Rep. Adams expands veterans services in Pike, Wayne

Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record
·2 min read

A northeastern Pennsylvania representative has announced the expansion of veterans services in Wayne and Pike counties, the politician's office confirmed Monday.

Rep. Joe Adams (R-139) announced a monthly service to assist local veterans and their families at his district office on Feb. 27, broadening the outreach already offered through the Wayne and Pike County Veterans Affairs offices. On the second Monday of each month, American Legion Department Service Officer William McGovern will be available in the district office, located at 2523 Route 6, Suite 2, Hawley, to assist veterans and their dependents.

Appointments are available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

McGovern will be able to assist veterans with compensation, pension and death benefits, education and health care, plus other benefits. Veterans do not need a membership with the American Legion to receive these services.

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Rep. Joe Adams (R-139) recently announced a monthly service to assist local veterans and their families.
Rep. Joe Adams (R-139) recently announced a monthly service to assist local veterans and their families.

According to Adams, while he served as a commissioner in Wayne, the county shifted their part-time Veterans Affairs officer to a full-time post. Prior to the pandemic, McGovern made monthly stops to assist with veterans issues, though COVID put the program to a temporary halt.

"It's been reinstituted, and we're looking forward to having that opportunity for veterans to be able to use the services of the American Legion," Adams said, adding Pike and Wayne counties have "extensive and well-run veterans services" beyond McGovern's meetings.

Adams noted there has always been a need for such outreach programs throughout the Poconos and beyond, pointing out younger individuals who may have served in recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan may have created more of an awareness of need for veterans overall.

"There's no doubt, veterans, they're the reason we have freedom. The services that are needed for them need to be expanded, and that opportunity is here now with my state office as well," Adams said. "I do want to encourage everybody that both Wayne and Pike counties have full-time, well-run veterans services available five days a week, and we're providing another opportunity through the American Legion to get additional help to veterans who may have some needs."

Those interested in scheduling an appointment can contact the district office at 570-226-5959.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Personal veterans services expanded in Pike and Wayne counties