Ryan Kennedy’s passion for helping veterans began in high school when he began volunteering at the local VFW to serve and clean up during dinners and other events.
“Then when I was in the military, I saw what people in the military really go through and that solidified my passion that when I left the military I would continue to help veterans,” said Kennedy, who serves as Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA).
The department urges veterans to sign up for their claims and disability benefits, which are provided for free.
“It’s so important that they claim all of the benefits that they are due because it’s not just for them. It’s for their families,” said Carol Whitmore, Commander in Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars. “I encourage every soldier, sailor, marine and airman to do that, because they’ve earned that right. It’s all about paying it back and paying it forward.”
Available Benefits
Veterans may have earned several benefits through their service, and their dependents may also be entitled to receive these benefits, which include the following:
- Disability Compensation
- Healthcare
- Caregiver Support
- Education Benefits
- Death Indemnity Compensation
- Veterans and Survivors Pension
- Burial Benefits
- Other state benefits including Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Benefits, Homestead Exemption, Veteran Hunting & Fishing License, and more
Understanding and Support
Army Veteran and former POW Jessica Lynch says she identifies with the issues that fellow veterans may be facing.
“I understand the pain that they may be going through. I think we’ve all kind of been there at one time,” said Lynch, who serves as Womens Veteran Program Director for the WVDVA.
The more people that access their benefits, the more they will help their fellow veterans as well as helping themselves. The WVDVA has 15 benefits offices located around the state, listed here. But you might not need to visit an office in person, since almost every task can be completed right from your home.
To get started on your benefits claim, call 304-558-3661 or visit veterans.wv.gov.
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