By News-Times staff
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs will host a town hall meeting Saturday meant to ensure local veterans fully understand and have access to their benefits.
The Veterans Town Hall will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post 10, 105 Christian Drive, El Dorado. Doors will open at 2 p.m. to allow veterans time to write down and submit questions to be answered during the event.
Gina Chandler, assistant director of veteran services, said the goal is to inform veterans of what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is repsondible for and what the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for, as well as educate them on what benefits are available. For instance, the federal agency is responsible for veteran health care, while the state is responsible for veteran nursing homes. Both agencies run cemetery operations.
Chandler said officials also hope to take the opportunity to dispel myths and get facts about veterans services to those who need them. She said the questions written by veterans before the town hall will be answered without identifying the person who wrote the question. If submitted questions are not answered during the event, Chandler said officials would get back to them with the answer afterwards.
The town hall is not just meant for veterans, however. State officials are encouraging dependents and family members to attend as well.
Veteran service officers also will be on hand to consult with individual veterans as needed.