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Veterans Corner: Free opportunities for veterans, families

IRON MOUNTAIN — Last month, I let everyone know about how to receive free admission to the state and national parks — I sure hope everyone who was eligible is taking advantage of this offer.

Now I would like to inform military personnel including retired, active and National Guard members of these free items for you and your family.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with the representative from the REAch Wounded Veterans Program. She informed me of this great opportunity that is being provided by C.R. “Bud” Shepherd, a veteran/POW of World War II. Shepherd wanted to help other veterans and therefore started the REAch Wounded Veterans Program in 2012.

Any veteran who incurred service-connected wounds, injuries or illnesses on or after Sept. 11, 2001, is eligible to receive a free, fully loaded toolbox shipped directly to the veterans’ home at no cost to them. If you are a combat wounded veteran, go to the following website and sign up for your free toolbox — priority goes to Purple Heart recipients. If you are Purple Heart recipient from any wartime period — World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Gulf War — you may also apply. To apply, go to www.reainc.org/toolbox-sign-up or e-mail request for application to reach@reainc.org. If you need help with the application or do not have internet access, call and make an appointment with the Office of Veterans Affairs at 906-774-2820 and we will be happy to help you with your application.

The second piece of information for veterans and families of KIA, Purple Heart recipients, currently deployed, currently serving and veterans who have been deployed to a combat zone is the United Heroes League Program. This organization will provide free sports equipment to kids, game tickets for families, and special camps such as Warrior Camp, Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves, Vikings and many other sport skills camp. These are available through https://unitedheroesleague,org/programs/.

They also will provide grants to help pay local sports association fees. There are also special experiences available such as the Super Bowl, NHL All-Star game, gift cards and other special items for veterans and their families.

Upcoming events:

— The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will host their monthly breakfasts on Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 at the post on River Avenue in Iron Mountain.

— A VA Town Hall will take place at 5 p.m. Nov. 7, at the American Legion Post 50 in Iron Mountain. The event will be an open forum with focus on Vietnam veterans and Blue Water Navy, with a VA representative present to answer questions.

— Tickets are available for the Veterans Day Dinner at the Office of Veterans Affairs for $20. The dinner is planned at Post 50.

— The Feeding America food distribution truck will be in the area Jan. 25, with veterans slated to go first. More information will be released at a later date.

If you are not a member of one of the local veteran service organizations, consider joining one — these organization advocate for all veterans.

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