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August 29, 2024
Veterans Benefit Fair set for Kerrville
By Gary L. Noller
Special to the Prophet
Bandera County veterans and families are invited to attend a free Veterans Benefit Fair in Kerrville on Sept. 5, at the Kerr County Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy. 27. The fair is sponsored by the Kerr County Veterans Service Office. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and will close at 3 p.m.
Veterans County Service Officer Jenna Sanchez said she anticipates more than 50 federal, state and local organizations to be present.
“Veterans can access resources and support services for veterans and their families, including information on health issues, education and benefits. Participating organizations include VA Health Care, local veteran service officers, the Texas Veterans Commission, community non-profits, and many more,” she said.
Bandera County Veterans County Service Officer Mike Lauricella will be available at the fair to meet veterans and answer questions they may have. Lauricella is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans wishing to obtain their earned benefits.
Veterans earn benefits through their military service, but eligibility for these benefits is constantly changing. For example, a new law took effect two years that greatly expanded federal benefits for veterans, called The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. It is known by the much shorter name of PACT Act. It specifically addresses health and benefit issues of veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a report on the success of the first two years of the PACT Act. It includes the following points:
- More than 1 million Veterans and their survivors have received disability compensation benefits under the PACT Act.
- Nearly 740,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.
- More than 5.6 million Veterans have been screened for toxic exposures.
- Record numbers of Veterans are applying for earned benefits.
It is estimated that there are 16 million American military veterans. Kerr County is home to about 5,000 veterans. Regardless of the success of the PACT Act, it is common to encounter veterans who have little or no knowledge of the benefits that may be available to them. I always encourage veterans to consult with a VA accredited veterans service officer and receive a full assessment of benefit eligibility.
The Veterans Benefit Fair provides a great opportunity for veterans to go to the first source for information. It is expected that the Department of Veterans Affairs will staff at least 25 tables at the event. This includes enrollment and eligibility, community care, community living centers, patient advocate, social workers, voluntary services, mental health services, disability benefits, and national veterans cemeteries.
State agencies will provide information on state veterans homes, veterans home and land loans, health care advocacy, entrepeneurship programs, and state veterans cemeteries. Texas Workforce Solutions and the Alamo Area Coungil of Governments (AACOG) are set to showcase their services.
Local social service agencies are also on hand to explain their resources. This includes Silver Sage, Salvation Army, Together With Hill Country Veterans, Gunny's Warriors, American Red Cross, and the Hill Country Veterans Center.
Door prizes will be awarded throught the event. Local food trucks will be available for food purchases. Free haircuts will be offered to veterans by the BK Cosmetology School. Many more local agencies are expected to be available with their information.
This is most likely the largest local veterans benefit fair ever scheduled in the Hill Country area. Bandera County is fortunate that its Veterans Service Office staff is strongly proactive in its efforts to assist veterans in obtaining their earned benefits and is a participant in this event.
Veterans County Service Officer Jenna Sanchez said she anticipates more than 50 federal, state and local organizations to be present.
“Veterans can access resources and support services for veterans and their families, including information on health issues, education and benefits. Participating organizations include VA Health Care, local veteran service officers, the Texas Veterans Commission, community non-profits, and many more,” she said.
Bandera County Veterans County Service Officer Mike Lauricella will be available at the fair to meet veterans and answer questions they may have. Lauricella is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans wishing to obtain their earned benefits.
Veterans earn benefits through their military service, but eligibility for these benefits is constantly changing. For example, a new law took effect two years that greatly expanded federal benefits for veterans, called The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. It is known by the much shorter name of PACT Act. It specifically addresses health and benefit issues of veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a report on the success of the first two years of the PACT Act. It includes the following points:
- More than 1 million Veterans and their survivors have received disability compensation benefits under the PACT Act.
- Nearly 740,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.
- More than 5.6 million Veterans have been screened for toxic exposures.
- Record numbers of Veterans are applying for earned benefits.
It is estimated that there are 16 million American military veterans. Kerr County is home to about 5,000 veterans. Regardless of the success of the PACT Act, it is common to encounter veterans who have little or no knowledge of the benefits that may be available to them. I always encourage veterans to consult with a VA accredited veterans service officer and receive a full assessment of benefit eligibility.
The Veterans Benefit Fair provides a great opportunity for veterans to go to the first source for information. It is expected that the Department of Veterans Affairs will staff at least 25 tables at the event. This includes enrollment and eligibility, community care, community living centers, patient advocate, social workers, voluntary services, mental health services, disability benefits, and national veterans cemeteries.
State agencies will provide information on state veterans homes, veterans home and land loans, health care advocacy, entrepeneurship programs, and state veterans cemeteries. Texas Workforce Solutions and the Alamo Area Coungil of Governments (AACOG) are set to showcase their services.
Local social service agencies are also on hand to explain their resources. This includes Silver Sage, Salvation Army, Together With Hill Country Veterans, Gunny's Warriors, American Red Cross, and the Hill Country Veterans Center.
Door prizes will be awarded throught the event. Local food trucks will be available for food purchases. Free haircuts will be offered to veterans by the BK Cosmetology School. Many more local agencies are expected to be available with their information.
This is most likely the largest local veterans benefit fair ever scheduled in the Hill Country area. Bandera County is fortunate that its Veterans Service Office staff is strongly proactive in its efforts to assist veterans in obtaining their earned benefits and is a participant in this event.