Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is encouraging military veterans to attend an informational presentation on benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  The presentation is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at the American Legion Hall in Christiansted, St. Croix.  Barry Campbell is the Coordinator for Compensation and Pension with the VA Department office in New York City and an Agent Orange and Persian Gulf Coordinator. He is also the CEO and founder of the Veterans Quality of Life Access Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans.

According to Campbell, many veterans are not receiving benefits for which they are eligible because they have not been fully informed of what is available.  “My goal is to fully inform veterans about the resources and benefits they can receive,” he says.  Campbell says that veterans must know the right words in order to negotiate the benefit application process.  “If you don’t know the right words, you won’t get the benefits you are entitled to.”  Campbell has helped veterans in New York secure over 5 million dollars in benefits.

Lt. Governor Francis hopes veterans and their family members attend the presentation.  “Many of our veterans are quietly suffering because they have not had the tools to navigate the benefits system,” Francis states.  “They deserve the extra help and access to resources, particularly after their sacrifices in service to protect the people of the Virgin Islands.”

Campbell’s presentation is also open to the public.