Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans can learn about their benefits while enjoying a day at the zoo, thanks to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s third annual Welcome Home event.  Welcome Home 2010 will be held Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Philadelphia Zoo.
    The event is one of many efforts the VA uses to reach out to this new generation of combat Veterans.  A special team also attends redeployment events, Veteran fairs, and Yellow Ribbon celebrations to educate and enroll Veterans in VA services.  The medical center also played host to 300 Iraq Veterans earlier this year, who were attending a post-deployment health assessment.
    “We know that several thousand National Guard troops returned from Iraq in 2009, so the Veteran population is growing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” said Lori Maas, the Philadelphia VA’s program manager for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  “The emphasis is to arm them with the information they need to take advantage of the benefits they have earned.”
    Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are automatically eligible for five years of free health care for conditions which may be related to their service.  In addition to health care enrollment information, there will be opportunities to learn about VA home loans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, employment, and vocational rehabilitation.
    “These men and women earned benefits through their service to our Nation,” said Janice M. Boss, the medical center’s Interim Director.  “It is our job to help them take advantage of those benefits.”
    Each Veteran may bring up to three immediate family members or a significant other.  The day’s activities run from 3 pm to 6 pm and will go on rain or shine.  Veterans are asked to RSVP through the Welcome Home web site at www.philadelphia.va.gov <http://www.philadelphia.va.gov/> .  A copy of the Veteran’s DD214 discharge paperwork will be necessary on the day of the event.

Chris Hill

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