PORT ALLEGANY — Veterans and their families are invited to attend the Veterans Resource Fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Home — American Legion/VFW Clubs — at 4743 Route 155, Port Allegany.
“Those attending this one-stop shop can learn about VA services and a variety of community resources and available to veterans and their families,” said Zach Pearson, McKean County director of veteran affairs.
At this event, veterans can meet with representatives of community agencies and health experts. Members of the Erie VA Medical Center leadership team will be on-site to answer questions, provide information and meet with veterans face-to-face.
In addition, veterans and their families will have the opportunity to meet with the following:
°Erie VA Medical Center and McKean County VA Clinic experts; free blood pressure screenings and flu shots if available — will be available for veterans eligible for VA services;
°Erie VA Eligibility and Enrollment representatives;
°Erie VAMC Behavioral Health Clinic staff;
°Erie VAMC Women Veterans’ Program staff;
°Veterans Benefits Administration representatives to answer questions about benefits and or claims;
°University of Pittsburgh at Bradford representatives from the Admissions Office to discuss educational opportunities at UPB and the use of GI Bill/veterans benefits;
°Vet Center to provide information about readjustment counseling available to combat veterans and families;
°State officer from the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs to discuss state and federal programs;
°McKean County and Community Veteran Service officers to assist veterans in filing claims;
°PA CareerLink representative who will support veteran job seekers and family members who are seeking employment and/or career guidance; and
°Career counselors from 2nd Army Reserves Career Division will provide soldier benefit information and other career opportunities for those still in the inactive portion of their military contract.
Pearson said, “Veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare or are interested in speaking to eligibility representatives or a benefits counselor are encouraged to bring a copy of their DD-214 service discharge papers. These representatives will be on-site and will screen eligibility for VA services and benefits.”
The Veterans Resource Fair is sponsored by the McKean County Community Veteran Engagement Board, which is aimed at opening the line of communication among the veterans, VAA and community stakeholders.
For more information, contact Pearson at 814-887-3241 or Byron Sutton at 814-363-9100.
