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Veterans fair May 18 to highlight expanded health, disability benefits

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The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Hibbing/Chisholm committee partnered with the Hibbing Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3 to host their third Veteran Resource Fair in Chisholm, 1-6 p.m. Thursday, May 18.

CHISHOLM — Iron Range veterans are urged to learn more how toxic exposures during military service could expand their health care and disability benefits at an upcoming resource fair in Chisholm.

The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Hibbing/Chisholm committee partnered with the Hibbing Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3 to host their third Veteran Resource Fair in Chisholm, 1-6 p.m. Thursday, May 18.

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act, passed last year. This act expanded benefits to veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances during their military service. From additional Agent Orange areas in the Pacific, Camp Lejeune toxic water, radiation exposure, burn pits, and the many toxic exposures military personnel were exposed to during post-9/11 military service.

"In addition to later hours in the day we are also partnering with area libraries to have activities for kids while parents learn about benefits and work on claims. Youth can learn about what is coming up in Summer Reading Programs at area libraries, do craft projects and maybe even try out some STEM projects."

The Veterans Administration now recommends all veterans be evaluated for toxic exposures.

“The Veteran Resource Fair on May 18th is the perfect opportunity for veterans to take the first step in that process and update past claims that may now qualify for additional benefits under the PACT Act,” organizers stated.

While this is the third event for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee, this is the first year the DAV partnered with the event to include veterans service officers from the Disabled Veterans of America and the Veterans Administration to be on-site to file claims and follow up on pending claims for veterans.

Because of this partnership, the committee will also host a seminar about federal veteran benefits in addition to representatives to a variety of veteran and community resource providers. Representatives from the VA will present and members on the Northeast Minnesota Suicide Prevention Coalition will facilitate a discussion about veteran suicide prevention resources.

The event is in two locations: Chisholm National Guard Armory, 900 W. Lake St., and the Chisholm Senior Center/American Legion Post, 319 W. Lake St.) To ease parking downtown, the Cloquet DAV will bring its transportation van to provide continuous round-trip transportation between the two locations.

The resource fair takes place during new hours this year, organizers stated.

“We know many veterans covered by these PACT Act changes are still working and may have young families,” a news release stated. “In addition to later hours in the day we are also partnering with area libraries to have activities for kids while parents learn about benefits and work on claims. Youth can learn about what is coming up in Summer Reading Programs at area libraries, do craft projects and maybe even try out some STEM projects.”

For more information, call 218-262-9744 or email btyrhc@gmail.com. Find the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Hibbing/Chisholm committee on Facebook at facebook.com/btyr.Hibb