Veterans assistance program booth available monthly

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Representatives from the South Dakota Veteran Affairs and Pennington County Veterans Service office provide information on services available to military veterans the first Tuesday of each month in the main lobby of the 28th Medical Group.

Lori Vosika, Veterans Affairs of the Black Hills Healthcare System Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation New Dawn program manager, explained that the information booths have been open once a month since May. She noted that since then, they have assisted an estimated 100 active duty, retirees and civilian personnel.

"We designed this to augment the transition assistance class," Vosika said. "This really provides servicemembers the opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion to [express] their particular needs."

Additionally, the representatives can provide valuable information about veterans services when individuals relocate.

"A lot of people don't know they have VA services available to them," Vosika explained. "We're hoping to inform everyone about what [services] they could qualify for."

William Kindle, 28th Medical Operations Squadron data quality manager, is one of many retirees and Airmen who have utilized the kiosk.

"It was very beneficial to speak with them," Kindle said. "Providers on base get busy the way it is- I know they are capable of providing care to everyone, but it's good to know I have outlets downtown so I can free up appointments for the active duty personnel on base."

Kindle said he would definitely recommend the kiosk to retirees or Airmen who are separating.

"It really opened my eyes to what they provide," he added. "Us retirees always say we will go downtown and check it out, but we never do. Having this kiosk makes it convenient to learn about these facilities."

For more information regarding available benefits, visit the information booth at the 28th MDG or call Lori Vosika at (605) 745-2000 extension 92176.