This "one-stop shop" opportunity is presented by ENMU, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS), and the NMDVS Rural Veterans Coordination Program for veterans and their families to learn about the many federal and state veterans' benefits and resources available for them and their families.
Representatives from the NMDVS and EMNU will be joined by representatives from more than forty other veterans' service or veteran-friendly agencies to present information and answer questions about:
- VA health care and non-VA health care options
- VA behavioral counseling
- VA compensation and disability ratings
- VA pensions
- State property tax exemptions for veterans
- State hunting/fishing Licenses for veterans
- Museum and state park passes for veterans
- The GI Education Benefits Bill for college or vocational training
- WNMU programs to assist student-veterans
- Assistance for homeless and near-homeless veterans and families
- Employment assistance
- Small business assistance for veterans
- Burial benefits
- and many more federal, state, and local services for veterans and their families
According to NMDS Secretary Jack Fox, many veterans have not registered with the VA—or aren't even aware that they qualify for veterans' benefits.
"Whether you're a retiree or served the minimum, you are entitled to federal and state benefits and resources which can improve the quality of life for you and your family," said NMDVS Secretary Jack Fox. "Everything will be here under one roof, making it easy for veterans in the Portales area and eastern New Mexico to meet agency representatives--instead of having to drive all over the region or spend a lot of time on the phone or computer."
ENMU prides itself on being a veteran-friendly university, said ENMU's Gretchen Leigh, and offers additional academic and financial support for student-veterans.
"Whether you're on active duty, in the national guard/reserves, or are a veteran, ENMU has programs to meet your needs," said Gretchen. "We will do everything we can to make the college experience a fulfilling one for veterans and help them achieve their academic goals.
According to the latest VA data, more than 9,000 veterans live in the three-county Roosevelt-Curry-northern Chaves area of the state.
"I like to remind veterans that these benefits are not handouts," said NMDVS Secretary Fox. ""These are benefits which have been earned by serving and protecting our country."
For more information, call the EMNU Veterans Information Line at 575.562.2195 or [email protected].
