New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs to host Roundtable for Veterans 55 and Older

ALBANY, NY (04/15/2010)(readMedia)-- On Wednesday April 21st, the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs will be partnering with the Vietnam Veterans of America, several state, federal, and local agencies to hold a Veterans Benefits Checkup for Veterans 55 and older. The event will be held at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY.

This event will kick off a series of roundtable discussions and benefits fairs that will take place statewide to keep pace with the changing needs of our aging Veterans. The format of the event will include a 90 minute discussion of local, state and federal benefits followed by a resources fair where Veterans and their families can get connected to local service providers and schedule appointments.

"Veterans and their families will have the opportunity to learn about several benefits and services that they may or not have known about. This can be anything from healthcare and compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs to information about home weatherization and fraud protection. We want to ensure that all veterans get connected to the benefits they have earned" said Jim McDonough Jr., Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.

The idea for these events spawned from a partnership between the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs and the New York Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) President Ned Foote. "I am pleased to be partnering with the NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs and federal, state and local agencies. These seminars are important for Veterans age 55+ to attend. As we age, it is crucial that we keep our knowledge of the benefits and services up to date and current. Join me on the 21st for this important information seminar and benefit fair".

These targeted events are part of a larger effort to ensure the State's aging Veteran population is being served properly. "Our State's aging Veterans served us honorably, and I am committed to serving them and their families through innovative efforts that will connect them with the benefits they've earned. This partnership between local and federal governments and New York's Veteran Service Organizations will offer Veterans and their families an opportunity to learn more about benefits they may have earned since separating from military service. These important benefits are well-deserved and could make the difference in Veterans' lives. We will continue to do all that we can to provide benefits to which Veterans and their families are entitled" said Governor David A. Paterson.

The Roundtable will be held at Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern, New York, Ellipse Room beginning at 1:00 pm and followed by a benefits fair ending at 4:00 pm. Veterans and family members who wish to attend this free event should register either on the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs website at www.veterans.ny.gov or via phone at 518-474-6114.