joined local officials and veterans outside to announce a new Veterans' Office of Advocacy and Assistance opening in the in Milford.
In her remarks, DeLauro noted that the West Haven office, which was located on 47 Campbell Ave., had to close following Tropical Storm Irene. In the interim, veterans have had to travel to Bridgeport or Newingtown to find a service office.
"This helps families deal with the stresses of deployment and return. It ensures that men and women who have worn uniforms will get the respect they deserve," DeLauro said.
"We're not just talking the talk, we're giving back to our veterans," Mayor Blake added.
What the Veterans' Office Offers
Before Irene, the Third District veterans' office was dealing with 2,000 new and current claims before it was forced to close and hand those claims over to the Bridgeport and Newington offices.
The service officers at the new center will "help to get together VA claims," Linda Schwartz, the Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner, said.
Schwartz went on to explain, "Our officers have one goal: Help Veterans access benefits to which they are entitled."
Veterans' Affairs Service Officer Eric Trinidad-Perez will work at the new center. He noted that officers will do house visits if needed by Veterans, and that Trinidad-Perez is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.
The Board of Aldermen in Milford are voting whether or not to finalize this Veterans' Service Office tonight.
