Americans who have served their country in the military have additional resources to assist them after the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 56 in Meridian dedicated its headquarters in Highland Park Thursday following a series of renovations.
Darrell Whited, who serves as second in command for Chapter 56, said the chapter has worked hard to renovate its facility over the past few months and bring new energy into the organization.
“It’s all been fixed. Every bit of it,” he said. “We’ve been working hard for the last two or three months.”
Through the DAV, veterans and active-duty service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, will have access to trained veterans service officers, counselors, special programs and more, Whited said. The chapter also looks to host classes on healthcare, combatting domestic violence and other topics as it works to connect the area’s veterans with the resources they need.
“When you first join the military and take the oath and raise your right hand, you are covered here,” he said. “You come by here and ask a question, we’ll try to solve it for you.”
Whited said three veteran service officers will man the facility, and each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be dedicated for walk-in clients. Any veteran with a question, concern or need can pop in and meet with someone who will work to find them help. VSOs will also take appointments throughout the week as well.
With three VSOs at Highland Park and three at the Velma Young Community Center, DAV Chapter 56 is making strides to make sure the area’s veterans get the help they need and the care they’ve earned.
“I just encourage veterans to take advantage of this. There’s so much that’s available here to help veterans, and of course, if we help veterans, they help us back,” said Mary Ann Hollingsworth, Veterans of Foreign Wars District Commander. “And so, I just encourage people to take advantage of it and to share the information with veterans.”
Whited thanked the community for showing up to Thursday’s dedication and showing support for what DAV Chapter 56 is trying to do.
“We’re going to do our job. We’re going to do it, and it’s all free,” he said. “We don’t want nothing in return except for the satisfaction of we’ve helped that veteran.”