Veterans urged to sign up for unclaimed benefits: June 26 forum designed to spread the word

Published 10:57 am Monday, June 17, 2024

LONG BEACH — Veterans may be eligible for benefits they are not claiming.

That is the message from Ron Robbins, veterans committee chairman for the Long Beach Elks Lodge No. 1937.

The fraternity is lending its building at 110 Pacific Ave. in Long Beach for a Veterans Town Hall on June 26.

The event is one of only four regional informational sessions being held statewide this year designed to reach out to the state’s 525,343 veterans. Of these, state authorities say 2,395 are Pacific County residents.

These sessions are organized by the Washington Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, chaired by Ron Black of Raymond, commandant of the Twin Harbors detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps League.

Two sessions are planned on that date in Long Beach. An hour-long women’s veterans forum will begin at 8:30 a.m. The town hall for all veterans will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It will feature information about Veterans Administration (VA) services and the Pacific County veterans program led by Ed Crawford, as well as suicide prevention issues. Pacific Transit System, which recently began a veterans-only bus service specifically for medical appointments, will also be represented.

Also on the agenda will be details of how veterans can benefit from the PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics). The 2022 legislation expanded VA benefits for vets exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances during their service.

“It is important to get the word out to all veterans,” said Robbins. “A lot of them are not getting the benefits they have earned.”

Organizers are especially hoping to connect with veterans from the Vietnam era. “They have benefits that they are not using that they can sign up for,” Robbins added.

Leaders of the Don R. Grable American Legion Post No. 48 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3721 are among those expected to attend.

Heidi Audette, legislative director for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, said the agenda will focus on how various groups are helping veterans and their families. “All are welcome to attend and learn more about the programs and services available to veterans, families and resource providers,” she noted.

Information will be available on services offered including:

• State veterans homes;

• Transitional housing;

• State Veterans Cemetery;

• Counseling and wellness programs;

• Transition, readiness and family services.

People unable to attend in person can join a town hall livestream at 10 a.m., with an opportunity to comment and ask questions, at www.facebook.com/wsdva.

For more information, visit www.DVA.wa.gov, call 360-725-2157, or email Communications@DVA.wa.gov.

Optional registration for the women’s veterans forum is available at www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veterans-forum-tickets-877556694697.