With the new VA Clinic coming to Lubbock, local VA leadership are encouraging all veterans to learn more about the healthcare services available to them.
Last January, an executive order was signed by Mr. Trump, providing services like exercise programs, social organizations and mental wellness programs.
Alice Solaya, 15 year Air Force veteran and VA administrator, said, “A veteran actually has the capabilities of having their benefits carry on, just as if they were still in the military. There’s certain things they have to qualify for depending on the time frame.”
In order to determine the benefits each veteran is qualified for, it is essential to have the proper documents, such at your discharge papers.
Belinda King, VA benefits adviser and eleven year Marine veteran, said, “We’re looking at your DD2-14 to determine the length of time you served for the service. Your service component and your type of discharge. And based off of those three areas, we can get you enrolled in the VA healthcare system.”
At that point, a benefits package is tailored to meet the needs of each veteran. VA volunteer and 15 year Army veteran, Matthew Jaquez said, “In the military you don’t ask questions, you’re told what to do.”
But, he said he was encouraged by other vets to ask questions, and so he did. Today, he said he is the vet encouraging others to do the very same.
“I got some benefits that I needed. And that was the key thing, that I needed, not that I wanted, it was that I needed,” said Jaquez.
To learn more about VA healthcare and benefits, visit the VA website, or go to our local VA Clinic located at 6104 Avenue Q South Drive.
