All women active duty military and female veterans are invited to a free seminar from noon until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 27, at the American Legion Post 52, 12 Theater Dr, Sierra Vista. The information program is free, and is presented as a collaboration of the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona and the Women’s Honor Society of the American Legion.

Speakers will provide information about benefits and assistance available. A number of  Veterans Administration (V.A.) and local women’s services groups will be available to help provide services to women vets.

Cathy Cosgrove, coordinator for the program, said “The needs of women, both on active duty and after their term of service, often are under – or never - met. Because ‘we’ve been there,’ we know many women don’t ask for help, don’t realize help and financial assistance may be available, and often won’t ask for help until they are so desperate that their lives, or the lives of their young children or elderly spouse, may be at risk.”

With funding support from the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, qualified female service officers from around the state will bring benefits information and assistance to women veterans.

Although every woman veteran is eligible for free sexual trauma counseling regardless of when she served, many also may be eligible for free or very low cost medical care and prescriptions from the V.A.  Once enrolled, even women veterans without a service-connected disability may qualify for medical benefits and prescriptions based upon their annual income.  Furthermore, even without a disability rating, low income veterans may be eligible for financial assistance, and disabled or older women veterans may be eligible for V.A. retirement pensions.  

In addition to the health and pension problems mentioned above, the Honor Society and the Women’s Foundation can help women vets by addressing issues raised by older women like how to access veteran retirement housing or assisted living. Since many of the women veterans share experiences, they can offer real support for women still suffering from post-traumatic stress or past sexual trauma, as well as referring them to additional resources. If necessary, American Legion volunteers will help them apply for benefits, and appeal V.A. decisions that don’t fully address their personal needs.

The seminar is completely free to all participants, and transportation can be provided if requested. To schedule a ride, please contact Misti Owen at Post 52, 266-2555.