Life after the military can be challenging. But innovative individuals and companies are creating apps that make it a little easier to be a veteran in the U.S.

1. POS REP
Short for Position Report, the goal of this app is to connect veterans with other service members in their area. According to the POS REP website, the creators were inspired to create the app to combat the isolation many veterans experience upon reentering civilian life. Former and current members of the military can use the app to chat with, meet and even just stay connected with those dealing with similar challenges after reentry. 

2. Rx Refill
Implemented by the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Rx Refill app is an easy and convenient way for veterans to request prescription refills from their phones. The VA reported that any requested prescriptions will be delivered through the mail by the VA Mail Order Pharmacy. In addition to Rx Refill, the VA offers a number of other mobile apps focused on providing better health care to veterans.

3. Claims Coach
Benefits for veterans can be difficult to navigate. But the Claims Coach app by the American Legion wants to change that by providing step-by-step instructions to filing for VA benefits. The app walks veterans through the application process, helping to ensure that they receive the benefits to which they are entitled. 

4. Hiring Our Heroes
Veterans and their spouses can use the Hiring Our Heroes app to easily access all of the resources provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes' website, as well as any partner websites. The app helps veterans by providing up-to-date resources on brand-building, job searches, mentorship and interviews, such as information on job fairs and helpful tips for every step of the job-searching process. 

Despite the success of recent box-office hits like "Lone Survivor" and "American Sniper," many former and current members of the armed forces find that Hollywood films often rely on stereotypes and dramatic action that give a very limited picture of military life. The GI Film Festival seeks to combat that problem by featuring a large collection of films that testify to the diverse experiences of the American soldier. 

Film festival for soldiers
The 9th annual GI Film Festival began on Monday, May 18, in the D.C. Metro Area. The week-long festival features film viewings, panels and various other events for attendees, according to the GIFF website. While the festival officially began on Monday and will feature events throughout the week, most of the action is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The GIFF is the first festival in the nation to exclusively use film to share the military experience. With films of varying lengths examining a medley of topics both in and out of war, the GIFF provides a more complete picture of the experiences of servicemembers than what may be seen in more traditional Hollywood-style films. The hope is not only to provide films that past and current military members can relate to, but to better educate the public. 

 "… in a nation where less and less people actually serve in the military, most people don't know what it means to serve," GIFF co-founder Laura Law-Millett told the Washington Post. "By educating the public, it's going to help veterans who are transitioning and returning home and looking for employment. Maybe the person interviewing them or hiring them will have a better understanding of what that veteran has been through. It's really just to bridge that divide between people who have served and people who haven't served." 

A full agenda
This year's festival will include more than 60 films, according to Military Times, and will address everything from historical battles to life after service. Attendees will be able to view projects like "The Haircut," a short film on one of the first women to attend West Point, "Craft in America," a documentary that looks at the healing role of crafts in the military, and the North American premiere of "Kajaki," a film that portrays the true story of the bravery of young British soldiers on Kajaki Dam.   

It can be difficult for a military spouse to find work. Whether it is the regular moves, single-parent duties or an attempt to go back to school, spouses often need flexible hours if they are looking to add extra income, something that can be difficult to find in this economy. Luckily, Uber wants to help. 

What it is
Uber is a technology company that matches drivers with people who are seeking rides. Unlike a traditional taxi service, drivers can use their own vehicles and choose their own hours. This makes the company a desirable option for people looking for extra income who are unable to work 9 to 5. 

After announcing its UberMILITARY program, which aimed to help vets and inactive military members earn extra income, in September 2014, Uber is now partnering with military families through the UberMILITARY Families Coalition. The new campaign seeks to help people in this demographic take advantage of the flexible hours offered by the company to earn additional income for their families. 

According to the Uber blog, the company is partnering with Hiring Our Heroes, Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association and American Military Partner Association in the effort to assist military families in the U.S.

"Military spouses face significant challenges with employment due to their service members' frequent moves, and the UberMILITARY program is a unique and innovative way to help address these challenges," said American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack in the AMPA blog. "AMPA is proud to partner with Uber for this program, helping make a difference in the lives of our modern military families who sacrifice so much for our nation."

How it can help
In addition to employment, the Families Coalition will provide rides for military spouses and family members to career fairs and other events, establish alliances with local chapters of the partner organizations and collaborate with the partners to discover new ways to support and empower these families across the country. 

Since initiating the UberMILITARY program eight months ago, Uber reported that drivers in the initiative have already taken home over $35 million and now earn over $1 million a week collectively. 

Military spouses can easily sign up on Uber's website and will be contacted by a company representative.   

Like many soldiers, Desert Storm veteran Phil Ruddock came home from deployment diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. According to his testimonial, the symptoms became so severe that he could no longer work and would just sit at home, angry at the world. But his life changed when a friend brought him a scared, abused pitbull named Mia, and a partnership began.

As Ruddock trained Mia and gained her trust, she in turn would wake him up from nightmares and watch his back when he started to venture off his property again. Through this relationship, Ruddock realized that other vets dealing with PTSD could also benefit from incorporating service dogs into life after service. 

Inspiration from experience
According to Small Business Revolution, Ruddock first started working with existing organizations that provide service animals. But the dogs were often expensive, sometimes carrying a price tag of up to $25,000. It did not make sense to Ruddock that soldiers returning from war with little money should have to pay such an extravagant sum for help. That is where the idea for Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training began.

The nonprofit, founded by Ruddock, is based in Louisiana and aims to improve the life of military veterans, active duty soldiers and any special-needs dependents by providing them with trained service dogs, according to the Brothers and Sisters in Arms website. 

Rather than breed dogs specifically for training, the organization uses calm, teachable shelter dogs that otherwise might be put down. It is a beautiful partnership between a person and a dog who are both looking for healing, and allows for the dogs to be given at no cost to the recipient, reported Small Business Revolution. 

Unlike the majority of service animal organizations, Brothers and Sisters in Arms actively involves the veterans in the training of their animals. By letting the owners train the dog, a stronger bond is created and the owner comes away with a sense of accomplishment that he or she may not have felt since coming back from active service. 

Classes typically run eight weeks and involve the typical training for service dogs, as well as additional commands specifically aimed at helping combat veterans, reported Time magazine. These extra commands include teaching the dog to "block," or create space between their owner and others, and to "cover," or stand at their owner's side or back facing away as a kind of lookout. All classes are one-on-one and taught by veterans, creating a safe environment for the soldier. 

Easing the transition
"When a soldier is deployed or on base, they feel secure because they have all the other soldiers there watching their back. But when they are out of the military, when their spouse goes to work, their kids go to school and they're left alone, they have nobody watching their back," Ruddock told Time. "It makes them very anxious, paranoid. A dog turns out to be their battle buddy and watches their back. It never leaves them, it never judges them, it never asks questions that they don't want to answer. It gives them unconditional love."

Through his work, Ruddock hopes to make a difference in the lives of military families, one soldier and dog at a time. 

You served your country, and now it is time to come home to a different type of duty: your family. Dynamics with your loved ones can be difficult to navigate when returning from deployment. Consider one of these retreats created specifically for military families to help ease the adjustment period. 

Operation Purple Family Retreats
The retreats put on by Operation Purple allow families to learn new communication skills, enjoy the outdoors together and bond with others in similar situations. According to the website, families can take part in a variety of fun activities, from canoeing to birdhouse building, while creating new memories together. The National Military Family Association provides each family with a $200 stipend to help with travel costs. For more information or to apply, visit the NMFA website.

Operation Purple Healing Adventures
These retreats are specifically geared to help families to rediscover fun and intimacy after a member is injured in the line of duty. Through outdoor adventures and specially developed communication strategies, these three-day retreats aim to guide your family after a parent is injured. The healing adventures are free to military families and include food and lodging. Applications can be submitted on the National Military Family Association website. 

Lone Survivor Foundation Retreats
The Lone Survivor Foundation organizes retreats that focus on supporting veterans and service members who struggle with invisible injuries. These can include battles with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and military sexual trauma, among others, that have devastating effects on both the individual and family.The five-day retreats focus on coping skills, education and reducing the stress symptoms. All military backgrounds and branches are welcome, but there is an emphasis on service members and veterans of Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Learn more and fill out the application form at the Lone Survivor Foundation website.

Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center
If you and your family enjoy camping, consider taking advantage of the Active Heroes Family Retreat Center. Located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the 144-acre retreat area is open to the public, as well as military families, allowing current and former servicemen to begin integrating into the public with the safety of military-only "Healing Areas" to retreat to for solitude. Starting in the summer of 2015, the retreat center will be free to military families and outings include a large meal, entertainment and seminars. 

Project Sanctuary
Retreats put on by Project Sanctuary take advantage of the beauty of the Colorado wilderness to help you and your family connect and bond over six days and five nights. Free to military families, the retreats use recreational therapy methods to help bring down walls through fun activities, according to the group's website. Attendees also have access to professional counseling and family support services, such as classes devoted to improving your finances and marriage. Start the application process by visiting the Project Sanctuary website and filling out the initial application. 

The transition from life in the military to life after service can be challenging for veterans. Tasks like supporting your family and finding a job can be difficult after years of service. Other factors such as injuries from your time during deployment and stress disorders that veterans often experience after service can make it harder to adapt to civilian life. 

After you have returned from deployment and are readjusting to life at home with your family, remember these tips to ensure that your transition is as easy and smooth as possible. 

1. Understand that life may feel different
Try not to expect everything to be and feel exactly the same as before you left for deployment. After spending a while in the service, your experiences may have made you see life differently or changed your priorities. Remember that this transition should be taken one step at a time and that you most likely will not get in the swing of things right away. Be patient with yourself and understand that certain activities or daily routines may feel different. Rely on family and friends for support when needed. 

2. Prepare for the job hunt
One of the toughest aspects of the transition is finding a job. As the job market is extremely competitive, it is important that you are using all of the resources at your disposal and working on your job hunting abilities, such as your interview skills and your resume. 

The Transition Assistance Program provided by the Department of Defense is a great program for veterans adjusting to life after service. You will get a transition counselor to help you choose the right path to start down. There are also companies that are committed to hiring veterans. The Military Friendly website provides a list of these businesses so you can start your search off right.

3. Plan everything out for your family
According to Bradley-Morris, Inc., it is not always best to move straight back to your hometown after retirement from service. It is common for your military move to pay for relocation to the city of your new job. While many companies would have to pay for a civilian to relocate, they will not have to for you, which may make you look extra appealing to potential employers. 

It is also important to sign up for gap insurance for your family. If you cannot find a job after 90 days of separation, any preexisting conditions may not be covered by your new employer's insurance plan if you have not enrolled in gap insurance. 

4. Establish a daily routine
While you hunt for a job, it is a good idea to establish a routine that keeps you focused. For example, starting a daily schedule that includes specific times for activities like going to the gym, applying to jobs and eating meals with the family will keep your days balanced and your time management skills in check. 

Other activities, such as taking short walks in the middle of the day, can help to relieve stress if the transition from military to civilian life is causing anxiety. Performing tasks that you used to do while in the service can also help make it easier to adjust. 

5. Reach out for support
If you begin to experience a difficult time sleeping, a loss of appetite or moments of extreme stress, this could indicate that you may have a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder. It's crucial that you seek professional support. Even dealing with normal stress or anxiety while job hunting or adapting to your new life can be alleviated with the help of loved ones or a support group. 

All birthdays are worth celebrating, but Richard Overton's is usually recognized with a little extra pomp and circumstance. At 109, the Austin, Texas, resident has the honor of being recognized as the oldest living U.S. veteran. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Overton was born in 1906 and served in the U.S. Army's all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion from 1942 to 1945. His World War II service was primarily in the South Pacific, including time in Iwo Jima, Guam, Hawaii and Palau. 

Because all veterans are not registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs, it is impossible to verify Overton's title of oldest living vet. But the 109-year-old is widely recognized to hold the honor. And it appears that it is not a title that he will be losing any time soon. According to a profile in The Washington Post, Overton still drives, tends to his yard and enjoys whiskey in his coffee. 

When asked about the secret to longevity, Overton told the Post that the question would need to be taken up with God.

"He brought me here and he's taking care of me, and nothing I can do about it," Overton said.

So how does a 109-year-old celebrate his birthday? In this case, with burgers, milkshakes, cigars and, of course, a little whiskey. Overton's "Mighty Fine at 109"-themed party was sponsored by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes and thoroughly enjoyed by the vet and his neighbors.

When a spouse is sent away for deployment, adjusting to your new lifestyle can be challenging at first. You will likely have to make sacrifices and adjustments that take patience and time to get used to. From taking care of the children on your own to cooking or learning how to fix household products when they break, military spouses are forced to make a lot of changes very quickly. 

It is essential to prepare as best you can before your partner leaves, as it is helpful to know what to expect and which resources are at your disposal to assist you through the adaptation process. Remember these suggestions on how to make the transition to life without your spouse easier. 

Keep busy from the get-go
One of the first emotions you may feel after your spouse's deployment is loneliness. Although this is a difficult feeling to shake when you are used to having another person around the house – especially if you do not have children – staying busy will drastically improve your ability to focus on the positive aspects of your time alone. 

If you do not have a job, consider starting a hobby that you are passionate about. If you have always wanted to create your own blog or become a member of a local sports team, now is the best time to start. After all, engaging in new activities is always beneficial to one's health and will help pass the time. 

Spend time with loved ones
Remember that if you have children, they are probably struggling with your spouse's deployment as well. Spending quality time with one another is essential. Whether it be trips to the park to enjoy the nice weather or family dinners, being together and supporting one another is key to adapting to life during deployment. 

Calling on friends can also provide a strong source of support for military wives and husbands. Creating new relationships or reconnecting with old friends will help fill the temporary hole that often emerges following deployment. 

Use available resources for support
There are millions of spouses across the nation who are experiencing the difficulties of life after deployment. There are many resources designed to bring those in need of support together. If you are living on a military base, there may be a community group for spouses available right on site. 

Meanwhile, programs like Child Care Aware of America were created to help military spouses with children. The organization will direct you to local care services and may even assist you with care fees. Military OneSource offers a list of resources and an explanation of benefits for men and women with a spouse in the army and even has categories for each stage of deployment, including pre-departure and return stages. 

Be easy on yourself
Realizing that you are not going to be able to complete your daily routine as efficiently as you used to is something that you have to come to terms with before you can start successfully adapting to your new role as both mom and dad for your kids.

Do not forget that handling both your responsibilities and the tasks that your partner once took care of can be incredibly overwhelming, especially during the first couple of months during deployment. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and remember that it will take time before you get the hang of dealing with all of these changes without running into problems. For example, if you find that you do not have time to cook you and your children an intricate dinner every night like you used to when your spouse was home, do not feel bad about ordering out or preparing a quick and easy meal for the family. 

Leaving your family behind is never easy, especially when you have young children at home. When you receive the news that you will be deployed, it is important that you act quickly in preparing your kids for your departure and the months you will be away. 

Although it is bound to be an emotional time, having the talk with your children will not be too stressful or overwhelming if you ensure that you have an idea of what to say and do. Remember these tips to speak with your kids before deployment. 

1. Be clear about where you will be
Explaining to young children or toddlers that you will be halfway across the world can be intimating for them. Setting out a map and circling or starring the country you will be stationed in may make it easier for them to understand where you will be and appear that you are not so far away. 

You can also mark the locations of other family members or friends who your kids are close to who live in different parts of the world. If you will be deployed near a loved one, this may be comforting to them, especially if they have been there before. 

2. Explain why you are going
It is common for children to be confused as to why a parent is leaving his or her family for an extended period of time. This is why it is essential that you explain that you do not want to leave them, but it is your job and you have to follow the rules. Explain that you are protecting people from harm both at your destination and at home. Remind your children that you are there for a certain period of time and that as soon as you are able, you will come back. 

3. Remind them that you will stay in touch
It can be scary for children to hear that their mom or dad will be leaving for a while. Alleviate this anxiety by assuring your young ones that there are plenty of ways to stay in touch and that you will take advantage of them as often as you can. Communication tools like Skype and FaceTime on the iPhone make it easy for families to see one another and talk every day. If they are worried about you missing a certain event or celebration, tell them that you will make sure that your spouse films it and sends it to you.

4. Hold multiple family meetings
It takes more than one talk to prepare a family for deployment. Designate one or two nights a week before your departure to make plans as a family. For example, setting a communication schedule together or creating a list of each family member's new responsibilities after you leave will make your kids feel more in control of the current situation. 

You can also plan out special bonding time before you are gone. Choose a weekend to go on a mini vacation or take a camping trip before your deployment to ensure that you have plenty of time set aside to enjoy together. 

5. Bond with each other
After you have explained everything to your children and made the proper plans, focus on spending quality time together. As the weeks before deployment can be stressful, you do not have to go all-out and plan an elaborate weekend. Simply reading to your kids before bed or going out to a family dinner once a week can create memories that will last and sustain your family throughout your deployment. 

Job hunting can prove to be time-consuming and daunting following the return to civilian life after deployment. However, veterans have multiple resources available to them that were designed to guide them throughout the process. 

Retired servicemembers should keep in mind that they have a number of the qualities that employers are looking for, including self-motivation and experience working under pressure in a team environment. The key is advertising these abilities through an effective resume and good communication skills. Here are five tips for veterans on the hunt for a job during life after service. 

1. Be aware of available benefits
It is common for veterans to have to earn some extra money before they can begin looking for a job. To find out what their unemployment benefits are, veterans should refer to the American Job Center and ask for assistance from an employment representative. 

Depending on the state that they are living in, their unemployment insurance program will offer different benefits. However, all states follow the same basic guidelines under federal law. Retired military members should familiarize themselves with these. 

2. Put in the time for a good resume
The resume is the first thing that employers are going to see when veterans apply to jobs. A retired servicemember may be a great interviewer, but if the resume does not reflect all of his or her abilities and experience, he or she will never be invited for an interview. 

"The key thing is making sure you tailor your resume to match 100 percent of [a particular job's] qualifications. If you don't have that, you're not moving forward," suggested David Wallace of Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technology company. Wallace spoke at The American Legion's Employment & Empowerment Summit, noting that more than 27 percent of his company's employees are veterans. 

Veterans should attend resume workshops that teach retired servicemembers how to translate their military experience to attract civilian employers. Local American Job Centers, online sites for military veterans and community colleges often have resources for people who are job hunting. Veterans should take advantage of these to ensure that they are not selling themselves short. 

3. Network
As most people have a challenging time getting a job, knowing the right people has turned into one of the most essential aspects of the job hunting process. There is a significant number of veterans who have been hired by major companies. For example, officials from The American Legion noted that 52,000 workers at Time Warner Cable are retired military members. 

Veterans should talk to fellow servicemembers who live nearby or who have been hired into a job that appeals to them. They should mention that they are actively looking for employment, as one never knows who has the ability to lend a helping hand. 

4. Take advantage of resources
There are resources available specifically for veterans looking for a job after military service. For example, VETSUCCESS is an online tool that connects employers and veterans, while My Next Move helps retired servicemembers find employment that interests them based on their past jobs. These and many additional resources can be found on the American Job Center's website.

5. Practice for interviews
Most military members are experienced at maintaining a professional demeanor when necessary. However, terms like "sir" and "ma'am" are not used in the civilian workforce and may even come across as off-putting to employers.

To become comfortable using civilian terminology and communicating their skills to interviewers, it is crucial that veterans take the time to do practice interviews with civilian family members or friends. This will help them speak more naturally and confidently when the time comes.