Veterans assistance program information sessions available to servicemembers

  • 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 are providing information to servicemembers the first Tuesday of each month in the main lobby of the 28th Medical Group.

Lt. Col. Imelda Reedy, 28th Medical Operations Squadron commander, explained that the 28th MDG is hosting the VA and VSO to increase awareness of available benefits to separating servicemembers.

"Many servicemembers believe that only retirees get benefits once they separate," Reedy said. "That's why we are providing [information from] these booths, because upon separation there are many benefits you can take advantage of."

Ryan Maurer, VA transition patient advocate, said many veterans may not fully understand the services available to them.

"It is important that we let everyone know about what they are eligible for," Maurer said. "We do outreaches like this to help servicemembers become aware."

Benefit information ranges from basic health care to housing and economic assistance coaching.

"Many servicemembers have questions upon separation," Reedy said. "Our medical providers don't always have all the information that VA and VSO representatives can provide them."

For more information regarding available benefits, visit the information booth at the 28th MDG.