MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, Veterans in Manistique gathered at an event to help them receive all the military benefits they have earned.
The event was hosted by Schoolcraft County Veterans Affairs and UP Together With Veterans at the Manistique VFW. Veterans and their families met with vendors who provide services to those who served in the military.
Attendees also heard a presentation on the PACT Act, which went into effect in January. The PACT Act provides expanded benefits for veterans potentially exposed to harmful toxins or environments while serving, such as radiation, herbicide, and burn pits.
According to Schoolcraft County Veterans Affairs, more than 50% of veterans have not received all of their benefits.
“I think a lot of veterans maybe just aren’t aware of what’s available for them, or they feel like, ‘There’s nothing wrong with me,'” said Schoolcraft County veteran service officer Jodi Wilson. “But there’s so much out there for them, such as school benefits for their dependents and financial help if they have some kind of service-connected disability.”
Widows and widowers of veterans may also be eligible for PACT Act benefits, depending on when and where their spouse served.
“[Veterans] fought for our country, and the wives were right there with them,” said Penny Carlson, assistant Schoolcraft County veteran service officer. “We’d like to see our veterans get what they deserve, and we don’t want to leave our widows out, because they are entitled to these benefits also.”
Wilson and Carlson encourage veterans interested in learning about benefits they qualify for to contact their local veteran service officer.
