Welcome Home, Vets

Anyone who just got back from a tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and is worried about health care should stop by the Welcome Home celebration Thursday at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Boulevard, from 3 to 5 p.m. The ads bill it as a party, but more important, it’s a chance to get the “nearly free healthcare” you’re entitled to.

“We’re mostly trying to raise awareness that there is a two-year window of virtually free health care available to these soldiers,” says Glenna Greer, public affairs officer with the VA Medical Center. “Many think they need to set up appointments or go through a lot of paperwork, all they need to do is enroll.”

Greer says veterans are eligible for the two years of health care starting from the time of their discharge. She’s not sure how many people miss out on it, but she’s heard of a few. Veterans who qualify will be able to enroll at the celebration. All you need are discharge papers or a pay stub that shows combat pay. Bring the family, too. They’ll have games for your kids. – Peter Rugg