Veterans Affairs Organization visits ISU to speak to student veterans

Image Courtesy of VA Illiana Health Care

NORMAL, Ill. – Last week over four-hundred fifty Illinois State University student veterans had the chance to meet with a Veterans Affairs representative to apply for lifetime healthcare benefits. 

VA Illiana Health Care sent a team out to ISU to share information about the expansion of the PACT act which made millions of veterans eligible for VA care without having to apply for benefits before accessing health care.

Student veterans were taught what VA care is about and enrolled on the spot. Once a student veteran enrolls, the services and programs in VA care support student veterans throughout their lifetimes. Several student veterans showed interest in VA care. Public Affairs Officer Dori Camacho-Torres says about nine or ten veterans enrolled. 

“VA has a lot to offer to veterans and to their family members,” Camacho-Torres said. 

There are other benefits that VA is able to provide. Veterans are supported through programs mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. There are many programs that go towards helping veterans reach their goals. Camacho-Torres explains how VA care supports veterans’ health beyond just physically. 

“So, let’s say you have a goal to, you know, lose some weight or learn to practice the guitar or, kind of, find better or healthier ways to keep your mental health or what not,” Camacho-Torres said. “So, VA will kind of link you up with resources and programs that can help you meet those other goals that might not be related to your physical health.”

VA is continuing to get out and help veterans learn about the opportunities and benefits it has to offer them. 

“We’re continuously looking for opportunities to partner with academic organizations and community organizations. ISU was great. They were very responsive to our request to have this event on campus” she said. 

Camacho-Torres also spoke looking to return to ISU for future events.

“We look forward to offering or connecting student veterans at ISU with VA care in the future,” she said.