Background/Purpose: Previous surveys with the U.S. Military Veteran population using a multi-mode approach (web, mail, phone) reported overall response rates between 34-69% (1-2). However, no evaluation of the modes of response has been conducted in this population. In this study, we evaluate the different modes of response and the number of attempts made to reach this population to determine the most efficient ways to improve survey response rates among U.S. Military Veterans. Methods: The VA Preparedness Communications Survey (VAPCS) was conducted from August 11 to November 13, 2015 among Veterans who used the VA in the U.S. Northeast region. The main focus of the survey was to study preferences in receiving communications from VA about health safety planning in the event of a natural disaster. To improve the survey's response rate, we used a three-sequential mode approach to contact participants: web, mail, and phone. We evaluated the response rate by each of the aforementioned modes. Results: Out of 2,264 Veterans participating in the VAPCS, 27% responded after the first attempt of contact (web), 51% responded to the second attempt (mail), and 22% responded after being contacted the third time (phone). The response preference differed by age-groups: 28% (web), 22% (mail) and 50% (phone) among Veterans younger than 45; 32%, 43%, 25% among 45-64 age-group; and 25%, 62%, 13% among Veterans aged over 65. 19% of participants with a high school diploma responded by web, 62% by mail, and 19% by phone vs. 40%, 39% and 21% for college graduates. Response mode also varied by race. 28% of white participants responded by web, 53% by mail, and 18% by phone vs. 25%, 45%, and 30% among non-white participants. Conclusion: The sequential mode approach increased participation of Veterans in the VAPCS. This was especially evident for the youngest age group (<45), where 50% responded by the thirst attempt. Older Veterans and those without a college degree preferred mail surveys, while younger age groups, college graduates, and non-white participants responded to multiple modes. Our study shows that using diverse methods to reach Veterans is beneficial especially for certain groups. References: 1. Duncan P, Reker D, Kwon S, Lai SM, Studenski S, Perera S, Alfrey C, Marquez J. Measuring stroke impact with the stroke impact scale: telephone versus mail administration in veterans with stroke. Med Care. 2005 May;43(5):507-15 2. Eber S, Barth S, Kang H, Mahan C, Dursa E, Schneiderman A. The National Health Study for a New Generation of United States Veterans: methods for a large-scale study on the health of recent veterans. Mil Med. 2013 Sep;178(9):966-9