New Veterans' Service Office To Open in Milford

joined local Veterans outside Milford City Hall Monday to announce a new Veterans' Office of Advocacy and Assistance opening in the Parsons Government Building in Milford.

The office was previously located in West Haven at 47 Campbell Ave., but had to close last August following Tropical Storm Irene. In the interim, veterans have had to travel to Bridgeport or Newingtown to find a service office. 

"This helps families deal with the stresses of deployment and return. It ensures that men and women who have worn uniforms will get the respect they deserve," DeLauro said.

"We're not just talking the talk, we're giving back to our Veterans," Milford Mayor Ben Blake added.

What the Veterans' Office Offers

Before Irene, the Third District Veterans' office was dealing with 2,000 new and current claims before it was forced to close and hand those claims over to the Bridgeport and Newington offices.

The service officers at the new center will "help to get together VA claims," said Linda Schwartz, the CT Department of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner.

"Our officers have one goal: help veterans access benefits to which they are entitled," Schwartz said.

Veterans' Affairs Service Officer Eric Trinidad-Perez will work at the new center. Officers will do house visits if needed by veterans, he said. Trinidad-Perez is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.

The in Milford will vote Monday night to finalize the Veterans' Service Office.