DAV invites veterans to learn about earned benefits

Those who have faithfully served in the armed forced made a promise to serve and protect their country as part of their mission and sacrifice.

In return, the DAV Chapter 44 of Wayne County wants to make sure it helps keep America’s promise to support all veterans and make sure they get all the benefits they deserve.

The group Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 of Wayne County is sponsoring a Veterans Fair on April 1 where they will host several organizations can provide benefits to veterans they might not know about or have been too discouraged to ask for.

“These organizations are specially geared toward helping veterans find ways to live successful lives,” said Johnny Bevins, Wayne County DAV chapter vice-commander “Our hope is to welcome veterans from all over Northeast Ohio so they can get valuable input and guidance in programs that can improve their lives. It is especially helpful to veterans who have never been helped by anyone because they just don’t know where to turn or who to ask for help.”

The event will take place at the Smithville Community Center in Smithville, located at 148 S. Milton St. and will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans and families and anyone who knows a veteran and would like to get information for them are invited to attend the event that will include free hot dogs.

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year.

“Our sole purpose is to help veterans find benefits that they’ve earned,” said Dave Dunn, commander of Chapter 44. “It’s our job to help them learn about every benefit they deserve and have earned in serving their country.”

Dunn said many veterans simply don’t know or understand all the valuable assets and organizations that are available to them.

That is why the organization decided to create this opportunity, opening its doors to veterans throughout northeast Ohio. It is also not just for veterans, but for their families and for those who know veterans who aren’t receiving the full benefits they deserve.

The event will feature several organizations that provide for veterans and can help them with both financial and physical needs. Each will have its own table set up so veterans and others can discuss benefits.

“This isn’t a handout, it’s a hand up,” said Chuck Dudley, Chapter 44 adjutant. “People are going to be able to sit down and talk to these folks about the benefits they can receive.”

Whether it is providing information about financial services and benefits, housing, drug rehabilitation, emotional issues like depression, or health-related issues, the hope is that veterans will come in ready to dive into important benefits.

Dunn said getting all these organizations together under one roof should be enticing for veterans.

“The sole purpose is to work together to help the veterans,” Dunn said.

He went on to say that in serving their country, veterans were part of a team that worked as one unit. He said now that they have moved on, there is no reason for them to live on their own, because there are many organizations that are designed to help them walk through life.

He also said veterans need to overcome the idea that they should just do things on their own and take care of themselves and understand that people are here to help them receive what they deserve.

“We want veterans to know they matter,” Dunn said. “We need to get them through the door here and listen to their stories. Your brothers and sisters are going to be here, so come in and let’s talk and find out what you need and get it to them.”

Dunn said they have no idea what kind of response they will get to the invitation to veterans, but whether they can help 2,000, 200 or two, it will be worth the effort.

He added that many veterans who are supposed to receive all kinds of available aid and benefits when they leave the armed forces don’t have any idea what is available to them.

Many of these individuals who serve several tours don’t know how to accept becoming a civilian. That is why the members of Chapter 44 believe this event is so critical.

No documents are needed for veterans, they just need to come with a desire to receive the benefits they deserve.

“Our veterans need help, so let’s get them the help they need,” said Marilyn Peacock, Chapter 44 junior vice-commander and chaplain. “Let’s get them here, whether someone is a veteran or if someone knows a veteran who needs help, let’s get them the information they need to get what they deserve.”

The event is being partnered by DAV Wayne County Chapter 44, NAMI of Wayne/Holmes County, OneEighty, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Veterans Services Office of Wayne County, 555th Honors Detachment, DAV Auxiliary of Wayne County and Ohio Means Jobs.