VA to host women veterans lunch, Veterans Stand Down in Pine Ridge

"We want these women to feel honored and make sure they are aware of the benefits they have earned as a veteran,"

Women veterans will be honored, and needy veterans will receive medical services at two events in Pine Ridge in June.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System will host a Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Pine Ridge Veterans Homeless Shelter

The Veterans Stand Down for needy vets will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Pine Ridge High School Gymnasium.

There is no charge for the Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, which is being co-sponsored by Big Bat’s of Pine Ridge. In addition to the luncheon, the afternoon will include guest speaker Art Honomichl, information on veteran benefits and time for fellowship. Honomichl is Rating Veterans Service Representative with the Veterans Benefits Administration regional office.

     "We want these women to feel honored and make sure they are aware of the benefits they have earned as a veteran," said Amy Vannatter, Women Veterans Program manager at VA Black Hills Health Care System.

The Veterans Stand Down is intended to serve homeless and low-income veterans from the Pine Ridge Reservation. There is no charge for any of the services.

A variety of personal care items will be available to anyone, and a complimentary noon meal will be served. Staff will be available to hear issues, answer questions and provide information on VA benefits, programs and health care enrollment opportunities. Basic health services will be provided, including blood sugar testing and blood pressure screening.

Veterans who have not previously enrolled with the VA are requested to bring a copy of their military discharge papers, DD214, to the Stand Down.

The Veterans Stand Down is a collaborative effort between the VA Black Hills Health Care System, South Dakota Division of Veterans Affairs, the Martin Vet Center, South Dakota Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, South Dakota Veterans Home, Oglala Sioux Tribe and the American Legion.

"It is a hand up, rather than a hand out, extended by a caring community in tribute to all warriors of the Oglala Sioux Tribe," said Connie Moffitt, Minority Veterans Program coordinator at VA Black Hills Health Care System.

Both events are designed to honor veterans and bring information into their community regarding services and benefits available to them, according to a VA news release.

Honomichl will be at the Veterans Stand Down to provide assistance with claims processing.

For more information and to reserve a spot at the Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, call Vannatter by Friday, June 5,