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

Future airmen take the oath of enlistment.

Everything You Need to Know About the Military Draft

What is the military draft and Selective Service? Here’s everything you need to know.

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.

Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): How It Works

The Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance program is designed to cover eligible veterans' home mortgages in the event of death.

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...

Veterans Guide to Specially Adapted Housing Grants

Bigger dollar amounts and automatic eligibility for some make the benefit more practical for today’s disabled veterans.

Computer keyboard with "insurance" written on a key

Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): Rules and Rates

Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) provides up to a maximum of $100,000 of insurance coverage for spouses.

Traumatic Injury Financial Protection (TSGLI): Coverage Details

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance has an added provision for traumatic injuries known as Traumatic Injury Protection...

Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Get the Facts

SGLI may be converted to renewable five-year term coverage known as VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance).

The GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program Explained

The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to help students avoid up to 100% of their out-of-pocket tuition costs

Soldiers return from a 11 month long deployment in Kosovo.

Military Permanent Change of Station PCS Overview

The government will reimburse many costs associated with a PCS move. Here is an overview of what you can expect.

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.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Charlie H. Clawson

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