The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office (KCVAO) in partnership with the Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System are inviting Veterans, military, and family members to attend Operation Veteran Connection. This will be at the National Guard Armory in Manhattan on May 19th from 1:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. and May 20th from 8:00 a.m .to 1:00 p.m. Subject matter experts will offer on-site one-on-one counseling on all Veteran benefits.
Operation Veteran Connection is recommended for all Veterans, active military members near their separation date, family members, and the public interested in obtaining information about state and federal Veteran benefits, and how to apply for them.
Accredited Veteran Service Representatives will be on site to assist individuals with all types of disability and pension claims. Federal VA personnel will be available to assist with applying for healthcare benefits and/or check the status of an existing claim. These professionals will also provide readjustment counseling and Veteran Readiness and Employment services.
Several state government agencies, Veteran Service Organizations, and Non-Profits will meet with Veterans to offer comprehensive assessment of education, skills, and abilities. These same agencies will provide in–depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers, discuss appropriate employment and career goals, and share information on many other state Veteran benefits.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring discharge paperwork (DD-214) or claim file number, marriage certificate, and available medical records to help simplify the application for benefits.
On the first day of the event at 5:00 p.m. a free cookout style dinner will be served for all in attendance. Dinner will be followed by an open forum town hall event at 6:00 p.m.