Originally published: 2024-06-23T18:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Ashton Hamilton had never sought assistance, health care or benefits from VA… that is, until he attended VetFest.
The Louisiana native served in the Air Force from 2008 to 2010, before a medical discharge ended her career prematurely. Now residing in Fort Worth, Hamilton was persuaded by her Veteran stepfather to visit a VA facility and see what services she had earned.
It took a colorful flyer arriving in her email inbox from North Texas VA advertising a VA Summer VetFest mere miles from her home to bring the family advice to fruition.
“I never thought I was a Veteran, as I never deployed, so I never pursued getting anything from VA. Being invited to this VetFest was just what I needed to actually ask VA if I was eligible for health care and benefits,” she shared.
Hamilton was one of 1,200 Veterans, family members and caregivers who spent a warm Saturday in Fort Worth securing information from VHA, NCA, Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) and 31 North Texas Veteran-centric organizations. In addition, 375 Veterans met one-on-one with VBA representatives from the Waco Regional Office to process intent to file actions and check the statuses of new and existing disability and benefit claims.
Sitting down with Veterans is personally gratifying
“Our team normally helps Veterans from behind a computer screen or on the phone, so being able to sit down with each of them to answer questions and start their VBA experience is personally gratifying for everyone,” said Carmen Massey of Waco’s VBA Regional Office.
From PACT Act and COMPACT Act, health care enrollment eligibility, whole health options, toxic exposure screenings, battlefield acupuncture and fun activities like a climbing wall, gaming truck and an obstacle course for children, VetFest attendees enjoyed a fun, family-friendly educational event.
“Our goal was to reach as many of the North Texas Veterans who aren’t currently using VA health care and invite them to an event where they would be immersed in VA and community resources and options,” said Andrea Lewis, VetFest event coordinator and Veteran outreach specialist. “We definitely succeeded in bringing what VA offers our Veterans to those in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.”
Hamilton was able to enroll in VA health care, on site. “I’m glad I came out to the VetFest. This event was just what I needed to start using the VA benefits I didn’t know I had earned.”
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
