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Veterans receive resources from VA and partners at Military Influencer Conference

MIC WA
By Renee Francis-Turner, Public Affairs Specialist/Congressional Liaison

“I came here for more knowledge about the PACT Act, said ArTwell Blue.  I was able to the speak with the VA program about the PACT ACT and get information on other VA programs I wasn’t aware of.

Veterans gathered recently at the Signia by Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, GA for a PACT Act event sponsored by Warrior Alliance.  Veterans were provided with information and resources offered by the VA, Veterans Benefits Administration, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, and other local services.   

“I really don’t know exactly what I’m looking for today, said Colin Thompson.  I retired 2 years ago from the Army National Guard and I’m 100% disabled.  I received an email on this event.  So, I thought I’d come and take look at things here.  I served in a couple of places where there were burn pits in Iraq, and in the northern part of Kuwait, said Thompson.

Warrior Alliance has conducted 8 PACT Act events throughout the state of Georgia in 2024.  The Warrior Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for service members, Veterans, and their families through a total care network of Veteran support organizations.

“One of the goals of is to put a flag in the ground when it comes to Atlanta being the most prominent Veteran city in the America,” said, Jarrad Turner, Military & Veteran Affairs Liaison, Warrior Alliance.  “It’s not just about just serving the Veterans throughout the Atlanta community but it’s about serving Veterans throughout the state of Georgia.  This is the first time we’ve worked with the Veteran Benefit Administration (VBA), where Veterans can get their claims adjudicated on sight,” said Turner. 

“I came here for more knowledge about the PACT Act, said ArTwell Blue.  I was able to the speak with the VA program about the PACT ACT and get information on other VA programs I wasn’t aware of.  I was able to get enough information and resources that I need to start my claim. I also spoke with the Women’s program and didn’t know there were separate resources for Women as well as burial info for my family in case anything happens to me.  My family can be prepared,” said Blue.

Turner added, “We want people to understand this is not the old VA.  This is a new more modern VA.  It’s a VA that’s reaching out to the community and we need people to come back in. We need people to understand the VA is going to meet them where they are.”