The Surry County Veterans Services office along with the Veterans Health Administration are holding a Veterans Town Hall on Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Surry County Center located at 915 E. Atkins St. in Dobson.
Surry County Veterans Services Director Mike Scott said this is the first time the VA has come to Surry County for this sort of event. He said it will give veterans, “A unique opportunity to sit face to face with a veteran and discuss VA benefits, file claims, and get a lot of answers to those questions that they may have had for a long time.”
Organizers said, “If you served in the Vietnam Way, Gulf War, or Post 9/11 era or had toxic exposure in service, you may be entitled to Veterans Administration benefits under a new law that expanded eligibility. Anyone interested in learning more about potentially filing a claim and hearing VA leadership discuss the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) act.”
Event organizers said that only 33 percent of veterans in Surry County are utilizing the money, benefits, and resources that are available to them. They wrote, “Let us help you put more money in your pocket and get you more benefits and resources com speak directly to the VA at the Surry County Service Center.”
Representatives of the Winston-Salem VA Regional office leadership will give a brief talk and answer questions related to veteran’s benefits. Also, the Salisbury VA Health Care System will have a presentation on VA health care to include expanded health care eligibility under the PACT Act.
Attendees will have a chance to discuss topics one-on-one with the VA Regional staff and VA Health Care staff. Those who have potential claims can do so and also get updates for VA compensation, pension, and survivor benefits.
As toxic chemical exposure is one of the issues being highlighted, veterans with concerns can receive toxic exposure screening and enroll in VA health care if needed. Mental health resources will be available from the Mobile Vet Center and there will be support services on hand for homeless or low-income veterans in need of aid with housing, social, or vocational support.
Craleta Robinson of the VA’s Winston-Salem Regional Office said her office likes to be able to help veterans and their family members complete the claims and get information about the benefits “that they so deserve.”
“For example, we just had an event in Jacksonville earlier this year where we had a vet and his spouse who were very unsure about VA and VA benefits. We were able to help that vet and his spouse with their claim on the spot and it resulted in a $35,000 retroactive payment for that veteran and his spouse,” she said.
Lunch will be provided to attendees courtesy of the Surry County Veterans Council. Organizers said there will also be booths from vendors and service providers on hand for veterans as well.
Marion said the Elks Lodge is also helping out, “We are helping to sponsor the event and we are helping with resources as far as monetary resources, volunteers, and also to put out advertising outreach to get as many veterans to come as possible.”
“For any veteran who has any history with the VA or has a history with the military needs to come to this event because there is going to be information and resources available,” Scott said.
“It’s a very unique opportunity, we are so excited that the VA is going to come out to our community and support our veterans. The VA always supports all veterans, but it’s unique for us in a rural county like this.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0