Veterans benefits workshop set in Greenwood Feb. 27

Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilmington will hold a free benefits workshop for veterans and their family members from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, at VFW Post 7478, 303 Mill St., Governors Avenue, Greenwood. Medical center, vet center, and Veterans Benefits Administration staff will be onsite to answer questions about VA services, help veterans enroll for VA healthcare, and provide assistance with VA disability claims.

The workshop is a relatively new program presented by Wilmington VAMC staff that helps connect veterans to healthcare and VA benefits. VA staff provide one-on-one assistance by answering questions specific to the veterans' situation. "We've talked to numerous folks who served in the military that just don't know what benefits they qualify for," said Mark Taylor, outreach specialist. "My job is to meet face-to-face with veterans throughout the community and help explain VA benefits and help to connect them with those services."

Taylor also helps veterans complete their VA 1010 EZ form, which is VA's healthcare enrollment application. Also at the workshop, counselors from the VBA will be able to assist veterans with disability claims and in some cases provide status updates.

"The entire process can be overwhelming for some people," said Taylor. "It's exciting to see veterans really taking advantage of these workshops."

Men and women who have served in the military may be entitled to a variety of VA benefits including VA healthcare. Veterans who would like to enroll in VA healthcare should bring a photocopy of their DD-214 or other proof of service to help in completing their application.

For more information about the event, contact Mark Taylor at the Wilmington VA at 302-932-7519.