Helping America’s Veterans Thrive Through Research, Innovation, and Practice
Veterans bring valuable skills, experience, leadership, and commitment to service that continue to benefit their communities long after they leave the military. At the same time, some veterans face challenges related to healthcare, employment, education, housing, and the transition to civilian life.
AIR works with government agencies, colleges and universities, healthcare providers, and community organizations to better understand veterans’ experiences and improve the programs and services that support veterans and their families.
Through research, training, capacity building, evaluation, and practical support, AIR helps organizations and agencies learn what works, build on veterans’ strengths, and improve access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other services.
How AIR Supports Veterans
Research
Research on veterans’ experiences, outcomes, and access to services
Studies that help leaders and decision makers understand issues affecting veterans
Evaluations that identify effective ways to support veterans after military service
Expanding Education and Career Opportunities
Research on how military training and experience can count toward college credit and credentials
Studies of veterans’ educational experiences and outcomes
Identification of barriers and opportunities that affect educational and career success
Improving Health and Well-Being
Research on veterans’ access to and use of healthcare services
Analyses that inform healthcare policies affecting veterans
Evaluations of programs designed to improve health and well-being for veterans
Strengthening Veteran Services
Training and support for organizations that help veterans address the effects of trauma, mental health concerns, and the transition from military to civilian life
Research, training, and technical assistance to help programs better serve veterans returning to their communities after incarceration and reduce the likelihood of future involvement with the justice system
Developing trauma-informed tools, resources, and recommendations that improve services for veterans
Building a Military-Connected Community at AIR
AIR’s commitment to veterans and military communities goes beyond our project work. Stars and Stripes, AIR’s employee resource group for veterans, military spouses, family members, and friends, helps create a workplace that values military experience, perspectives, and service.
Through networking, professional development, community engagement, and knowledge sharing, members strengthen connections across AIR, while helping colleagues better understand the experiences and strengths of military and veteran communities. These efforts enrich AIR’s culture and reinforce our commitment to working alongside and in support of veterans, service members, and their families.
Featured Projects
Cost Shifting from Medicare Advantage to the Veterans Affairs Health System
AIR conducted research examining how Medicare Advantage payment policies may create incentives that shift health care costs to the Department of Veterans Affairs. AIR developed a series of issue briefs summarizing analyses that explored how veterans who are enrolled in both systems navigate overlapping coverage and how policy changes could improve efficiency, accountability, and coordination of veterans’ access to care between their Medicare Advantage plans and VA healthcare.
Trauma-Informed Care Integration Training and Technical Assistance and Implementation Study
Veterans affected by trauma deserve care that recognizes their experiences, builds trust, and supports recovery and well-being. For the VA National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, AIR partnered with homelessness programs at three VA Medical Centers to strengthen trauma-informed care practices. AIR provided training, technical assistance, and implementation support to help providers recognize and respond to the effects of trauma and enhance services for veterans experiencing housing instability.
Study of Post-9/11 GI Bill Student Outcomes
The Post-9/11 GI Bill has helped millions of veterans pursue education and training opportunities following military service. AIR examined the educational experiences of veterans using the post-9/11 GI Bill and whether they successfully completed their programs and achieved their goals. This work helps policymakers, educational institutions, and veteran-serving organizations identify opportunities to improve support for veterans as they pursue postsecondary education and career goals.
Informing Improved Recognition of Military Learning
Veterans bring valuable skills, knowledge, and experience from their military service. AIR examined veterans’ experiences with receiving college credit for knowledge and skills gained during military service. The findings help institutions identify opportunities to better recognize military learning and support veterans’ educational success.
