TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– One Hoosier organization welcomed dozens of veterans on Saturday as part of a resource fair in Terre Haute.
Veteran Health Indiana gave those in the area a chance to learn more about healthcare services, how to file a disability claim, among other services. Rick Ramirez, the public affairs director for the organization, said they are happy to provide services like this for local veterans.
“Veterans can get help with these claims and assistance. It’s hard if they have to drive to multiple locations and different agencies. They can get this all under one roof today,” he said.
Those on hand also had a chance to get toxic exposure screenings– something that can be helpful for veterans across multiple generations.
“That has to do with if they were overseas during their military career, if they breathe any toxins like burn pits or Agent Orange or anything like that, and they have a medical condition from that, they are able to get a service-connected disability,” Ramirez said.
He added it’s always rewarding to try and give back to those who served their country.
“This is my passion to help veterans and I talk to them everyday and they all have different stories and come from different walks of life. I was in the Gulf War, so I can share in it with them, I was around burn pits and have a lot of conditions myself,” he said. “So when they tell me they don’t need it and they don’t want any care, they want other veterans to have it, I say, ‘Hey, you earned these benefits, and you certainly should have them.”
Ramirez said there will be a similar event in January in Shelbyville.
