Program provided support, info to new veterans
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 10/26/2009
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Over the weekend, area veterans gathered to offer support and receive information on benefits available upon their return from serving overseas.
The Vet to Vet Program, held Saturday at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds was the first of its kind in Lafayette. Vietnam, Korean, Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans came together to learn about educational, medical and employment benefits. The event was hosted by area veterans’ groups including the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Rolling Thunder, the American Legion, Marine Corp League, the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Navy club.
“We thought it was important to do this to show there is support in the community to help them succeed,” said Daniel Flavin, co-chair of the event and a Vietnam War veteran.
The event featured speakers from the Indiana National Guard, Homeless Veterans and Families, the Veterans Administration and Disabled American Veterans, as well as an open session where veterans were able to talk to Veteran Service Officers. Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Career Connect and the American Red Cross were also on hand.
Jamie Richards, a Veterans’ Affairs Coordinator at Ivy Tech, explained how Ivy Tech helps returning veterans make the most of their educational benefits, as many are unaware of all of the opportunities available under the GI Bill.
“The GI Bill can be hard to understand, but we can help get them in the right direction,” he said. “We talk to them and help them understand their responsibilities, our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Veterans Administration.”
“There are a lot of veterans in Tippecanoe County that need this kind of information,” said Steve McKay, a member of American Legion Post 11 in Lafayette. “It’s just nice for them to know there are people out here that are here to help them when they need it.”