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Maryland Post Helps Veterans with ‘Family Support Outreach Day’ It’s tragic that America’s veterans must often endure lengthy waits for medical care and benefits. It’s even more tragic when critical services and assistance are an arm’s length away, and our heroes just don’t realize help is available. Lee Lewis, veterans and family support chairman, Salisbury, Md., VFW Post 194 Ladies Auxiliary, was determined to change that with Post 194’s first Family Support Outreach Day. Sponsored by VFW Post 194, their Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Department of Maryland’s Military Assistance Program (MAP), Lewis’ aim was to help area veterans and their families learn about the services and resources available to them. “This year was our first event, so attendance wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for, but I had so many people tell me how much we’ve needed something like this,” Lewis said. “There were health organizations providing free screenings, a service officer helped people with benefit information we even had a mobile job unit on hand to help with job searches and resume writing. “We also tried to make it a family event for young soldiers with children, so I set up an area for kids to play games and get health and safety information just for them, too,” Lewis explained. In total, 16 organizations participated by setting up tables and offering free services, dispensing information and discussing their resources with local veterans. Since the event, Lewis has been in contact with nearly a dozen other organizations interested in adding their names to next year’s roster. Maryland state commander Thomas Kimball applauded the event for “providing a tremendous amount of resources for area veterans.” "We plan to build on our success and do a better job of getting the word out there next time,” he added. Kimball says hosting Family Support Outreach Days is a strong way for the VFW to advocate for veterans. “Your average veteran doesn’t always know what’s out there,” he continued. “20 years ago before I joined the VFW, I didn’t know. “We’re letting them know it’s here, you earned it, take advantage of it.” “I think it’s important to let our defenders know they’re not alone,” Lewis continued. “Simply letting them know there are organizations and people willing to help them does that.” |
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