COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Veterans Affairs is hosting a Veterans Experience Action Center in Columbia, veterans from all across the state and even other states are coming to get help and information on what benefits they’re eligible for.
“Our whole existence is veterans helping veterans. that’s what we’re here for,” Jim Jarvis said.
This motto inspired Jarvis, a US Navy veteran and former American Legion State Commander to help veterans navigate life after service.
“It’s a very difficult system to navigate and it’s either by phone or on a computer. Here we got a person sitting right across the table from you. it’s a face to face, helping that veteran get through the process to get the ratings and help that he or she has earned,” Jarvis said.
Friday was day two of the event. Its giving veterans the opportunity to meet with several service organizations to get help with disability compensation, pension claims, employment benefits and much more.
“It’s one of the best things the VA has ever done and I think a lot of veterans would appreciate it if they came,” Stanley Watts, US Marine Corps veteran, said.
Veterans urge others in the area to come and get any help they might need.
“A lot of veterans don’t know where they can get help from. they don’t even know how to go about doing it. This opened up the doors for any veteran to come out here and get whatever help they need and they don’t have to run to the VA they don’t have to go to the regional, it’s a one stop shop,” Watts said.
By day two of the three day event more than 600 veterans were served. Organizers expect to break lasts year total of 717 veterans served.
“It’s like you’re in a different world now, you’re not in that military world. stuff like this just brings you back to the military world, gives you a sense of welcome here because everybody is like you here.it just makes you feel food that you’re here and also you get business taken care of at the same time,” Tanya Benbow, US Army Veteran, said.
There is still one whole day left of the event and veterans can come to the Bluff Road National Guard Armory starting at 9 am Saturday.
“You can come and not only find out what’s out there for you and what you’re eligible for but then we’ll help you get through that process,” Jarvis said.