Over the past two months I have had several family members of deceased Veterans call me and say they couldn’t find their loved ones DD-214 or discharge papers. People, I implore you to make sure you know where your Veteran’s DD-214/discharge papers are located. The funeral home needs those papers to process the Veteran’s final benefits. These include a flag and a headstone. The one thing about life is that no one gets out alive. Make it easier on yourselves and your family by knowing where these important documents are located.
Have you ever heard of Vet Centers? Chances are you haven’t. Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of services to Combat Veterans of any era. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the readjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns from combat. Services include individual and group counseling in areas such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) alcohol and drug assessment and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free of cost and strictly confidential.
Another great fact is that there are no wait times at the Vet Center. Stop by and you will be seen. The reason I am giving you this information is because we are blessed to have the Aurora Vet Center in our backyard. The address is 750 Shoreline Drive, Ste. 150, Aurora, IL 60504. The phone number is (630) 585-1853. They offer a full range of services.
I am pleased to announce that the Hines VA will offer a Caregiver Support Workshop at the Naperville VFW Post on March 30. The VFW is located at 908 W. Jackson Ave. The times for the workshop are 10AM to 2PM. Lunch will be provided. Topics at the workshop will be “Managing Stress” and “Taking Care of Yourself.” There will be various resource information provided as well as workbooks for both topics. There will also be time to ask questions. Registration is required. To register call the Hines VA Caregiver Support Director, Jillian Inserra, at (708) 202-2643 or me at (630) 240-1645. The deadline to register is March 27.
