Veterans Workshop Planned

As citizens of the United States, we have many freedoms people of other countries do not have. We have luxuries, both materialistic and untouchable, making our lives and our children's lives so very much better. We have the power to choose, to state our thoughts and ideas and to move freely within our own country. We have the right to protest, vote and purchase our own homes. We can protect our families and ourselves. However, these luxuries did not come without a price. Many U.S. Military men and women encountered some of the most gruesome battles, triumphing over some of the biggest nations to maintain the very freedoms we have today. As U.S. Soldiers, they left the soil of their own country to save the solid ground we walk on today, forever changing their lives and that of their families. Sadly, many soldiers paid for our freedom with their own lives. As U.S. Citizens, we all owe much gratitude to those who have fought for us and our country, because we treasure the peace and freedom we have. Slightly less than half of all Americans who ever served during wartime in our country’s history are alive today and nearly 80% of all of today’s veterans served during a war. The largest group of veterans fought in World War II. You might (or might not) be surprised to know that there are approximately 28,000 veterans in Niagara County according to the census. The wellbeing of our Niagara County veterans is a priority. The public is invited to: “Veterans’ Forum 2016” being offered for our veterans and their family members on May 19, 2016 by Senator Robert Ortt, Niagara County Office for the Aging, and The Dale Association. There will be a panel discussion about Understanding Veterans’ Benefits, from 1:00 – 3:00pm featuring Senator Robert Ortt; Nina Cabrera and Al Thompson from Niagara County Veterans Service Agency; Joe Jastrzemski, Niagara County Clerk; and Susan Engel, VA Healthcare. Topics include benefits, VA Healthcare, Thank a Vet Program, pension, dementia care and burial. There will also be a Veterans’ Resource Fair featuring vendors and service agencies with resources for veterans and their families from 12:30 – 1:00pm and 3:00 – 3:30pm. You will have an opportunity to meet one on one with representatives from each of these agencies to answer your questions and fulfill any needs you may have. The Veterans’ Forum will take place at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St, Lockport. Veterans of all ages and their family members are encouraged to attend this informative, free community event. For more information or to RSVP, please call 433-1886 or visit www.daleassociation.com. What better way to honor the vet in your life, than by attending the workshop that may prove beneficial for them. Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Senator Robert G. Ortt; Niagara County Office for the Aging; Evans Bank; Dana R. Dee –Long Term Care Insurance Specialist; BAASE Family Chiropractic; ClearCaptions; and Brookdale Senior Living Solutions