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Veterans invited to outreach program at Salem AMVETS

SALEM — Any U.S. military veteran is invited to an outreach program by the Columbiana County Veterans Services at 6 p.m. Tuesday at AMVETS Post 45, 750 S Broadway Ave.

Veterans do not have to bring proof of service or be an AMVETS member.

Debra Smith, veterans service officer, will conduct the two-part seminar aimed at making veterans aware of the benefits they may or may not be eligible to receive.

Smith said many veterans aren’t even aware there are veterans services offices in every county where they can obtain assistance in applying for benefits free of charge.

A U.S. Air Force veteran herself, Smith said first part of the meeting will provide handouts with contact information and resources that are available.

Many don’t know about veterans healthcare, Smith said, “which shocks us all.”

She explained veterans who work and are receiving benefits through their employers haven’t thought of any veterans health benefits.

The main reasons for the outreach are to make veterans aware of the service office which is located at 7989 Dickey Dr. Suite, 1, Lisbon, and advise them on any compensation they may be eligible for from service-connected illnesses, injuries or diseases they were exposed to.

The outreach also provides information about pensions and makes veterans aware of Veterans Administration health care.

Smith said there are pensions for low-income, honorably discharged veterans who served one day of active duty during a period of war which varies from veteran to veteran.

“Pensions are driven by income,” she said, noting the guidelines look at every single aspect of a veterans economic picture including Social Security benefits, investments, out-of-pocket medical expenses. There are thresholds.

“We look at all of that,” she said.

One big assumption is that all veterans think they’re entitled to VA health care, she said, explaining that prior to 2003 veterans were automatically enrolled.

“I always touch on that,” she said, “there’s just so many misconceptions. Yes, you could have served but may not be considered for VA benefit purposes.”

Smith said veterans shouldn’t attempt to navigate the VA on their own.

“We’re trained on it,” she said.

After the outreach presentation, there is a question and answer period and attendees are asked to fill out a veterans data sheet.

“For our update,” she said, “we can compare it to our data base and reach out to them.”

The Columbiana County Veterans Services is reaching out to all the veterans organizations in the county and will provide the outreach program to any of them, Smith said, adding that AMVETS Post 45 was the first one to invite them.

Veterans services can be reached at 330-424-7214 and is also on Facebook.

lshields@salemnews.net

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