Receive Info On Various Benefits
Rep. Bob Turner hosted a veterans town hall meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 24 at American Legion Post 1424 in Forest Hills to update veterans about new veteran focused legislation and inform them about benefit related issues.
Turner, a veteran himself, brought together local elected officials and representatives from the Mayor’s office, the Veterans’ Administration, Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion to go over information about benefits and programs available to veterans on a federal, state and local agency level, and how they can utilize these services.
“My staff and I have made it a priority to educate as many veterans as possible about the tools that are at their disposal,” Turner told the audience.
The congressman, who sits on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, opened up the evening’s program by welcoming everyone to the event. He then invited Arno Heller, a distinguished World War II Veteran whom Turner honored in February with a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and New York State Conspicuous Service Cross that he helped attain for the Queens native, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I have had the great honor of awarding over 30 medals and commendations, such as the Bronze Star which I awarded to Arno Heller, a World War II veteran who I have come to know well and consider a friend,” Turner said of Heller.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Turner introduced all of representatives who came to participate in the town hall to help veterans: Assemblyman Mike Miller, City Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Terrance Holiday, Edward Perry of the Veterans’ Administration, Steve Gonzales of the American Legion and John Rowan of the Vietnam Veterans of America before delving into an overview of the legislation he has sponsored and supported to help veterans and how these bills will help them.
“Since taking office, I have supported legislation that will help Veterans with their transition back to civilian life, find good paying jobs, and receive the healthcare they need and deserve,” Turner said.
The bills the congressman went over included the Vow to Hire Heroes Act which was signed into law and specifically focuses on education, training, transition assistance and tax cuts for our veterans; the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act which ensures that returning veterans, some of the most well-trained and highly skilled individuals in the world, receive the job training and tools they need to rejoin the civilian workforce or start their own business; H.R. 3612-The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2011 of which Turner is a co-sponsor; H.R. 812, the Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011 which will help those of you who served around Vietnam and were affected by Agent Orange to receive the healthcare they need; And H.R. 4144 “The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012” has been passed by the House and is awaiting a Senate vote, will among other things provide due compensation for disability to those veterans who were injured in the line of duty .
“These are just a few examples of the progress we have made, and I will continue to advocate for and support legislation that focuses on care and assistance for our soldiers and Veterans,” Turner said.
Turner also highlighted the work he and his district staff have done to expedite claims on behalf of local veterans.
Any veterans requiring assistance or with questions regarding benefits claims, awards and commendations entitlement, and/or Veterans legislation are encouraged to contact Congressman Turner’s Director of Veterans Affairs, Redmond Haskins, at 1-718-426-5000.
