Outreach effort coming to D.C.

The American Legion are kicking off a campaign this week designed to educate Washington, D.C.-area military veterans about the health, employment and educational benefits they have earned as the organization intensifies its outreach efforts.

"Service -that's what The American Legion is all about," said Bron Mogenis, the Legion's Department of the District of Columbia commander. "We exist to help each and every veteran, their families and the communities they live in. The District of Columbia is an ideal place to strengthen partnerships between the veterans and the community. The people here care about their community and practice good citizenship every day."

Legion officers and American Legion national staff will join local Legionnaires in a series of informational sessions for veteranss on Department of Veterans Affairs health-care system enrollment, G.I. Bill educational benefits and vocational counseling.

An open house on Tuesday and Wednesday at American Legion Post 8 - located at 224 D Street SE in Washington, D.C., -will feature presentations on veterans job fairs, veteran-owned business workshops, VA health care and the claims appeals process, homelessness among veterans, VA home loans, military to civilian transitioning, and a host of other topics related to The American Legion's services, including its advocacy work in Congress. A similar event will be held on Thursday at the Legion's Washington office at 1608 K Street NW. Times will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday. A service officer will be on hand from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days to answer questions about VA health-care claims and other veteran-related matters.

Click here for a schedule of the revitalization events.

Click here for more information on the Veterans Health Enrollment Clinic.