October 30, 2007

Two-day Veterans Outreach event to take place in Waukesha -- Supermarket of Veterans Benefits will be held at the Waukesha County Exposition Center

(MADISON) – Veterans can apply for an array of federal and state benefits at one convenient location, during a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Waukesha, hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). The federal VA, veterans service organizations, County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), and the Workforce Development Center in Pewaukee will also participate and provide direct assistance. 

The Supermarket, as part of WDVA's "I Owe You" outreach program, will take place over two days -- from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6th and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7th, at the Waukesha County Exposition Center, located at 1000 Northview Road in Waukesha.

“Veterans Day is coming up, and this is a good time for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to hold a Supermarket for Wisconsin veterans to learn about services and programs they may be eligible for,” said WDVA Acting Secretary Bill Kloster. “Employers will be present at this event to provide information about job opportunities. There will also be information briefings on VA health care and federal and state benefits, programs, and services on both days.”

As part of the "I Owe You" statewide effort to ensure Wisconsin veterans are receiving benefits they're eligible for, and may need, veterans of all ages are encouraged to come to the Supermarket. This will be the 30th event. There will be over 50 vendors on site, providing information on veterans' benefits and services at one venue, including VA health care, eligibility, education, jobs, veterans homes and long-term 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.
• Learn about education and job training programs, including the "Wisconsin G.I. Bill" and the Montgomery 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.
• Get information about the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in King and Union Grove.
• Receive information about Military Funeral Honors and pre-register for burial in state veterans cemeteries.

The Waukesha County Exposition Center is located at 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha. Parking and admission are free. A concession stand will also be available on site.