September 2, 2009

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits to be held at Fort McCoy on September 11

(MADISON) – Veterans can apply for an array of state and federal benefits at one convenient location during a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Fort McCoy Retiree Office on Friday, September 11 – from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, at the Wisconsin Military Academy located at 90 S. 10th Ave.

The Supermarket is being held in conjunction with the annual Ft. McCoy Retiree Appreciation Day. Activities for the day include briefings in the morning at Building 905 followed by the Supermarket at Building 90 of Ft. McCoy. There will be over 40 information providers on hand. The outreach event is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs "I Owe You" outreach campaign and the "Mission:  Welcome Home" program to assist veterans of all ages. In addition to reaching out to older veterans the Supermarket – being held on Patriot Day September 11th (see www.WisVets.com/PatriotDay) – will also provide an opportunity for recently returned servicemembers from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their family members to learn about and apply for benefits and services earned.

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

1. Establish eligibility for state veterans benefits (veterans are advised to bring their DD Form 214).
2. Apply for benefits, such as VA health care and prescription drug benefits, disability compensation and pension, personal loans, home mortgage loans, home improvement loans and education or job training grants.
3. Receive information on retiree benefits and services.
4. Learn about education benefits to include the Wisconsin GI Bill benefit of tuition remission for eligible veterans and dependents.
5. Learn what the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in King and Union Grove offer:  affordable assisted living, activities, and a friendly environment.
6. Find out about employment opportunities.
7. Pre-register for burial in state veterans cemeteries.
8. Obtain information about nursing care and aging services.

Attendees should allow ample time for entry through the Main Gate at Ft. McCoy located on Highway 21 between Tomah and Sparta, Wisconsin. Parking and admission are free.

For more information, go to the WDVA website at www.WisVets.com/Supermarkets or call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387). Or contact a local County Veterans Service Office or Tribal Veterans Service Office.