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Health & Fitness

Honoring Veterans Part of What Makes America Strong

Honoring Veterans Part of What Makes America Strong

One of the many things that make our nation so special is that we take care of our veterans. It is important that we express our gratitude to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom and security.

Across the country, veterans from all walks of life are generally eligible for certain benefits in recognition of their service. Unfortunately, however, our veterans do not always know the benefits that are available to them. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles for the Department of Veterans Services is finding and identifying veterans.

For that reason, I encourage Ohio’s veterans to contact their local Veterans Service Commission to see if they qualify for benefits. In no way can any benefits fully repay your service to our country, but I hope you will look into it. For example, you may be eligible for health care, disability compensation, pension, education, or home loan benefits, or even direct financial assistance. Veterans of the Persian Gulf War era, or of service during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, may be eligible for the Ohio Veterans Bonus. Disabled wartime veterans may be eligible to live in the Ohio Veterans Homes.  You can find helpful information at the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission website.

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I would also like to remind the people of the 6th District about an event coming up commemorating the 40th Anniversary of America’s role in the Vietnam War. From March 26-29, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services will honor Vietnam Veterans Day, which was enacted by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor Kasich last year.

In what was one of America’s bloodiest wars, it is important that we pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their safety and their lives for our country. Events will be held in Columbus at the Ohio History Center (at I-71 and 17th Avenue) and at the Statehouse. One of the highlights will be “The Wall That Heals,” which is a traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that travels throughout the country.

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Education is also an important part of the events. There will be panel discussions at the Ohio History Center about veterans’ experience, the strength shown by prisoners of war, the role of female veterans, and a historical perspective on the war and its aftermath.

I strongly encourage the people of Cuyahoga County and all of Ohio to come to Columbus to pay tribute to our patriotic heroes and to learn about a key part of American history. Please feel free to contact my office if you would like more information about the event.


Helpful links:

Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission Benefit
Eligibility

http://vsc.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/benefit-eligibility.aspx

(216) 698-2600/ 1-866-915-8387-toll free

 

Ohio Department of Veterans Services

(614) 644-0898


A schedule of events, directions and hotel information for Vietnam Veterans Event
http://dvs.ohio.gov/home/vietnam_veterans_commemoration.aspx

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