September 30, 2009

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits to be held in Marshfield on October 7 and 8
Veterans event to take place at the National Guard Armory

(MADISON) – Veterans can apply for an array of state and federal benefits at one convenient location at a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on Wednesday, October 7 from noon to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, October 8 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the National Guard Armory in Marshfield. The location is 319 W. 29th Street, Marshfield, WI.

"Veterans from the youngest to oldest, from those newly returned from Iraq and Afghanistan to those who served during World War II, along with their family members are invited and encouraged to come to this two-day event," said WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos. "There will be employers on site to talk with veterans who may be looking for assistance in finding a job. And, there will be information available about many various veterans’ benefits, programs and services, including the Wisconsin GI Bill for education benefits and the ‘Mission:  Welcome Home’ program to assist returning service members in transition, our newest veterans."

A portion of the Supermarket will include more than ten Central Wisconsin area employers with current job opportunities. The employers will be present the first day of the Supermarket (Oct. 7) only from noon to 4:00 p.m. In addition there will information on employment throughout the duration of the two-day Supermarket.

The Supermarket of Veterans Benefitsin Marshfield will have about 35 service providers on hand, including the federal VA, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers, veterans service organizations, education centers, and more. The Supermarket is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs "I Owe You" outreach campaign and the "Mission:  Welcome Home" program.

At this "one-stop shop" for benefits, veterans, and military service members and their families 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. Find out about employment information and opportunities.
4. Receive assistance in obtaining military medals and records.
5. Pre-register for burial in state veterans cemeteries.
6. Obtain information about aging services and about nursing home care at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes.
7. Learn about education benefits to include the Wisconsin GI Bill benefit of tuition remission for eligible veterans and dependents.

For more information about the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits, which is open to the public, go to the WDVA website at www.WisVets.Com/Supermarkets, call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387), or contact a local County Veterans Service Office, listed in the telephone book under County Government.