Local vets meet to discuss recent events and fundraising

TEXARKANA, Texas — Members of Vietnam Veteran of America Chapter #278 met Sunday to receive updates regarding local veterans issues.

VVA President Greg Beck told members that the Texas Veterans Commission Claims Representation and Counseling Division has recently opened an office in Texarkana College’s Truman Arnold Center.

The office will aid veterans to get their benefits. Dependents or survivors of eligible veterans may also receive help in getting access to both federal and state benefits. Tiffany Griffie, a U.S. Army veteran, is now serving as claims benefit adviser.

Any and all area veterans needing benefits claims assistance can now call this office at 903-823-3327 and set up an appointment.

The commission continues to have a representative, as it has for at least the last four years, at the Texarkana Workforce Center on Hampton Road. Patricia Harris, who attended Sunday’s VVA meeting, said she continues to work at the center to help veterans find employment. She can be reached at 903-794-4163.

Beck also reported that the VVA Chapter 278 now has 150 members and he added that he would like have as many as 200 if possible.

Thegroup’s next fundraiser will be the Texarkana Area Veterans Council’s 21st Annual Veterans Benefit Chili Cook-Off. The event is sxheduled for Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. in TC’s Truman Arnold Student Center. All proceeds collected from the $6 admission will go toward assisting local veterans as well as buying a transport van to transport veterans to medical appointments both locally as well as to Shreveport.

For more information regarding the cook-0ff call 870-773-8279, 903-628-7216 or 903-824-2727.