Augusta

Address: 1101 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: (706) 721-2331 Admissions: (706) 721-2618

Capacity: 192 beds

Services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Memory care/dementia care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Recreation therapy
• Hospice care

Location advantage: Adjacent to Augusta University Medical Center and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

Eligibility: Veterans who served in U.S. Armed Forces with honorable discharge; some beds for spouses

Cost: Sliding scale based on income; VA Aid & Attendance benefits can help cover costs

2. Georgia War Veterans Home - Milledgeville

Address: Milledgeville, GA (contact for exact address) Phone: (478) 445-4281 Admissions: (478) 445-4295

Capacity: 262 beds (largest state veterans home in Georgia)

Services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Long-term care
• Memory care
• Rehabilitation services
• Recreation programs
• Chaplain services

Campus: Four buildings on approximately 17 acres

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans; spouses may qualify for some beds

Cost: Based on ability to pay; accepts VA aid and attendance, Medicaid

How to apply: Contact facilities directly or visit veterans.georgia.gov/state-war-veterans-homes

Education Benefits for Georgia Veterans

Georgia HERO Scholarship Program

Georgia's HERO (Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring) Scholarship is the state's premier education benefit - but it's specifically for National Guard and Reserve members and their families, NOT all veterans.

Eligibility:

• Children and spouses of Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserve members who:
  • Were deployed to a combat zone on or after February 1, 2003, AND
  • Were killed, died, or became 100% permanently disabled as a result of injuries received in that combat zone

Children must:

• Have been born before or within 9 months of the qualifying term of service
• Be 25 years or younger during the qualifying term of service

Benefit amount:

• Covers tuition and fees at Georgia public universities and colleges
• Renewable each academic year
• Must apply within 2 years of gaining eligibility

Qualifying schools: All Georgia public institutions:

• University of Georgia
• Georgia Tech
• Georgia State University
• University of West Georgia
• Kennesaw State University
• Georgia Southern University
• Valdosta State University
• All University System of Georgia schools
• All Georgia technical colleges

Application: gafutures.org/hero

Important limitation: This does NOT cover all 100% disabled veterans' dependents - only Guard/Reserve members disabled in combat zones. Active duty veterans' families should use federal GI Bill benefits.

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Georgia schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for undergraduate and graduate students Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,800/month (Atlanta metro rate) Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Office Phone: (404) 894-4508 Website: veterans.gatech.edu

Why it's valuable: Top-ranked engineering school; graduates command high salaries in aerospace, defense, tech

University of Georgia (Athens)

Yellow Ribbon: Participating (limited slots - verify annually) Benefit: Covers gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition BAH rate: ~$1,400/month Veteran enrollment: 1,000+ student veterans

Contact: Military & Veteran Resource Center Phone: (706) 542-1234 Website: veterans.uga.edu

Georgia State University (Atlanta)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,800/month (Atlanta metro) Veteran enrollment: 2,000+ student veterans (largest in Georgia)

Contact: Military Outreach Center Phone: (404) 413-2070 Website: veterans.gsu.edu

Advantage: Urban campus, strong business programs, part-time friendly for working veterans

Kennesaw State University

Yellow Ribbon: 50 undergraduate slots, 50 graduate slots Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,800/month (Atlanta metro) Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Contact: Veteran Resource Center Phone: (470) 578-2660 Website: vets.kennesaw.edu

Emory University (Private)

Yellow Ribbon: Participating (generous for qualifying veterans) Benefit: Significant tuition assistance beyond GI Bill BAH rate: ~$1,800/month Veteran enrollment: Smaller but well-supported

Contact: Office of Veterans Services Website: emory.edu/veterans

Note: As a private school, Emory's tuition is significantly higher, but Yellow Ribbon participation helps close the gap

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Georgia public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Georgia while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Georgia for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Georgia (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. Georgia State University - 2,000+ student veterans (Atlanta)
2. Kennesaw State University - 1,500+ (Marietta/Kennesaw)
3. Georgia Tech - 1,200+ (Atlanta)
4. University of Georgia - 1,000+ (Athens)
5. Georgia Southern University - 800+ (Statesboro)
6. Georgia Gwinnett College - 700+ (Lawrenceville)
7. University of West Georgia - 600+ (Carrollton)
8. Valdosta State University - 500+ (Valdosta)
9. Columbus State University - 450+ (Columbus, near Fort Moore)
10. Augusta University - 400+ (Augusta)

Employment Resources for Georgia Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Georgia law gives hiring preference to qualified veterans for state government jobs.

How it works:

• War veterans: 5-point credit added to exam scores
• Veterans with 10%+ disability rating: 10-point credit
• Spouses of disabled veterans (whose disability disqualifies them from employment): 10-point credit
• Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who died during wartime: 10-point credit

When agencies don't use numerically scored exams: Preference is given to equally qualified veterans over non-veterans

Layoff protection: During reductions in force, veterans with preference must be retained over those without preference

Where to apply: Georgia Department of Administrative Services Phone: (404) 656-5514

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) - Columbus

Fort Moore is the largest employer in Columbus, with over 23,000 jobs (military, civilian, contractor combined).

Military population: ~35,000 (active duty, family members, civilians)

Typical civilian/contractor roles:

• Training support (Infantry School, Ranger School, Armor School)
• IT and cybersecurity
• Facilities management
• Logistics
• Human resources
• Administrative support
• Engineering
• Security

Major contractors at Fort Moore:

• Engility (training support)
• CACI International
• Chenega Corporation
• ManTech International
• PAE
• KBR

Job search: usajobs.gov (filter by Fort Moore, Georgia)

SkillBridge opportunities: Many contractors offer SkillBridge internships for transitioning service members

Robins Air Force Base - Warner Robins

Robins AFB is the largest single-site industrial complex in Georgia, employing approximately 24,000 civilians, contractors, and military members.

Home of: 78th Air Base Wing, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex

Mission: Aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul for C-5, C-17, C-130, F-15 aircraft

Typical civilian/contractor roles:

• Aircraft maintenance mechanics
• Engineering (aerospace, electrical, mechanical)
• Logistics management
• Supply chain
• IT and cybersecurity
• Quality assurance
• Program management
• Manufacturing

Major contractors:

• Lockheed Martin
• Boeing
• General Dynamics
• Northrop Grumman
• CACI

Veterans preference: Federal civil service jobs at Robins AFB provide 5-10 point preference for veterans

Job search: usajobs.gov | afciviliancareers.com Civilian Personnel Office: (478) 222-0601

Atlanta Metro - Logistics Hub

Metro Atlanta is the 6th largest logistics market in the U.S., with 600 million square feet of warehouse distribution space.

Why Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (world's busiest), intersection of major interstates, rail hub

Major logistics employers hiring veterans:

Amazon Locations: Multiple fulfillment centers (Braselton, Jefferson, Union City, Macon) Roles: Operations managers, area managers, process assistants, logistics coordinators Veteran programs: Military spouse career connection, Amazon Warriors (veteran ERG)

UPS Location: Massive Worldport facility and regional hubs Roles: Logistics, package handlers (part-time with benefits), drivers, management Veteran preference: Active veteran recruiting

Home Depot (Corporate HQ in Atlanta) Roles: Supply chain, logistics, corporate positions, store management Veteran programs: Strong veteran hiring initiatives

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta-based) Roles: Cargo operations, ramp services, aircraft maintenance, customer service Veteran preference: Recognizes military training for certifications

Ryder System Location: Locust Grove distribution center (250+ jobs) Roles: Distribution, logistics, fleet management Veteran programs: Actively recruits veterans

Other major Atlanta-area employers:

• The Coca-Cola Company (HQ in Atlanta)
• AT&T (major regional presence)
• Southern Company (utilities)
• Chick-fil-A (HQ in College Park)
• Porsche Cars North America (HQ in Atlanta)

Defense Contractors (Statewide)

Lockheed Martin Locations: Marietta (aerospace, F-35 components) Roles: Engineering, manufacturing, program management, cybersecurity

Gulfstream Aerospace (Savannah) Roles: Aircraft manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades, quality assurance Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting, apprenticeships

Textron Aviation Defense (Savannah) Roles: Aircraft production, engineering Military connection: Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft

Georgia Department of Labor - Veteran Services

Phone: (404) 232-3500 Website: dol.georgia.gov

Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing workshops
• Interview preparation
• Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
• Apprenticeship programs
• On-the-job training programs
• Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists in every region

Local offices: Available in every major Georgia city

Apprenticeship Programs

Georgia Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:

• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Industrial maintenance
• Automotive technology
• Advanced manufacturing
• Logistics and supply chain

GI Bill benefit: Veterans can often use GI Bill for apprenticeships, receiving monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages

Contact: Georgia Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Georgia Phone: (404) 232-3500

Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

Veterans may qualify for unemployment benefits in Georgia.

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months

Weekly benefit: Up to $365/week for up to 14-20 weeks (depending on circumstances)

Contact: Georgia Department of Labor Phone: (404) 232-3001 File claims: dol.georgia.gov

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Georgia Department of Veterans Service Headquarters: Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970, Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-2300 Website: veterans.georgia.gov

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, appeals support

County Veterans Service Officers: Available in most Georgia counties. Find yours at veterans.georgia.gov/locations

American Legion - 150+ posts throughout Georgia Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 100+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in all major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Atlanta chapter

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management - available through all three VA medical centers

Stand Down Events: Annual events in Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah providing services, clothing, medical care, benefits assistance

Atlanta Stand Down: Typically held in November at Lakewood Fairgrounds

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Atlanta VA Mental Health: (404) 321-6111 Augusta VA Mental Health: (706) 733-0188 Dublin VA Mental Health: (478) 272-1210

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free, confidential counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Combat stress
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Bereavement

Legal Assistance

Georgia Legal Services Program Free legal help for low-income veterans in civil matters Phone: 1-800-498-9469 Website: glsp.org

State Bar of Georgia Attorney referral services Phone: (404) 527-8700

Veterans legal clinics: Offered periodically at law schools (Emory, Georgia State, UGA)

Regional Veteran Resources

Metro Atlanta (Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb Counties)

• Veteran population: ~298,000 (largest concentration in Georgia)
• VA Medical Center: Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VAMC (Decatur)
• VA Clinics: East Point, Lawrenceville, Stockbridge, Oakwood
• Vet Centers: Atlanta, Marietta, Lawrenceville
• State Veterans Home: None in metro (closest: Milledgeville)
• Major employers: Delta, Home Depot, UPS, Amazon, Georgia Tech, Coca-Cola, countless others

County VSO contacts: Available through veterans.georgia.gov

Muscogee County (Columbus/Fort Moore)

• Veteran population: Significant (driven by Fort Moore)
• VA Clinic: Columbus VA Clinic
• Vet Center: Columbus Vet Center
• Major employer: Fort Moore (23,000+ jobs)
• Housing: Affordable ($140K-$190K median)

Houston County (Warner Robins/Robins AFB)

• Veteran population: High concentration (military town)
• VA services: Served by Dublin VAMC
• Major employer: Robins AFB (24,000 employees)
• Culture: "Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day"

Chatham County (Savannah)

• Veteran population: Significant
• VA Health Care Center: Savannah VA (large outpatient facility)
• Vet Center: Savannah Vet Center
• Military installation: Hunter Army Airfield
• Major employers: Gulfstream Aerospace, Port of Savannah

Columbia/Richmond Counties (Augusta metro)

• Veteran population: High
• VA Medical Center: Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (Augusta)
• State Veterans Home: Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home - Augusta
• VA Clinic: Evans VA Clinic
• Vet Center: Augusta Vet Center
• Military connection: Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) - Cyber Center of Excellence

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Even if you have other insurance, enrollment locks in your eligibility
2. Use Vet Centers for mental health - Free, confidential, non-medical settings for PTSD, MST, readjustment
3. Leverage state hiring preference - 5-10 point advantage for state government jobs
4. Target Fort Moore or Robins AFB areas - Highest concentration of veteran-friendly employment (47,000+ jobs combined)
5. Atlanta logistics hub - Thousands of veteran-friendly jobs in distribution, warehousing, transportation
6. Connect with county VSO - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned

Georgia's veteran support infrastructure is robust, particularly in healthcare and employment. The state genuinely supports its veteran population with accessible services and strong job markets around military installations.

Additional Resources

• Georgia Department of Veterans Service: (404) 656-2300 | veterans.georgia.gov
• VA Atlanta: (404) 321-6111 | va.gov/atlanta-health-care
• VA Augusta: (706) 733-0188 | va.gov/augusta-health-care
• VA Dublin: (478) 272-1210 | va.gov/dublin-health-care
• Georgia Works (Job Search): dol.georgia.gov
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.