Mobile vet center to return Friday

Response from veterans to two mobile centers in Stafford County was so great earlier this year, that now the resource will be a regular offering. (See Robyn Sidersky’s story about the first visit in January.)

The Mobile Vet Center Program’s mobile unit will make a return trip this Friday.  The Mobile Vet Center, based in Richmond, brings services to veterans who might otherwise have to go to Richmond or Washington, D.C.

The unit will be in Stafford from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road.

Oliver Futrell with the Rural Health Initiative Team from McGuire VA Medical Center steps out of the Mobile Vet Center while helping veterans with health benefits questions. (Photo by Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Star)

Earlier in the year, the County’s Human Services Office worked with the Mobile Vet Center Program and the Rural Health Initiative Team from McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond to bring specialists to Stafford County to work with veterans. Mobile Vet personnel assist veterans with benefit enrollment, vocational rehabilitation, compensation upgrades, and healthcare claims.  Personnel will also share times and locations for other services they provide such as free counseling and healthcare for veterans who might not be financially eligible, according to a press release.

Here’s what one veteran told The Free Lance-Star the first time the mobile center was in town:

“Being a veteran that didn’t get benefits when I got out, I think it’s good for people to find out if they’re eligible for anything,” said Joseph Duffy.

Veterans are asked to bring a copy of their DD-214 and valid photo identification. For more information, contact 804/353-8958.

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