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Politics & Government

Veterans Benefits Symposium Slated For Saturday in Lacey

Medical benefits, jobs, education and claims on the agenda

 

The is hosting a tomorrow to help veterans understand benefits they are entitled to and how to access them.

The event will be held 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdayat the

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Bernie Snyder, a commission member for 30 years and a Vietnam veteran, said tthe event will feature speakers who help solve veterans' problems.

"A lot of veterans are coming in asking direction, how to get benefits," said Snyder, one of the event organizers. "They get out and don't know what they're entitled to."

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Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau Director John Dorrity, whom Snyder calls the "guru" of veterans service officers in the state, will provide an overview of the services and programs available in the county and will review the veterans' claims process.

"I want to extend my appreciation to the Lacey Township Veterans Commission for hosting this educational gathering," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, the liaison to the Veterans Services Bureau. "It is so very important to get accurate information to our veterans that will help them and their families access the programs and services that can assist them."

Snyder said the Lacey commission hasn't been very active for the last few years. But there's a recent need for information on veterans' services with an influx of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who may be injured, need medical benefits, want to go to college or find a job.

Valerie Madore, the federal Veterans Administration Employment Coordinator, is one of the scheduled speakers.

"Valerie was the leading job-getter for vets nationwide," said Snyder. "She's like John (Dorrity). We've got the two best people in the country in Ocean County working for us."

Little and Congressman Jon Runyan - a member of various veterans affairs and armed services subcommittees and chairman of the subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs - are scheduled to attend the information session. 

The event is open to all Ocean County veterans, from World War II-era to present day. The Lacey Elks Lodge is located at 900 Beach Boulevard in the Forked River section of the township. For more information, call Snyder at 609-276-1775.

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