House Republican Press Release

July 10, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

“Vet Express” Van Coming to WINY in Putnam

Reps. Mike Alberts and Shawn Johnston Will Talk on Radio with Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz and WINY Radio Host Paul Coutu, while Veterans are Invited to Discuss Questions about Benefits and Programs in the State’s New Vet Express Van

State Reps. Mike Alberts, R-Woodstock, and Shawn Johnston, D-Thompson, invite area veterans and their families to visit the Connecticut Vet Express van to be parked at WINY Radio in Putnam on Wednesday, August 1 from 9:00-11:00 during Paul Coutu's morning show. 

During the radio program, Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz is scheduled to talk on air with Paul Coutu and Reps. Mike Alberts and Shawn Johnston. They will discuss the Vet Express van, as well as recent veteran’s legislation and various services available to Connecticut veterans. Rep. Alberts is ranking member of the legislature’s Select Committee on Veterans Affairs, and he is an Air Force veteran.

At the same time, area vets and their families are invited to come to the van outside the radio station to discuss privately with state veterans affairs staff the various state and federal benefits and programs available to Connecticut veterans. 

“Veterans who have questions about benefits or services can visit the van and get help,” said Rep. Alberts. “Veterans also should bring their DD-214 discharge papers in order to determine what benefits may be available to them.”

Rep. Johnson said, “I am happy to welcome Commissioner Schwartz to Putnam and the northeastern region of the state. I am glad to have her out her to help educate veterans about the array of services that are offered to them.”

The van will be parked at WINY Radio in Putnam  on Wednesday, August 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running to 11:00 a.m. located at 45 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced in June that trained staff from the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs will be crisscrossing the state in a new mobile outreach center dubbed the “Vet Express.”

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs has now begun the new mobile veteran’s service program. The Vet Express is a $75,000 van that is equipped with computers and printers to allow state veteran service officers to initiate claims for veteran’s benefits. The van also offers general information and assistance.

The van is handicapped-accessible and has two work stations along with a waiting area.

The Vet Express is scheduled to visit various towns throughout the state at locations such as town halls, libraries, state facilities and shopping centers to provide direct customer service to the state’s veterans. No appointment is needed.

In addition to a monthly schedule of visits to towns around the state, the van is available for organizations to request the van for special events where large groups of veterans may gather. Organizations may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Affairs Office at (860) 721-5826 or visit the Vet Express at www.ct.gov/ctva.