-
The American Legion Post 109 will bring in the Vet Center to help local veterans in need on April 19 at the First Methodist Church parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The American Legion Post 109 will bring in the Vet Center to help local veterans in need on April 19 at the First Methodist Church parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In early 2023, the VA office of Hartwell lost its service officer and manager to retirement which forced them to close their doors. Many veterans in the community have not been able to ask questions or receive help. American Legion Post 109 commander James Fulghum explains why he is helping bring the Vet Center Mobile Unit to Hartwell.
“The reason why we want to bring them in is because Hartwell no longer has a VA office here,” Fulghum said. “They used to have one here in Hartwell. Michael Partlow retired and instead of replacing him, they just shut it down. A lot of veterans do not have the transportation to go to Atlanta or Lawrenceville, so we are bringing them here.”
The Vet Center is known for their welcoming environment, a community of support, and makes sure to provide practical and therapeutic services. They help veterans and their families build meaningful connections and develop tools for achieving success in both their military and civilian lives. They provide individual, group, couples, and family counseling to talk through problems, brainstorm solutions, discuss what resources are available, and work with veterans to create effective and practical plans for their personal growth. They provide medical, benefit, employment, and other VA and community referral services to help veterans and their families navigate time-consuming tasks, like applying for VA benefits or finding a job. They also provide Vet Centers to help connect with their community by working with local partners and using resources to advocate for their needs that ultimately allows them to create a greater support system for them and their families.
Any veterans and current service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve components, are eligible if any of the following applies:
Have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility.
Experienced a military sexual trauma (regardless of gender or service era).
Provided mortuary services or direct emergent medical care to treat the casualties of war while serving on active military duty,
Performed as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat theater or area of hostility.
Accessed care at a Vet Center prior to Jan. 2, 2013, as a Vietnam-Era veteran
Served on active military duty in response to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the president, or under orders of the governor or chief executive of a state in response to a disaster or civil disorder in that state.
Are a current or former member of the Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction operation, regardless of the location.
Are a current member of the Reserve Components assigned to a military command in a drilling status, including active Reserves, who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma related to military service that adversely effects quality of life or adjustment to civilian life.
Any Veteran or service member pursuing a course of education using covered educational assistance benefits is eligible if they have a readjustment counseling need that is related to the individual’s military service and hinders the individual’s adjustment to either their civilian life, ongoing military service, or educational settings.
Their services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or service member.
The Vet Center also offer bereavement services to family members:
of a Veteran who was receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death,
To the families of service members who died while serving on active duty, and
To family members of veterans or service members who die by suicide.
They look for reasons and means to qualify individuals rather than turn them away. If someone is found to not meet the Vet Center’s eligibility, they will work with them to find available community resources that may be more suitable for that individual. If they are unable to help you, the Vet Center will find someone who can.
Service in combat theater or area of hostility to include but not limited to: World War II (including American Merchant Marines); Korean War; Vietnam War; Lebanon; Grenada; Desert Storm; Desert Shield; Bosnia; Kosovo; Operations in the former Yugoslavia area; Global War on Terrorism; Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Freedom’s Sentinel; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation New Dawn.
The Vet Center Mobile Unit will be in Hartwell on April 19 from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. at the parking lot of the First Methodist Church, rain or shine.