The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has announced a major effort underway in Mastic Beach Village to contact all veterans in order to notify them of an enrollment event on May 19, 2012 at the Mastic Beach Fire House. The plan was unveiled at the Mastic Beach Property Owner’s Association meeting last week and the goal is to reach hundreds of veterans who served honorably for our country, but who have not enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Enrollment in the VA system is the only way for a veteran to obtain for themselves and their families the services for which they are entitled. In an effort to further her strong support for our veterans, Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) is asking all veterans to contact her office by March 25, 2012 so that they will receive an invitation by direct mail. The event is projected to be the most successful of its’ kind on Long Island.

Did you serve in in the Armed Forces, active reserve or National Guard? Are you a Veteran's dependent or a surviving spouse, child or parent of a Veteran? The VA, religious organizations, civic groups, Mastic Beach Fire Department and the Village of Mastic Beach are working together to make sure you are aware of this enrollment opportunity. You may want to attend to find out about benefits you could be eligible for.

“There are vital benefits available to our veterans,” stated Legislator Kate Browning. “However, an unfortunate situation exists where many of these veterans have not enrolled in the VA system. This extraordinary effort by the community to identify and directly contact every veteran in the Village of Mastic Beach is unprecedented. I am urging all veterans to contact me so that we can guarantee that they will receive a direct invitation from the VA to this important event.”

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transportation network will provide van and wheelchair assistance if needed, so please reach out regardless of your ability to get to the event on your own. While the effort is currently directed at Village of Mastic Beach veterans, this enrollment event is open to all veterans from across Long Island and they are encouraged to attend.

The event will be held at the Mastic Beach Fire Department from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. The goal of this event will be to enroll veterans in the VA system. Assistance will be provided to file applications, renew and update ID’s and conduct initial health exams. Contact Legislator Browning by March 25 to be included in the direct mailing. You can reach her office at 631-852-1300.