A Veterans Resource Fair at Tennessee Tech Monday hopes to provide rural veterans with direct access to healthcare enrollment and benefit resources.
VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Public Affairs Specialist Joshua Cox said the fair includes representatives to assist with processing claims.
“We’re really excited to bring these VA resources to Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland to talk to these veterans in their community,” Cox said. “And this is our third year straight conducting this event in Cookeville at Tennessee Tech University.”
Cox said the gathering features outreach teams for the women veteran program, caregiver support, and the military to VA program. The event begins Monday at 4:30pm at the Roaden University Center.
Cox said eligible attendees can enroll in healthcare services and receive updates on pending benefit claims.
“Women veterans are the fastest growing demographic of veterans that are leaving service and joining VA healthcare,” Cox said. “Another thing that’s really critical is the caregiver support program.”
Cox said the caregiver support program assists family members or friends who provide daily aid to veterans. Cox said the military to VA program helps service members transition into civilian life by connecting them with healthcare.
“Cookeville is a rural area so we understand there is a need in Cookeville for VA resources and VA care,” Cox said. “One thing we’re going to talk about during the event is the new Cookeville VA clinic that is being built in Cookeville to provide more resources and healthcare for veterans and to expand our healthcare footprint in Putnam County.”
Cox said veterans should bring their DD-214 and any service records to help initiate benefit claims. Cox said the Putnam County Veteran’s Service Office and the Tennessee Department of Veteran’s Services will be on-site to schedule follow-up appointments for processing those claims.
“This event is not just for military affiliated students, we encourage veterans in the community, their families and caregivers to come out to this event so we can share resources with veterans and their families and their caregivers from the VA, from the Tennessee department of veteran’s services, from the Putnam County veteran’s service office and from the Nashville VA regional benefit office,” Cox said.
