March 12, 2007

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits to be held in Menomonie

(MADISON) -- Wisconsin veterans and their families are encouraged to attend a two-day Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to learn about and apply for federal and state benefits. The federal VA, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, veterans service organizations, and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) will also participate and provide direct assistance.

The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) as part of the "I Owe You" outreach campaign to state veterans, will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22nd and again from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, March 23rd at the DAV Tri-County Chapter 26 Center, located at E4710 County Road BB, in Menomonie, WI.

"The Supermarket will provide 'one-stop shop' information for veterans' benefits and services, health care, education, and employment," said WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos.  "The 'I Owe You' campaign is part of a statewide effort to ensure Wisconsin veterans are receiving the federal benefits they're eligible for," Scocos said.  "Since we started the program in November of 2000, the department has held 24 information fairs in various locations around the state, and we've assisted thousands of veterans and their families in applying for benefits," said Scocos.

The upcoming Supermarket of Veterans Benefits is the department's first "I Owe You" outreach event to be held in Menomonie.  Over 30 vendors will be present at the two-day event.

"Many veterans who believe they are no longer eligible for benefits after being out of service for decades find out that many benefits have no time limits, and new benefits have been instituted," said Scocos. "We encourage veterans of all ages to come to the Supermarket, and we invite our newest returning veterans to find out about benefits helpful to them, such as education, health care, and loans. The department offers low fixed rates on home loans, home improvement loans, and personal loans available right now to eligible veterans and their families."

At this "one-stop" shop for benefits, veterans and service members can:

• Establish eligibility for state veterans benefits (veterans are advised to bring their DD form 214, if available).
• Find out about employment opportunities.
• Find out about education and job training programs, including the "Wisconsin G.I. Bill."
• Apply for benefits and services, including VA health care and disability compensation.
• Apply for personal loans, home mortgage loans, home improvement loans.
• Receive assistance in obtaining military records and medals.
• Receive information on retiree benefits and services.
• Learn about the new state property tax credit for qualifying elderly 100% disabled veterans.
• Obtain information about nursing care and aging services.
• Pre-register for state veterans cemeteries.

The DAV Tri-County Chapter 26 Center is located at E4710 County Road BB, Menomonie. Parking, admission and refreshments are provided free-of-charge.

For further information go to our Supermarket of Veterans Benefits Web page. For more information on WDVA programs and activities go to the WDVA Home page, call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387), or contact a local County Veterans Service Officer or Tribal Veterans Service Officer.