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Benefits for veterans explained next week
Care for veterans and services available to them will be discussed next week during a public conference hosted by the Cheektowaga Veterans Affairs Commmittee in Town Hall.
Representatives from Erie County and the Veterans Administration Hospital will be on hand to talk with veterans and their families.
Councilmember Thomas M. Johnson said that there are many veterans who may not be aware of the services available to them.
"There has been concern, especially since (reports of neglect at) Walter Reed, about the status of veterans' health care in Erie County," Johnson added. "We want spokespeople from the VA hospital and from the county plus citizen input," Johnson said.
Evangeline Conley, public affairs director at the Buffalo VA Hospital, pointed out that there is a difference between Walter Reed Hospital and the VA.
"Walter Reed is a military hospital, and we're a veterans hospital," Conley said. "We're here to care for anyone who has returned from combat, and those who have been back longer."
Among those expected to attend the meeting are Lou Palma, director of Erie County Veterans Services; Conley; Carol Griffith from the VA hospital's outreach services; Cathy Smythe, who provides clinical assistance to returning troops; and Kelly Robinson, a concerned town resident with two sons serving in Iraq.
Town Assessor Brian Hess will also be on hand to discuss property tax exemptions available for veterans.
Conley said that the VA is con- stantly trying to "get the word out" to veterans about benefits available to them.
"They may not realize they have benefits coming to them," Conley said. "We're particularly trying to get the word out to returning troops."
Because there are children and parents who provide care for veterans, Conley urged anyone who looks after a veteran to attend the meeting.
"The face of the military is changing, with more women serving and younger people coming back," Conley noted. "Whoever can benefit from this certainly should attend."
The April 4 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the council chambers, located on the first floor of Town Hall.
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