Dozens of organizations gathered under one roof Friday as the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs worked to bridge what leaders say is a communication gap in western Kentucky.
Millie Dee Stevens, Director of State Programs for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, says the event grew out of a clear need.
click to download audioStevens says her office oversees homeless services, a women’s program, the KY Vets employment program and wounded and disabled veterans programs. After hearing repeated concerns that resources weren’t available locally, her team came to Hopkinsville to investigate.
click to download audioThe fair included VA representatives from Kentucky and Tennessee, home health providers and the health department, which offered blood pressure and body mass index checks. Backpacks filled with essentials like socks and snack bags were distributed to homeless veterans.
Regina Moore, a Health Benefits Advisor and Decedent Affairs representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, says many families don’t realize help is available when a veteran passes away.
click to download audioMoore says families need a DD-214 for eligibility, but her office can help obtain records if they’ve been lost.
Silas Session, Executive Director of the Office of Kentucky Veterans Services with KDVA, says unserved veterans are often simply unaware of what’s available.
click to download audioSession adds federal funding is set aside specifically for veterans and their families, including long-term survivor benefits tied to service-connected disabilities.
click to download audioOfficials encourage veterans and their families to connect through the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs website or social media to learn more about available programs.
