Local American Legion Post hosts Veterans Community Outreach Program

The American Legion Post 217 is hosting a Veterans Community Outreach program on Saturday, May 3 at the Gilroy Veterans Hall, 74 W. Sixth St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“There are many services and benefits available to veterans,” said Ray Sanchez, American Legion Post 217 Adjutant and organizer. “Sometimes veterans don’t even know about these services or they aren’t convenient, so we’re hosting this outreach to overcome both of those barriers for veterans.”
Veterans need to bring a military ID or their DD214 to attend the event, which will include medical professionals, counseling, benefits assistance, job fair and military art exhibit.
The Palo Alto Medical Team will be on-hand for enrollments, eligibility and examinations. Santa Cruz County Mobil Vet Center will provide readjustment counseling services, which includes PTSD, military sexual trauma and more, for veterans and their families, organizers said.
The California Veterans Service Officers will educate veterans on benefits, help file claims and discuss education assistance. Finally, a business job fair will provide veterans with possible employment opportunities.
“We hope that this event will help make life a little better for our local veterans,” said Sanchez.
The American Legion is a patriotic veterans’ organization that focuses on service to veterans, service members and the community. The mission of the American Legion is to mentor youth and sponsor programs in the community, advocate patriotism and honor, promote strong national security, and programs that benefit service members and veterans. The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide. In Gilroy, the American Legion Post 217 has 341 members.