BOWIE, Md. – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki joined returning combat Veterans from all branches of the armed forces today during a “Welcome Home” celebration at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Md., sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).
“We are constantly looking for opportunities to deliver the best care and services to Veterans who have given so much for our country,” Shinseki said. “This event is one way we can show Veterans we are here for them when they return home.”
This “Welcome Home” event was the first to include all branches of the military.
VA and DoD teams collaborated to provide on-site health care and information about benefits and employment. Veterans and their families enjoyed a day of family fun, with a barbecue, skydiving demonstration and performances by the West Point Alumni Glee Club and the 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capitol.”
VA’s medical center in Washington, D.C., sponsor of the event, began conducting “Welcome Home” ceremonies four years ago. Events are held throughout the country to help Veterans transition into civilian life by offering easy access to health care and mental health services offered by VA.
For more information about programs for returning combat Veterans, visit www.va.gov.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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