Connecting veterans: houston event unites over 1,000 veterans with vital resources | va houston health care | veterans affairs

In a remarkable display of community collaboration, more than 1,000 Veterans recently gathered at a special event in Houston to connect with essential resources, jobs and support. The event,

called VetConnect, was a joint effort between the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Combined Arms, and the Texas Workforce Solutions.  The day proved to be a resounding success in

ensuring Veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned and so richly deserve.   “We hit it out of the park,” said John Smith, Combined Arms regional manager and Marine Corps

Veteran.  “The goal of VetConnect was to connect Veterans with employment opportunities, job training programs and entrepreneurial resources, while offering them VA health care enrollment

and benefits, community resources, and a lot more.  It was incredible to see so many Veterans coming out and getting the help they need.” Employers from throughout the Houston community and

beyond were in attendance at the event, some even interviewing and hiring Veterans on the spot. Healthcare enrollment and eligibility staff from the Houston VA greeted Veterans in the lobby

of the event and registered them for healthcare.  Houston VA regional benefits office staff were also there to assist Veterans with filing benefits claims. Army Veteran Timothy Williamson,

who was deployed twice to the Middle East during his 12 years in the military, was on-site for VetConnect to check out the job opportunities.  He said he was thrilled to find out he is now

eligible for VA healthcare as a result of recent PACT Act enrollment changes.   “I first applied for VA health care 7 or 8 years ago but I was told I made too much money so I wasn’t

eligible,” he said.  “Today I got help filing a benefits claim, enrolled in VA healthcare and even got my first appointment scheduled. The VA was really on top of it.” Jeremiah Jackson,

Houston VA’s Acting Associate Director, says the medical center is committed to reaching out to enroll and care for as many Veterans as possible.  Jackson, whose mother served in the

military, said he and many of his VA co-workers feel a special connection to the Veterans they serve. “Serving Veterans is my passion,” Jackson said.  “It was an honor to meet so many

Veterans at VetConnect and know that our staff at the Houston VA are ready and waiting to serve them. It is truly our honor and privilege to care for Veterans.” VetConnect was a shining

example of what can be achieved when organizations come together to support Veterans, said Smith.   “You can’t underestimate the power of collaboration,” he said.   “In Texas, there are so

many Veteran and community groups that have an unwavering commitment to serving those who have served our nation. When we all work together, there is nothing we can’t achieve.” Coast Guard

Veteran Roger Dornaus also enrolled in VA healthcare for the first time at the event.   Dornaus, who is originally from the Midwest, served in the Houston area while he was in the Coast

Guard and moved back to Texas in recent years to be near family. “I got out of the military years ago but I never signed up for VA,” he said.  “I know that sometimes there aren’t very many

of us Coast Guard Veterans around, but I’m very grateful to join the VA.”