When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane battering coastal towns or wildfires sweeping through rural landscapes—communities are often left searching for direction, stability, and swift action. In these critical moments, one group is uniquely prepared to step into leadership roles: our nation’s veterans. With training rooted in structure, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure, veterans are natural assets in times of crisis.
At Warriors Fund, we understand the profound impact veterans can have beyond the battlefield. Their service does not end with a uniform; many continue to serve through disaster relief, community rebuilding, and emergency preparedness initiatives across the country. Veterans possess the experience, skills, and heart to bring communities together during times of uncertainty—and we’re here to shine a light on that continued mission.
Veterans as First Responders in Civilian Life
Military service teaches adaptability, discipline, and a mission-oriented mindset—qualities that align seamlessly with disaster response efforts. In the field, veterans have operated under extreme stress, often in unfamiliar territories and with limited resources. These experiences make them well-suited for roles in crisis response, whether it involves coordinating evacuation efforts, setting up temporary shelters, or distributing emergency supplies.
Government agencies have taken notice. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) actively encourages veteran participation in their emergency programs. Through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)initiative, veterans are empowered to lead neighborhood-level disaster response efforts. CERT training covers everything from basic medical care to fire safety and team organization—providing veterans with tools to protect their communities during emergencies.
In addition, FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) frequently deploy to areas affected by natural disasters, and veterans often play key roles on these teams. Their ability to think strategically, remain calm under pressure, and work collaboratively gives them an edge when time is of the essence.
A Continued Mission of Service
For many veterans, disaster relief becomes more than a duty—it becomes a new calling. By applying their skills in ways that help others during times of greatest need, they rediscover purpose and connection. Whether through formal government programs or grassroots community efforts, veterans continue to answer the call, proving that service to the nation doesn’t have to end with military discharge.
Warriors Fund believes in amplifying this powerful form of civic engagement. By encouraging veterans to explore roles in emergency management and community preparedness, we not only empower them to continue leading—we help build stronger, more resilient communities in the process.
Veteran-Led Disaster Teams and Their Impact
All across the country, veterans are stepping into leadership roles during times of crisis—often as the first to arrive and the last to leave. From hurricanes in Florida to tornadoes in the Midwest, veteran-led disaster teams are proving to be indispensable. Their military background allows them to assess risk quickly, delegate tasks effectively, and stay mission-focused even in chaotic environments.
After the 2021 Texas winter storm left millions without power, veterans organized supply drops, coordinated heating centers, and conducted welfare checks for elderly residents. Their rapid mobilization wasn’t just inspiring—it was lifesaving. Many of these efforts were guided by training from FEMA and local emergency management agencies through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) framework.
Another example came in the wake of Hurricane Ida, where veterans partnered with local authorities to assist in search-and-rescue missions and debris removal. Their teamwork, logistical coordination, and chain-of-command familiarity often surpass the capabilities of untrained volunteers, helping streamline relief efforts and avoid duplication of services.
Government Programs That Equip Veterans for Relief Work
The federal government offers multiple avenues for veterans to receive formal training and placement in emergency response and recovery positions. One such avenue is the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI), which provides free online and in-person courses in disaster preparedness, response coordination, and public safety planning. These certifications are a gateway for veterans seeking employment in the growing field of emergency management.
Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages veterans to pursue careers in emergency preparedness through its dedicated pathways in public service. This includes support in identifying employment opportunities and leveraging their military experience to qualify for specialized civilian roles.
Another important resource is the VetForce initiative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program connects veterans with roles in homeland security and disaster management, recognizing that their experience aligns perfectly with the agency’s mission to safeguard the nation.
From Training to Deployment
Training doesn’t end in the classroom. Many veterans who complete courses with FEMA or the VA go on to serve in the field through FEMA Corps, an arm of AmeriCorps that focuses on disaster relief and recovery. FEMA Corps members deploy across the U.S. and assist with critical recovery operations—from helping victims file for aid to supporting logistics hubs and disaster recovery centers.
These programs offer veterans not only the chance to serve again, but also the ability to build a civilian career that mirrors their values: service, teamwork, and protecting the well-being of others.
Preparedness at the Local Level: Veterans as Community Leaders
While large-scale disaster deployments often receive national attention, some of the most impactful work happens quietly—on the neighborhood level. Across the country, veterans are leading local emergency planning efforts, helping prepare their communities long before disaster strikes. Through programs like Citizen Corps, veterans are stepping into advisory roles, training neighbors in emergency readiness, and conducting drills that save lives when real emergencies occur.
Veterans are also active in rural and underserved communities, where resources may be scarce and local infrastructure strained. In these settings, veterans bring not only preparedness knowledge but also a deep understanding of coordination, communication, and supply management. Their presence in leadership roles improves outcomes for vulnerable populations who may otherwise be overlooked in emergency planning.
For many, the sense of duty never fades. Serving as a volunteer firefighter, community safety coordinator, or local emergency liaison allows veterans to stay engaged and make a difference close to home. Even in non-crisis times, they help educate the public on creating go-bags, evacuation plans, and communication strategies—essential tools that reduce panic and save time when disaster does occur.
Service That Endures
The military instills in its members a deep-rooted sense of responsibility—one that doesn’t end at discharge. For countless veterans, disaster relief and community recovery offer a renewed sense of mission, giving them purpose while meeting a vital civic need. Their presence in these spaces not only strengthens response efforts but also sets a powerful example of leadership and resilience.
At Warriors Fund, we believe that service is a lifelong commitment—and disaster response is one of the most meaningful ways veterans can continue to lead. By sharing resources, supporting training opportunities, and amplifying the incredible work veterans are doing across the country, we are proud to be part of the movement that ensures no veteran is left behind—and no community is left unprepared.
