FORUM PUBLICIZES SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS BY GAYLE SIMONE, Valley Dispatch Staff METHUEN -- In an effort to inform those who served in the armed forces what community services are at their disposal, the city hosted its eighth annual Veterans Night at the Methuen Senior Center. Mayor Bill Manzi, who was in attendance at the April 19 event, had some kind words to say about Edward Curran, director of veterans services in Methuen, and the veterans in the audience. "We are very fortunate to have Ed as the veterans agent," Manzi said. "He is the best veterans agent in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. I feel privileged to be here in front of the men and women that have served our country and for that I thank you." Veterans Association Health Care representative Bill Davis, the first to speak, started with a question to lighten the mood. "Is there anyone in the audience that can completely explain all of the plans available for Medicare?" Davis asked. "If so, I will sit down and you can take the podium." And though the audience laughed, Davis explained veterans tend to miss benefits by not taking advantage of the VA Health Care program. "Anyone who served in active duty in the military can receive VA Health Care," Davis explained. "You do not have to have service connected disabilities to receive it." Davis explained veterans can go to the VA Clinic in Lowell or the new VA Community Clinic in Haverhill and save money on prescriptions as well as home care. "We also provide services to senior citizens who have a hard time leaving their homes," Davis explained. "We find out what they need for services in home and keep them home for as long as possible. We all know no one wants to live in a nursing home." Davis ended his speech by telling the audience to at least enroll in the VA program. "There could be many services you are depriving yourself of if you are not in the VA system." Tom Hargreaves, with the Valley Works Career Centers in Haverhill and Lawrence, said his organization can help veterans find jobs if they take the time to come in and see him. "Veterans have preference in Valley Works," Hargreaves said. "If a workshop is booked and a vet wants to take it, someone else will have to leave or we can add another person." Hargreaves explained the initial visit to Valley Works lasts about an hour. In that time he can work with veterans to find out exactly what services they need. "If they need our help, we will get them into a rehab," Hargreaves explained. "If not, we start working on resumes and networking." Hargreaves said the most satisfying part of his job is when he has been working with a veteran for some time and they come to him and say, "I got a job." Jake Romo from Lowell Veteran Center explained there are 209 veteran centers all over the United States. Part of their job is to help with post-traumatic stress that veterans have endured from being in combat. "When we first started, the vets we treated were predominately Vietnam vets," Romo said. "But now we will treat anyone from any of the wars." Romo went on to explain that 60 percent of the staff at the Lowell Veteran Center are veterans themselves and 40 percent are combat veterans. James Wareing, best known as the man that hangs the flags on bridges for returning veterans, spoke of his new nonprofit organization, New England Caring for our Military Inc. "I have never been so honored to speak to vets," Wareing said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for our country." New England Caring for our Military sends 200 packages a month across the world to those in the military. "We find out what type of items they can't get where they are stationed and send those items," Wareing explained. "In Germany they can't get Goldfish crackers so we send those. In Iraq and Afghanistan they can't get anything, so we send everything from magazines to food." In an effort to help send more packages, Wareing designed a new license plate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts entitled "Support our Troops." The plate features an American flag with a bald eagle holding the yellow ribbon that says "Support our Troops." "The Registry will give $28 to the nonprofit organization for the first 3,000," Wareing explained. "After that the we will get the entire $40." Wareing, who understands veterans are not so willing to give up their veteran plates, said the "Support our Troops" plates are for family and friends of those still are serving in the military. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does require 3,000 applications before they will start production of the plates. For applications, visit www.necfom.org. For information about Veteran Services, stop by Edward Curran's office in the Searles Building, Room 108. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. RETURN TO TOP Enter search term(s)

Gayle Simone
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