Governor McAuliffe Cuts Ribbon on New Veterans Benefits Office in Fredericksburg
Governor Terry McAuliffe celebrated the opening of a new Veterans Benefits office in Fredericksburg today by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) during a ceremonial ribbon cutting. This unveiling directly follows Friday’s announcement that the Governor’s introduced budget will include almost $13 million in new funding for veterans programs and services, including education, workforce, and improved access to health and financial supports. The initiatives are all designed to strengthen Virginia’s position as the most veteran friendly state in the nation.
Speaking at today’s ceremony Governor McAuliffe stated “We have almost 800,000 veterans in the commonwealth of Virginia and one of the largest active duty populations in the country. With this honor comes a tremendous responsibility. Opening this new office here today helps to ensure Virginia retains those veterans and gives them the best opportunity to contribute their excellent work ethic and diverse set of skills to the new Virginia economy.”
VDVS operates 26 benefit services offices that assist veterans and their family members in filing claims for federal veterans benefits and accessing other services. In addition to the new Fredericksburg office, VDVS opened new offices in Chesapeake and Petersburg, in June and September, respectively. Governor McAuliffe’s introduced budget will include funding for new offices in fiscal years 2017 and 2018.
“The Fredericksburg office will be an outstanding asset to the nearly 60,000 veterans who live in the nearby communities. The office is possible due the strong commitment by Governor McAuliffe and his to team to take care of our veterans and honor our promise to them” said Thomas Herthel, VDVS Director of Benefits.
About the Fredericksburg Veterans Benefits Office:
Location:
Lee Hill Building 1, 10300 Spotsylvania Avenue, Suite 290
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
Phone Number:
540-376-7298
Hours of Service:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For additional details regarding this office click here.
About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) operates 26 benefit services offices that assist veterans and their family members in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; two long-term care facilities offering nursing, assisted living, and domiciliary care for veterans, and three veterans cemeteries that provide an honored final resting place for veterans and their families. VDVS provides veterans and family members with direct linkages to needed services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The Department also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s monument to honor the memory of Virginia’s men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present.
Photo’s of this event may be viewed here.
To learn more visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or download our App here for Apple users and here for Android users.