Veterans outreach program planned for Virginia

Loudoun County’s first “Salute to Military, Veterans and Families” event is Sept. 27 in Ashburn, Va. Servicemembers and veterans will have the chance to meet with accredited representatives from The American Legion and other veterans service organizations to get help with their benefits claims and other issues related to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium of Stone Bridge High School on 43100 Hay Road. Five American Legion posts in Loudoun County will participate: Post 2001 in Ashburn, Post 150 in Sterling, Post 34 in Leesburg, Post 295 in Middleburg and Post 293 in Purcellville. The Legion posts and the Loudoun County Government are co-sponsors for the event.

Several breakout sessions will provide information on VA benefits, support programs and answers to questions from attendees. Veterans will also get help with any benefits claims they have filed, or wish to file.

Featured speakers during the program include American Legion National Vice Commander Bill Bryant; VA Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey; Director of National Defense University Marine BGen. Thomas Gorry; Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Paul Galanti; State Senator Richard Black, (13th Dist.); President and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Tony Howard, and three members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors: Scott York, Shawn Williams and Ralph Buona.

The “Salute to Military, Veterans and Families” event will also include a musical performance by the brass section of VA’s Medical Music Group.

For more information, contact Bob O’Such at (703) 723-5839/(571) 422-3993/bobbyosuch@gmail.com, or Charlie McKinney at (703) 729-1529/703-975-6422/vavets4victory@aol.com.