The Louisville Fortnightly Club met January 17 at the Winston County Library. Ms. Sharon Dollarhide, State Veteran Outreach Field Representative from Mississippi State University, gave an outstanding informative program on Veterans. Topics included benefits, pertinent information to keep handy in a packet in case there is an emergency, and information on our 2 State Veteran Cemeteries and out 4 VA Nursing Homes.
Ms. Dollarhide began her presentation by thanking all veterans for their service to our country. She asked each guest to take a plastic soldier home as a reminder to pray for our service members, including our veterans who are undergoing changes.
She emphasized that veterans must have a DD214 form for all periods of active duty service to receive any benefits. Hearing loss is the number one services- related injury affecting veterans. A program called Heroes with Hearing Loss covers free phones for veterans with hearing issues. These phones are closed caption and the font can be large or small.
Getting enrolled in the VA is based on income unless one is service connected. Once a person is in the system, everything is covered except Dental.
Mrs. Dollarhide also stressed the importance of keeping an updated packet handy. Some of the most needed items include: Personal Medical and Information Form, Certified copies of DD214s for all periods of active duty, Social Security numbers and birth certificates for Veterans, their spouses and any dependent children, marriage license to current spouse, copies of divorce decrees, death certificates, as well as marriage licenses of previous spouses, services connected disabilities, insurance policies with phone numbers of the companies, copies of all VA Award Letters.
Mississippi has 2 VA cemeteries. When a veteran passes away, help is given to the family in obtaining VA benefits such as headstone and markers, burial flags, reimbursement of burial expenses and burial in a VA nation cemetery to those who are qualified. Our state also has 4 VA Nursing Homes. If 70% connected or greater, there is no cost to the veteran. Spouses must pay the full rate per day. Spouses are awarded beds as they come available.
Ms. Dollarhide was also very helpful in answering questions and gave out books entitled A Time to Honor which includes stories of service, duty and sacrifices from the Vietnam War. Club members and guests appreciated Ms. Dollarhide’s expertise and were thankful to hear her presentation. Following the program, everyone enjoyed a delicious assortment of refreshments. Hostesses were Mrs. Henry Brandt, Mrs. Robert Clark, Mrs. Michael Cournoyer, and Mrs. Bill Mills.
For further information, please contact our County Veteran Service Officer Mr. Larry Veazey at 662-773-9555 or Sharon Dollarhide at 662-325-6867.
