Virginia Department of Veterans Services to Host Southwest "Supermarket" of Veterans Benefits
Virginia Department of Veterans Services to Host Southwest "Supermarket" of Veterans Benefits
Supermarket promoting "one-stop shopping" is the fifth such regional benefits fair
Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that the Virginia Department of Veterans Services will host the Commonwealth's fifth "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" on June 23 in Norton. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Norton, located at the intersection of US ALT 58 & US 23. Veterans in Southwest Virginia are encouraged to attend the event to learn about a wide variety of veterans benefits.
The "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" will provide a "one-stop shopping" experience for veterans seeking information about benefits, loans, career and employment opportunities, education, and veterans' service organizations. The state and federal agencies and veterans' service organizations that provide these benefits have been invited to set up exhibits and information tables.
"It is vital that Virginia's veterans are aware of the federal and state benefits to which they are entitled," said Governor Warner. "The Veterans Supermarkets are designed to raise awareness of veterans benefits, and improve access for those who need these benefits the most."
"We are trying to bring a host of services to the veteran community in Southwest Virginia," said Jon A. Mangis, Commissioner of Veterans Services. "These events help improve our programs for Virginia's veterans, and reach out to veterans who may not have easy geographical access to state government."
The Department of Veterans Services will hold two additional Supermarkets in 2005; August 24 in Wytheville, and October 20 in Warsaw.
The Department of Veterans Services was created as a result of reform legislation proposed by Governor Warner and enacted with overwhelming bipartisan support by the 2003 General Assembly. On July 1, 2003, veteran benefits, cemetery, and care center functions were consolidated into a single agency to enhance the delivery of veterans services. The State Approving Agency for Veterans Education became a part of the Department of Veterans Services on January 1, 2004.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Jun05/0607.htm