Oct. 19 seminar in Perry Township will enlighten veterans on VA death benefits

Bill DeBus, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·1 min read

Oct. 8—Military veterans seeking details about death benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can get answers to their questions at an upcoming program in Perry Township.

The seminar will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Perry Township Community Center, located at 2800 Perry Park Road.

Perry American Legion Post 697 is sponsoring the program, which is free of charge and open to veterans from anywhere in Northeast Ohio. Reservations must be made in advance at the community center — either by visiting the site or calling 440-259-3772.

"Veterans who attend this seminar will learn more about their VA benefits, but most importantly the family will find out what they need to do upon the veteran's passing," said Tom Anderson, commander of the Perry post.

Each veteran is encouraged to bring along a spouse and/or other family member who eventually might make funeral arrangements for the veteran.

Topics to be covered during the seminar will include VA death benefits such as military honors at a funeral; burial allowances; and gravesite military headstone and marker options. Veterans also will learn how they and their survivors can receive assistance from the Lake County Veterans Service Commission.

In fact, a representative of the Lake County organization will join Anderson on the panel of guest speakers at the event. A local funeral director also will address the audience.

The Oct. 19 program marks the third seminar on VA death benefits that Perry American Legion Post 697 has presented this year. Anderson said the first two seminars, also held at Perry Community Center, both were filled to capacity.