October 14, 2009

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits reaches out to veterans in Central Wisconsin

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), as part of its “I Owe You” outreach campaign to state veterans, hosted a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Marshfield, Wisconsin, expanding the department’s outreach to Wisconsin veterans and their family members. Since 2000, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has been hosting “Supermarkets” across the state in an effort to draw federal, state, and local agencies together in a single location.

Almost 400 veterans and their families attended the two-day event held Wednesday, October 7th and Thursday, October 8th at the National Guard Armory in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The federal VA, veterans’ service organizations, and County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs) also participated in the event to provide information and assistance to veterans in applying for benefits, services, and claims.

“The Supermarket is one way that the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs can reach out to veterans to help them learn about and apply for federal and state programs and services that they may be eligible for,” said WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos. “We have all age groups, from men and women who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, to those who served in World War II and everyone in between that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to reach out to and make sure they all know what is available to them,” Scocos added.

Information was provided about the state veterans’ homes and cemeteries, women's veterans programs, loan programs, military medals and records, education benefits and employment opportunities. There were over 35 providers present for veterans and family members to talk to.

Steven M. Wojcik, a Sergeant with the Army Reserves, attended Thursday’s event. “I came here to check on education benefits, but I got a lot more. It’s a big benefit to be able to come down and talk face to face with someone. I’m heading over to talk with the American Legion about membership, something I’ve been interested in for a while,” he said. Wojcik served active duty with the Marine Corps from 1994-1998 and following September 11th joined the Army Reserve. In 2004-2005 he was deployed to Iraq where his vehicle was hit by ID Blast. He returned to the states and most recently was an instructor at Fort McCoy.

Argil Stigen, an 86-year-old World War II veteran, and his daughter, Catherine Bielmeier, both from Hancock, Wisconsin, also attended the Supermarket.Argil served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1943. “Veterans come home and seem to be on their own, they need this,” Argil said. His daughter echoed her father’s comments, “In Wisconsin rural counties people have to travel so far, so this is great to have all of this in one spot. I certainly hope you have it again and offer these more often, everyone has been so helpful. We need to take care of our veterans,” she said.

For more information on the "I Owe You" program and events visit our website at www.WisVets.com/IOweYou. To find out more about WDVA, it's benefits, programs, and services see our home page at www.WisVets.com or call toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).