Jan 6, 2019 3 min read

Unfortunately, we live in a society where things don’t always come easily to folks who deserve as much. Such is the case for our military veterans, who often have to navigate through rough waters to get the benefits they truly deserve.

Thus, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) suggests that all military veterans review their benefits as the new year begins to ensure they are receiving what they have earned.

“All veterans should occasionally check with a veterans service officer to see if changes in a veteran’s circumstances or changes to benefit policies may have modified the programs a veteran may be eligible to receive,” said Brian Natali, chief, Division of Veterans Services and Programs, in a recently issued press release. “Veterans should take these important steps to secure their benefits, and there are numerous accredited veterans service officers and organizations eager to help.”

Natali suggests beginning with getting important paperwork in order, especially, he said, DD-214, which is used to verify military service. He said veterans can also file documents for free at their county courthouse of record. Anyone needing assistance locating their military documentation can count on assistance from the DMVA by calling 717-861-8910 or e-mailing: RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Along with Natali, we urge our local veterans to stay on top of heath care and state benefit changes with help from the local county directors of veterans affairs. Those agencies can not only help veterans learn more about for what benefits they are eligible, but also help them apply for those benefits and programs.

Washington County veterans can contact Susan Meighen at the office at 100 W. Beau St., Suite 703, Washington, 724-228-6865, meighens@co.washington.pa.us.

Greene County veterans can contact Kathy Cipcic at the office at 22 West High St., Suite 100, Waynesburg, 724-852-5275, kcipcic@co.greene.pa.us.

Westmoreland County veterans can contact Matthew Zamosky at the office at 2 N. Main St., Suite 502 Greensburg, 724-830-3530, mzamosky@co.westmoreland.pa.us.

Fayette County veterans can contact Madonna Nicklow at the office at 22 E. Main St. Uniontown, 724-430-1241, mnicklow@fayettepa.org.

Veterans can also sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, a free tool with information about state benefits, programs and services available, at www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

We are certain our local veterans are also grateful for the agencies who work hard to help them live their lives after military service with as much help as possible. It is our hope that as our federal, state and local veteran advocates continue their good work, our veterans find ease in a society who does very much appreciate their sacrifice.