Peachtree – Multiple agencies and businesses came together in one location to assist veterans with various services and benefits at Tri-County Community College on June 14.
The coming together of the different services in a single location was to make it easier for the veteran by enabling them to get the help and information they needed without having to travel to a different and sometimes more distant area. There were numerous vendors both governmental and private on site each offering assistance with the many different benefits a veteran is entitled to.
The Vet Center was on site as well as Veterans Services of the Carolinas, Cherokee County Veteran Services, Comfort Keepers, Pisgah Legal Services, Spencer Global, CaptionCall, Cherokee County Senior Services, Veteran Services Offices from Veterans of Foreign Wars in three counties, the American Legion, Winston-Salem Veterans Benefits Administration Raters, Veterans Health Administration – Toxic Exposure, Veterans Administration of Asheville, Tri-County Community College Education, Bridge Academy and Humana-Rose Insurance. All of those on site offered brochures and other information on the services they extend to veterans and their families.
Field representatives for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) were also on site showing support for U.S. military veterans.
Jessica Montgomery represents Comfort Keepers.
“This is very touching to me,” she said. “My father-in-law is a veteran and being able to serve veterans and the elderly is a calling I’ve had since I was young. I’m honored to be here to help.”
Comfort Keepers provides in home, non-medical services to veterans such as housekeeping and meal preparation.
“It’s dear to my heart. They’ve done a lot for this country so I want to give back to them,” said Denise Cross with Cherokee County Senior Services, who is able to assist veterans with anything related to Medicare.
“This was the first time the Benefits Live has come to WNC and it was a huge success. We are definitely looking forward to doing this next year and many years to come,” said Danna Pash, Cherokee County’s director of veteran services.
The VA has a non-medical program benefit that helps vets called Aid & Assistance. Many veterans are unaware of this benefit. Details: Call Cherokee County Veteran Services at 828-835-8663.