Kansas Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Kansas VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Kansas Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Kansas serves approximately 172,000 veterans - about 6.9% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Kansas, 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 Kansas veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Kansas has 3 VA medical centers (Topeka, Leavenworth, Wichita), multiple community-based clinics, and 2 state veterans homes - excellent VA healthcare network for a rural/moderate-population state
Education: In-state tuition at all Kansas public universities and colleges for GI Bill users; Kansas State University and University of Kansas both have strong veteran support programs
Employment: State hiring preference, two major military installations (Fort Riley, McConnell AFB), strong defense contractor presence, veteran-friendly employers statewide
Veteran Population Hotspots: Sedgwick County (Wichita - 28,000+), Johnson County (Kansas City suburbs - 25,000+), Riley/Geary Counties (Fort Riley area - 15,000+)
VA Healthcare Facilities in Kansas
VA Medical Centers
Kansas has an excellent VA healthcare network with three full medical centers - exceptional coverage for a state of Kansas's population.
1. Colmery-O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical Center (Topeka)
Address: 2200 Southwest Gage Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66622 Phone: (785) 350-4111 Main line: 1-877-574-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 213 operating beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services (comprehensive PTSD treatment)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Dialysis
- Dental services
Specialty programs:
- Mental health residential rehabilitation
- PTSD clinical team
- Substance abuse treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Homeless veteran services
- Post-deployment health services
- Military sexual trauma treatment
- Telemedicine services
Service area: Eastern Kansas (40+ counties)
Location advantage: Located in Kansas state capital, easily accessible via I-70
Parking: Large parking lots available on-site (free)
Part of: VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System (VAEKHCS)
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Leavenworth)
Address: 4101 4th Street Trafficway, Leavenworth, KS 66048 Phone: (913) 682-2000 Toll-free: 1-800-952-8387
Bed count: 150+ beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Emergency care (24/7)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic)
- Cardiology (noninvasive testing, procedures)
- Dermatology (medical and surgical)
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Dental services
- Audiology
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
Specialty programs:
- Cardiology center with advanced testing
- Dermatology (skin cancer treatment, medical dermatology)
- Homeless veteran programs
- Post-deployment health
- Military sexual trauma treatment
- Telehealth services
History: Named for Dwight D. Eisenhower, Abilene, Kansas native who served as 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during WWII
Location advantage: Near Fort Leavenworth, serves northeastern Kansas and Kansas City metro area
Campus: Historic facility on Wadsworth campus (former Old Soldiers' Home)
Parking: On-site parking available (free)
Part of: VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System (VAEKHCS)
3. Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (Wichita)
Address: 5500 East Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67218 Phone: (316) 685-2221 Toll-free: 1-888-878-6881
Bed count: 41 beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Surgery (general)
- Medical/surgical services
- Specialty care
- Women's health
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Radiology
- Physical therapy
- Audiology
Specialty programs:
- Mental health services
- Telehealth services
- Women's health
- Homeless veteran programs
History: Named for Senator Bob Dole, Russell, Kansas native, WWII veteran (wounded in combat), and longtime advocate for veterans
Service area: South-central and western Kansas
Location advantage: Wichita is Kansas's largest city; close to McConnell Air Force Base
Parking: On-site parking available (free)
Note: Smaller facility than Topeka/Leavenworth but provides essential services for western Kansas veterans
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
Kansas VA operates multiple CBOCs to extend healthcare access across the state.
Manhattan VA Clinic
Address: 411 Sarber Lane, Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: (785) 587-0266
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth
Counties served: Riley, Geary, Pottawatomie (Fort Riley area)
Location: Near Kansas State University and Fort Riley
Fort Scott VA Clinic
Address: 901 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: (620) 223-2525
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee
Chanute VA Clinic
Address: 611 East 7th Street, Chanute, KS 66720 Phone: (620) 431-4020
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Neosho, Allen, Woodson
Lawrence VA Clinic
Address: 2200 Harvard Road, Suite 101, Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: (785) 749-1199
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Counties served: Douglas, northern Johnson County
Location: Near University of Kansas
Parsons VA Clinic
Address: 2801 Kildare Plaza, Parsons, KS 67357 Phone: (620) 421-5500
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Labette, Montgomery
Salina VA Clinic
Address: 1715 East Iron Avenue, Salina, KS 67401 Phone: (785) 823-6345
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Saline, Dickinson, Ottawa
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members. No VA enrollment required.
Wichita Vet Center Address: 251 North Water Street, Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 265-3260
Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, sexual trauma counseling
Manhattan Vet Center Address: 205 South 4th Street, Suite B, Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: (785) 350-4920
Services: Full counseling services, strong focus on Fort Riley veterans and families
No appointment needed for crisis counseling
Hours: Monday-Friday, some evening hours available
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 clinic with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
- Income information (for copay determination)
Best practice: Enroll as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you have other insurance. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.
VA Eastern Kansas Health Care enrollment: (785) 350-4111
State Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)
Kansas operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and assisted living - excellent facilities at affordable costs.
1. Kansas Veterans' Home at Fort Dodge
Address: 714 Veterans Drive, Fort Dodge, KS 66940 Phone: (620) 227-2121 Toll-free: 1-877-738-8387
Capacity: 158 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, intermediate care, domiciliary (assisted living)
Campus: 160 acres in rural Ford County (southwest Kansas)
Features:
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Activities and recreation
- Barber/beauty shop
- Chapel services
History: Opened 1889 as a home for Civil War veterans - one of the oldest continuously operating veterans homes in the nation
Location: Near Dodge City (30 miles), serving western Kansas
2. Kansas Soldiers' Home at Fort Riley (Winfield Campus)
Note: Kansas previously operated a soldiers' home, but current veteran long-term care is primarily at Fort Dodge. Contact Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs for current options.
Eligibility for State Veterans Homes
Who qualifies:
- Veterans who served in U.S. Armed Forces and received other than dishonorable discharge
- Spouses of eligible veterans (at some facilities)
- Kansas resident
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
- VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs
- Medicaid accepted
- Medicare coverage for skilled nursing
- Private pay rates competitive with civilian nursing homes
How to apply: Contact facility directly or Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs:
- Phone: 1-866-844-5387
- Website: kcva.ks.gov
Education Benefits for Kansas Veterans
In-State Tuition for Veterans (Choice Act)
Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Kansas public schools regardless of residency duration.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Kansas while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Benefit: Eliminates out-of-state tuition surcharge (typically $10,000-15,000/year)
Applies to: All Kansas public universities, colleges, and community colleges
Example savings:
- University of Kansas out-of-state tuition: ~$28,000/year
- University of Kansas in-state tuition: ~$12,000/year
- Savings with Choice Act: $16,000/year
Kansas State University (Manhattan)
Veteran population: 700+ student veterans and military-connected students
Office of Veteran Affairs Address: 222 Student Union, 918 N. 17th Street, Manhattan, KS 66506 Phone: (785) 532-7061 Email: veteran@k-state.edu
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Military tuition assistance processing
- Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) support
- Transition assistance
- Academic advising
Available GI Bill benefits:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve)
- Veterans Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,735/month (in-person), $1,118/month (online only)
Yellow Ribbon: Limited participation, primarily for graduate programs
Military & Related Communities (M.A.R.C.) Center:
- Located in Student Union, Room 222
- Lounge and study space for military-connected students
- Resource library
- Computer stations
- Meeting rooms
Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter: Active chapter providing peer support and community
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$10,500/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + $1,735/month BAH
Special programs:
- All ROTC branches available
- Engineering programs (strong for technical military occupations)
- Agriculture programs
- Veterinary medicine
- Aviation program
Rankings: K-State ranked as a "Best for Vets" school by Military Times
University of Kansas (Lawrence)
Veteran population: 1,000+ student veterans and military-connected students
Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) Address: 1201 Sunnyside Avenue, Suite 244, Lawrence, KS 66045 Phone: (785) 864-3304 Email: masc@ku.edu
Services:
- 24/7 lounge and study space
- GI Bill certification and assistance
- VA claims assistance (through Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs representative)
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Student Veterans of America chapter headquarters
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,735/month (in-person), $1,118/month (online only)
Yellow Ribbon: Yes, limited slots for private tuition gap coverage (primarily graduate programs)
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$12,000/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + $1,735/month BAH
Special programs:
- VetSuccess on Campus (full-time VA counselor on campus)
- Veterans Upward Bound program
- Graduate Military Programs
- All ROTC branches available
- KU Medical Center veteran programs
Rankings: Ranked #5 nationally in Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2019
Notable: KU is one of more than 50 universities to have all branches of ROTC
Wichita State University
Veteran population: 800+ student veterans
Military and Veteran Services Phone: (316) 978-3210
Services:
- GI Bill certification
- VA education benefits assistance
- Student veteran lounge
- Academic advising
BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,572/month (in-person)
Tuition (2024-25):
- In-state: ~$9,000/year
- With Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fully covered + BAH
Location advantage: Near McConnell AFB, largest Kansas city
Strong programs: Engineering, business, aviation
Kansas Community Colleges
All 19 Kansas community colleges accept GI Bill benefits and provide in-state tuition to eligible veterans:
Major community colleges with strong veteran programs:
Johnson County Community College (Overland Park)
- Veteran population: 500+
- Comprehensive veteran services
- Near Kansas City metro
Washburn Institute of Technology (Topeka)
- Technical training programs
- Near VA medical center
- Strong technical career placement
Barton Community College (Great Bend)
- Aviation program
- Central Kansas location
Dodge City Community College
- Near Fort Dodge veterans home
- Agriculture and technical programs
Community college tuition: ~$3,000-5,000/year (in-state)
- Fully covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill
- BAH varies by location (~$1,200-1,735/month)
Post-9/11 GI Bill - Key Information
Monthly BAH rates in Kansas (2024-25):
- Manhattan/Fort Riley: $1,735
- Lawrence: $1,735
- Wichita: $1,572
- Topeka: $1,429
- Online only: $1,118 (national rate)
What GI Bill covers at Kansas public schools:
- 100% of in-state tuition and fees (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
- Books and supplies stipend ($1,000/year)
- Monthly housing allowance based on location
- Tutorial assistance if needed
Example budget (K-State or KU student):
- Tuition: $10,000-12,000 (covered by GI Bill)
- BAH: $1,735/month x 9 months = $15,615
- Books stipend: $1,000
- Total benefits: ~$27,000/year
This allows veterans to attend school full-time without working, or work part-time for additional income.
Kansas National Guard Education Benefits
Kansas National Guard Tuition Assistance:
- Available to Kansas Guard members
- Covers tuition at Kansas public schools
- Can be combined with federal tuition assistance
Contact: Kansas National Guard Education Services Office Phone: (785) 646-0750
Employment Resources for Kansas Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Kansas law grants veterans significant advantages in state employment.
What you get:
- Points added to passing exam scores for qualified veterans
- Absolute appointment preference within a given grade
- Higher retention standing in case of layoffs
Who qualifies:
- Veterans who served at least 6 months with honorable discharge OR
- Discharged based on hardship or service-connected disability
- Kansas resident
How it works: If you meet minimum qualifications and pass the exam, your veteran status gives you priority over non-veteran applicants with similar scores.
Where to apply: Kansas.gov/jobs or contact Kansas Department of Administration
Major state employers:
- Kansas Department of Corrections
- Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)
- Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
- Kansas Highway Patrol
- State universities and colleges
KANSASWORKS - Priority for Veterans
Services:
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
- Apprenticeship programs
- On-the-job training programs
- Priority access to job openings (federally mandated)
Contact: Local KANSASWORKS office or call 1-888-296-9675
Website: kansasworks.com
Veteran Service Representatives: Available at major workforce centers to specifically assist veterans
Priority of service: As a condition of receiving federal workforce funding, priority service must be given to qualified veterans when referring individuals to job openings, DOL-funded training programs, and related services.
Major Military Installations (Employment Opportunities)
Fort Riley (Army)
Location: Junction City/Manhattan, Kansas (north-central Kansas) Military personnel: ~15,000 active-duty soldiers Civilian employees: ~5,500
Major units:
- 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One")
- 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team
- 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team
- 1st Combat Aviation Brigade
- Division Artillery
- 1st Sustainment Brigade
Typical civilian jobs: Logistics, administration, IT, facilities management, education, child development, recreation, human resources
How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "Fort Riley, Kansas"
Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies (5-10 points on applications)
Salary range: GS-5 to GS-13 positions ($35,000-90,000 typical range)
Local economy impact: Fort Riley contributes over $1 billion annually to Kansas economy
Nearby cities: Junction City (5 minutes), Manhattan (15 minutes), Topeka (60 minutes)
McConnell Air Force Base (Air Force)
Location: Wichita, Kansas (south-central Kansas) Military personnel: ~2,900 Civilian employees: ~1,000+
Major units:
- 22nd Air Refueling Wing
- 931st Air Refueling Wing (Air Force Reserve)
- 184th Intelligence Wing (Kansas Air National Guard)
Mission: Air refueling operations, intelligence
Typical civilian jobs: Maintenance, logistics, IT, administration, air traffic control, engineering
How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "McConnell Air Force Base"
Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies
Civilian employment office: (316) 759-4353
Local economy impact: McConnell AFB generates over $1 billion economic impact for Wichita and Kansas
Location advantage: In Kansas's largest city (Wichita) with major defense contractors nearby
Defense Contractors and Veteran-Friendly Employers
Defense Contractors (Kansas)
Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita - largest employer)
- Programs: Boeing aircraft components, defense systems
- Employees: 10,000+ in Wichita
- Typical roles: Manufacturing, engineering, quality, program management
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting, veteran affinity groups
- Website: spiritaero.com/careers
Textron Aviation (Wichita - Cessna/Beechcraft)
- Programs: Business and military aircraft
- Employees: 5,000+
- Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, flight operations
- Military aircraft contracts: T-6 Texan II trainer
- Website: txtav.com/careers
Garmin (Olathe - Kansas City metro)
- Programs: Aviation electronics, GPS systems, military applications
- Employees: 2,500+ in Olathe
- Typical roles: Engineering, software development, manufacturing
- Veteran programs: Military recruiting initiatives
- Website: garmin.com/careers
Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (Kansas City National Security Campus)
- Programs: National security manufacturing
- Employees: 7,000+ (approximately 900 are veterans)
- Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, quality, security
- Veteran programs: DOD SkillBridge program (last 180 days of service)
- Security clearance: Many positions require clearance
- Website: kcnsc.doe.gov/careers
L3Harris Technologies (Kansas locations)
- Programs: Defense communications, electronics
- Typical roles: Engineering, program management, IT
- Veteran programs: Active recruiting
General Dynamics (Various Kansas locations)
- Programs: IT services, defense systems
- Typical roles: IT, cybersecurity, systems administration
Major Civilian Employers Hiring Veterans
Koch Industries (Wichita - headquarters)
- Divisions: Oil refining, chemicals, fertilizers, fibers, manufacturing
- Employees: 5,000+ in Kansas
- Veteran programs: Military recruiting initiatives
- Typical roles: Operations, engineering, manufacturing, business
- Website: jobs.kochcareers.com/military
Sprint/T-Mobile (Overland Park - major campus)
- Programs: Telecommunications, network operations
- Employees: Thousands in Kansas City metro
- Typical roles: IT, network engineering, customer service, sales
- Veteran programs: Hiring initiatives
Cerner/Oracle Health (Kansas City area)
- Programs: Healthcare IT
- Employees: Large presence in KC metro
- Typical roles: Software development, IT, project management, healthcare
Yellow Corporation (Overland Park - headquarters)
- Note: Company filed bankruptcy 2023 - status may have changed
- Programs: Trucking, logistics
Hill's Pet Nutrition (Topeka)
- Programs: Pet food manufacturing
- Employees: 1,000+ in Topeka
- Typical roles: Manufacturing, quality, operations, management
Amazon (Multiple Kansas fulfillment centers)
- Locations: Edwardsville, Kansas City area
- Veteran programs: Military Talent Team
- Typical roles: Warehouse operations, logistics, management
- Website: amazon.jobs/military
Walmart Distribution Centers (Multiple Kansas locations)
- Typical roles: Warehouse, transportation, logistics, management
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting
Healthcare Employers
University of Kansas Health System - Kansas City metro Ascension Via Christi - Wichita, Topeka, Manhattan Stormont Vail Health - Topeka Wesley Healthcare - Wichita
Healthcare systems actively recruit veterans with medical training, offering leadership development programs and valuing military discipline and teamwork.
Apprenticeship Programs
Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:
Common programs:
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Industrial maintenance
- Heavy equipment operation
- Carpentry
- Pipefitting
GI Bill benefits: Can be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages
Example: Electrician apprentice earning $20/hour + $1,400/month GI Bill BAH = $4,800/month total while training
Contact: Kansas Department of Commerce, Apprenticeship Program Phone: (785) 296-5092 Website: kansascommerce.gov/apprenticeship
Unemployment Benefits for Veterans
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months
Who qualifies: Honorably discharged veterans recently separated from active duty
How much: Based on military pay
Duration: Up to 16 weeks in Kansas (lower than many states)
Contact: Kansas Department of Labor Phone: 1-800-292-6333 Website: dol.ks.gov
Priority service: Veterans receive priority access to all employment services at Kansas job centers
Support Services
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Headquarters: 700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 701, Topeka, KS 66603 Phone: (785) 296-3976 Toll-free: 1-866-844-5387 Website: kcva.ks.gov
Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, veterans homes applications
County Veterans Service Officers: Available in all Kansas counties - find yours at kcva.ks.gov
Other VSOs with Kansas presence:
- American Legion - Posts throughout Kansas
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities
- Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters
- AMVETS - Kansas chapters
Homeless Veteran Programs
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838
HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management (available through all VA medical centers)
Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Kansas cities
Stand Down Events: Annual events in Wichita, Kansas City, and other cities providing services, clothing, medical care, benefits enrollment
Kansas-specific resources:
- Midwest Veterans Closed Loop Referral - Wichita area
- Kansas Housing Resources Corporation - Statewide housing assistance
- Contact VA Eastern Kansas Health Care: (785) 350-4111
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Confidential, immediate help for veterans in crisis or emotional distress
Vet Centers (Wichita, Manhattan) provide free counseling for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Military sexual trauma
- Readjustment issues
- Substance abuse
- Combat trauma
- Family counseling
No VA enrollment required for Vet Center services
Legal Assistance
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Phone: 1-866-844-5387
Services: Help with VA claims, benefits appeals, discharge upgrades
Kansas Legal Services Phone: 1-800-723-6953
Services: Free legal help for low-income veterans
University of Kansas School of Law Veterans Clinic
- Legal assistance for veterans
- Discharge upgrade help
- VA claims appeals
County and Regional Veteran Resources
Sedgwick County (Wichita Area)
- Veteran population: 28,000+
- VA Medical Center: Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (Wichita)
- Vet Center: Wichita
- Military installation: McConnell Air Force Base
- Major employers: Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, healthcare systems
Sedgwick County Veterans Service Office 525 N. Main Street, Suite 104, Wichita, KS 67203 Phone: (316) 660-9440
Johnson County (Kansas City Suburbs)
- Veteran population: 25,000+
- VA Clinic: Lawrence (nearby)
- Major employers: Garmin, Sprint/T-Mobile, healthcare, logistics
- Affluent suburbs: Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee
Johnson County Veterans Service Office 111 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1200, Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 715-0500
Riley/Geary Counties (Fort Riley Area)
- Veteran population: 15,000+ (combined)
- VA Clinic: Manhattan
- Vet Center: Manhattan
- Military installation: Fort Riley
- Major employers: Fort Riley (civilian), Kansas State University
Geary County Veterans Service Office 200 E. 8th Street, Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: (785) 762-5322
Riley County Veterans Service Office 110 Courthouse Plaza, Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: (785) 537-6352
Shawnee County (Topeka)
- Veteran population: 12,000+
- VA Medical Center: Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center
- Major employers: State of Kansas, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Stormont Vail Health
Shawnee County Veterans Service Office 1515 NW Saline Street, Topeka, KS 66618 Phone: (785) 251-5900
Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS)
- Veteran population: 10,000+
- VA Medical Center: Leavenworth (nearby), Kansas City VA (Missouri side)
- Major employers: Federal agencies, logistics, manufacturing
Wyandotte County Veterans Service Office 850 State Avenue, Suite 101, Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone: (913) 573-8835
Key Takeaways
- Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Kansas has 3 VA medical centers and multiple clinics - excellent coverage
- Use in-state tuition benefits - Save $10,000-16,000/year at Kansas public universities with Choice Act
- Leverage state hiring preference - Veterans get priority for state jobs
- Target military installations and defense contractors - Fort Riley, McConnell AFB, Spirit AeroSystems, Honeywell offer thousands of jobs
- Connect with your county Veterans Service Officer - Free help claiming every benefit you've earned
Kansas genuinely supports its veteran population with tangible, valuable benefits - especially strong VA healthcare access and excellent employment opportunities around Fort Riley and Wichita's aviation/defense industry.
Additional Resources
- Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs: 1-866-844-5387 | kcva.ks.gov
- VA Eastern Kansas Health Care: (785) 350-4111 | va.gov/eastern-kansas-health-care
- Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center (Topeka): (785) 350-4111
- Eisenhower VA Medical Center (Leavenworth): (913) 682-2000
- Dole VA Medical Center (Wichita): (316) 685-2221
- Kansas State University Office of Veteran Affairs: (785) 532-7061
- University of Kansas Military-Affiliated Student Center: (785) 864-3304
- KANSASWORKS (Veteran Jobs): 1-888-296-9675 | kansasworks.com
- GI Bill School Search: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.