Department of Wisconsin

Posted at 12:53 PM on Monday, June 30, 2008 by Wisconsin VFW News in Special Events

Veterans of all ages, from the newest returning service members to older veterans of all eras are invited to stop by and learn about the benefits they have earned.  Veterans who may have never applied for benefits before are encouraged to attend, as well as those who may want to learn about any updated or changed veterans’ benefits and services.

The Supermarket of Veterans Benefits being held at the Milwaukee County Zoo will have over 35 providers including the federal VA, WDVA programs, Workforce Development Centers, Milwaukee County Offices, Veteran Services, Health and Human Services and Aging, numerous veterans service organizations, education centers, and more. The Supermarket is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs “I Owe You” outreach campaign and the “Mission: Welcome Home” program. 

At this "one-stop shop" for benefits, veterans, military service and family members can:

Establish eligibility for state veterans benefits (veterans are advised to bring their DD Form 214) if they have one.
Apply for benefits, such as VA health care and prescription drug benefits, disability compensation and pension, personal loans, home mortgage loans, home improvement loans and education or job training grants.
Find out about employment information.
Receive assistance in obtaining military medals and records.
Learn what the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Union Grove and King offer:  affordable assisted living, activities, and a friendly environment.
Pre-register for burial in state veterans cemeteries.
Obtain information about nursing care and aging services.
Learn about education benefits to include the Wisconsin GI Bill benefit of tuition remission for eligible veterans and dependents.

This Supermarket, being held in the Peck Welcome Center, with additional exhibitors in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place, is unique in that it is being held in conjunction with Operation Freedom, Milwaukee County’s 5^th annual event, a day to thank U.S. Armed Forces members and veterans for their service.  The day’s events and activities include a picnic starting at 11:00 a.m. for Operation Freedom (those with wristbands) attendees and a patriotic program featuring the United States Army Drill Team starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Miller Stage (watch for signage at the Zoo).  

The Milwaukee County Zoo located at 1001 W. Bluemound Road opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.  Participants may visit the zoo for a portion of or the entire day.  For more information about the Zoo visit www.milwaukeezoo.org.  For more information about Operation Freedom contact the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office at (414) 382-1753.

For more information about the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits, go to the WDVA web site at www.WisVets.Com/Supermarkets, call 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387), or contact a local County Veterans Service Office.