Congressman to Dixon Veterans: Lots of Local Help Available Now

A large turnout of Dixon American Legion, VFW and Legion Riders welcomed Florida Congressman Jeff Miller to the Dixon Veteran's Hall Thursday morning.

The current Chairman of the House of Veteran Affairs Committee made a stop on his California tour to speak with local veterans about their concerns and answer benefits questions, and host a benefit fair with other Solano Veterans service providers.

"We were so happy to have him come see us," say American Legion Post 208 Vice Commander, Norm Shontz, "it was reassurance that the governement is here to help us. We are really proud to hear him say that, of all the Legion Halls he has visited, Miller says ours is the finest in the US, thats a pretty big compliment."

California Congress candidate and Colusa County native, Kim Vann, also spoke and said she will fight for Northern Californians, not Washington special interests.

Representatives from Solano County and Sacramento VA services were present to assist as well. 

"We are here to help all veterans," says Sacramento outreach worker and combat veteran, Ernest Denmon, "We offer many services, including the Yellow Ribbon Program and readjustment counseling."

There are many Local Outreach Happenings this month and year round.

• VA services from Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties will come together to help all veterans in need, October 16-18 at the Dixon Mayfair Grounds, for the North Bay Stand Down, with support, rehab, medical & dental, social security, employment, food, clothing, court, and hygiene services available. Call (707)784-6590. Free transportation will be available from Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, and Rio Vista.
• Solano County Department of Veterans Affairs (VA office) announced disbursement of Veteran  ID cards, valid for discounts at participating businesses including Home Depot, Lowes, many more local businesses. Distribution will begin on Oct. 9, 2012 at the Solano County Event Center at 175 Texas Street at 9 a.m. The issuing of these cards will run the entire week at the event center and then will be available at the VA Office, at 675 Texas Street Room 4700, Fairfield, CA 94533. As an outreach benefit to veterans this card will be issued at the Stand Down in Dixon and at other outreach events that the Veterans Office participates in throughout the county.

The Solano VA office Comprehensive works as a liaison for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, California Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Social Security Administration, California Employment Development Department, and the Department of Labor - Veterans Employment Service (DOL/VETS) for comprehensive counseling, claims preparation and submission, claims monitoring, and development and submission of Appeals. Contact Director, Ted Puntillo, at (707)784-6590, or email tpuntillo@solanocounty.com for an appointment. 

The Sacramento Vet Center is also available for services by contacting Director/Councelor Jeffery Jewell M.P.A, M.A, by emailing jeffrey.jewell@va.gov, or calling (916)566-7430.