August 5, 2025 
Whether you’re PCSing to Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Belvoir, or any of Virginia’s 19 active military installations, welcome home! With over 77,000 military-connected students and some of the nation’s most important defense facilities, Virginia embraces them with open arms and robust support systems.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of military families relocate to the Commonwealth, and we know that moving is about more than just boxes and trucks. It’s about finding the right schools, connecting with healthcare, understanding your benefits, and building a new community.
That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to Virginia’s best military family resources. You deserve to know exactly what support awaits you in your new home.
Virginia’s Purple Star Schools Program
Virginia takes military student support seriously. The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected children. These schools have:
- Dedicated military family points of contact
- Professional development for staff on military culture
- Transition programs for incoming military students
- Active partnerships with local installations
As of September 2024, more than 77,000 military-connected students reside and attend public schools across the Commonwealth, making Virginia the state with the most military children in the nation.
School Liaison Officers Are Your Education Advocates
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps school liaison officers connect military families with educational opportunities and critical information about state and local school laws, policies, and standards. These professionals:
- Help navigate school transfers during PCS moves
- Assist with graduation requirement differences
- Advocate for military children’s unique needs
- Connect families with tutoring and support services
The Interstate Compact: Smoothing School Transitions
Virginia is a proud member of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which means:
- Flexibility in enrollment requirements
- Course placement assistance
- Eligibility continuity for extracurricular activities
- On-time graduation support
Higher Education Benefits: The VMSDEP Advantage
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of qualifying veterans. This incredible program offers:
- Tuition and fee waivers at all Virginia public colleges and universities
- Up to 8 semesters of educational benefits
- Monthly stipends for eligible students
- Coverage for children ages 16-29 and spouses of qualifying service members
The Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)
The Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS) in cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services monitors and coordinates behavioral health, rehabilitative services and community resources. Services include:
- Mental health counseling and support
- Peer recovery programs
- Crisis intervention
- Family counseling services
- Traumatic brain injury resources
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program Managers (EFMP’s) are equipped to provide information, resources, skills, and support to help military families with children with special needs. They provide:
- Navigation assistance for healthcare systems
- Educational advocacy
- Respite care coordination
- Connection to specialized services
Are There Women Veterans Resources?
Virginia offers specialized support for women veterans including:
- Gender-specific healthcare services
- Career counseling and networking opportunities
- Mentorship programs
- Support groups and community connections
What Are Base Housing Options in Virginia?
Each major installation offers different housing solutions.
Naval Station Norfolk
- Public-private venture housing through Liberty Military Housing
- Unaccompanied housing for 5,950 personnel
- Family housing in surrounding communities
- Housing Service Center assistance with off-base rentals
Fort Belvoir
- On-post family housing
- Extensive off-post housing in Northern Virginia
- BAH rates reflecting DC-area costs
- School liaison support for navigating excellent local schools
Financial Assistance Programs
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Emergency financial assistance, loans, and grants
- Army Emergency Relief: Interest-free loans and grants for Army families
- Thrift Savings Plan counseling: Retirement planning assistance
- Financial readiness programs: Budgeting, investing, and debt management
What About Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Options?
Virginia employers actively recruit military spouses through:
- Career fairs at military installations
- Remote work opportunities
- License reciprocity programs
- Professional development workshops
MyCAA (Military Spouse Education Assistance)
Up to $4,000 in financial assistance for:
- Associate degrees
- Certifications
- Licenses
- Continuing education
Virginia Values Veterans (V3)
This state program connects veterans and military spouses with Virginia employers who understand the value of military experience.
Installation-Specific Resources
Hampton Roads Region (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth):
- USO centers with programs and events
- Fleet and Family Support Centers
- Strong military spouse groups
- Beach-based recreation programs
Northern Virginia (Fort Belvoir, Pentagon, Quantico):
- Professional networking opportunities
- High-tech career resources
- Exceptional schools
- Cultural attractions in DC area
Central Virginia (Fort Barfoot, Richmond area):
- Small-town community feel
- Lower cost of living
- Historic attractions
- Growing veteran business networks
Statewide Support Organizations
- Building Homefront: Provides home modifications for wounded veterans at no cost
- Operation Family Caregiver: Coaches the families of returning service members and veterans to manage the difficulties that come with returning home through personalized programs tailored specifically to each family’s struggles
- Virginia Wounded Warrior Program: Comprehensive support for combat-stressed veterans and families
How to Make Your Virginia Move Smooth
Before You Arrive
- Connect with your installation’s sponsorship program for insider tips
- Research schools using the School Liaison Officer contact list
- Apply for VMSDEP if eligible (applications open at specific times for each term)
- Join online communities for your specific installation
- Schedule household goods delivery with your trusted moving company (hint, hint!)
After You Arrive
- In-process at your Family Support Center for comprehensive orientation
- Register with EFMP if you have family members with special needs
- Meet your School Liaison Officer before enrolling children
- Explore local military discounts – Virginia businesses love supporting military families
- Connect with spouse groups for instant community
Emergency Resources
Crisis Support:
- Military Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Financial Emergency: Contact your service relief society
24/7 Installation Support: Most Virginia installations offer round-the-clock chaplain support, mental health crisis intervention, and emergency financial assistance.
Virginia: More Than Just a Duty Station
From the mountains of Fort Barfoot to the beaches near Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia offers military families not just support services, but a true home. With robust educational benefits, comprehensive healthcare, strong employment opportunities, and communities that genuinely appreciate your service, the Commonwealth stands ready to support your family’s success.
BMS Moving & Storage specializes in military relocations throughout the Commonwealth. With our experienced teams and understanding of military life, we’ll handle the logistics while you focus on your family’s transition.
Call us at (877) 638-1265 for a free quote and experience the difference of working with movers who truly understand military families.
