Jim Absher

Jim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Latest Articles

Ball and chain around ankle symbolizing PTSD holding someone back

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and outreach programs.

On a white tabletop, white cutouts of a family stand in the foreground in front of a heart of some kind being shielded by the hands of a person wearing a stethoscope.

Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI): About the Program

Veterans who had a service-connected disability but were in good health could apply to the VA for up to $10,000 in life...

VA Outpatient Clinic Coeur d'Alene ID - VA.gov

VA Health Care Eligibility

If you are a veteran and didn't get a dishonorable discharge, you may be eligible for VA medical benefits.

Sgt. Richard Ganske, 84th Combat Engineer Battalion uses a bulldozer to manuever refuse into the burn pit; sorting and burning it to manage LSA Anacondas sanitation requirements.

PACT Act Expands Veterans' Medical and Disability Benefits

Millions of veterans are now eligible for free health care and more through the PACT Act.

A view of Fort Jackson's on-post housing in South Carolina.

Retirees, Civilians, Want to Live in Base Housing? Yes, You Can!

Living in base housing isn't just for active-duty military personnel. Retirees, civilians, and other eligible individuals can...

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Honor Guard members Len Werner, left, and Jared Lacovara stand during a burial service at the West Point Cemetery on Friday, March 22, 2013, in West Point, N.Y.

Most States Have Veterans Cemeteries That Offer Free Burial

Many states have state veterans cemeteries. Find out about the locations and eligibility requirements for your state.

Burial at Sea: A Time-Honored Tradition

For many sailors and Marines, there is no more honored choice for their mortal remains than burial at sea.

National Cemeteries Offer Free Burial for Veterans

Just what does burial in a National Cemetery involve?

Making direct contact with managers looking to hire, rather than going through the usual human resources contacts, pays off for job-hunting veterans.

Veterans' Preference in Federal Hiring

Certain veterans get hiring preference for federal jobs. Gold star parents and parents of some disabled veterans also get the...

Arlington National Cemetery 3d US Infantry Regiment

Here’s How Memorial Day Will Be Observed at National and State Veterans Cemeteries

Every year, many national, state and local cemeteries hold ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives in service to the...

Student Loan Repayment Programs

Did you know the military can help you pay off your student loans?

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Overview

You could qualify for up to 100% Tuition Assistance for college courses taken during off-duty hours.

Retirees, VA Disability Recipients to Get Biggest Pay Raise Since 2012

Military retirees and those who receive disability checks will see a 2 percent pay raise in their monthly paychecks in 2018.

Will the Military See a Pay Raise in 2021?

What does the Magic 8 Ball say?

VA Studying Effects Of Grape Juice On Gulf War Illness

Unfortunately, drinking wine doesn't count.

Military News

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Col. Edward Segura, director of manpower, personnel and services, Air Force Reserve Command, speaks

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