Oakland County Encouraging Veterans to Learn About Benefits

Oakland County Encouraging Veterans to Learn About Benefits
(OCVS, Sept 4, 2019)
Waterford, MI- Oakland County Veterans’ Services (OCVS) has launched a marketing campaign to encourage more military veterans to take advantage of the benefits they have earned.
The state of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, awarded OCVS a grant to develop a marketing campaign for veterans and their families. It urges them to connect with Veterans’ Services to learn about available benefits. OCVS helps veterans identify and apply for benefits at no charge to them.
“A lot of veterans aren’t aware there are a whole set of benefits that they may have already earned,” said Garth Wootten, director of OCVS. “For example, years can pass before a veteran seeks help for a service-connected disability. Part of a veteran’s journey can include a visit to our office. We want them to call us so we can help.”
The campaign is called “A Veteran’s Journey.” It began in August and features Oakland County veterans from World War II to the present who appear on billboards, in radio and TV spots, and in digital ads that detail OCVS services. Oakland County has about 60,000 veterans, with a potential 100,000 more dependents who may qualify.
Veterans often seek service-connected disability compensation, pensions not connected to military service, education and vocational rehabilitation, home loans, hospitalization and health care, burial benefits and corrections to their military records. Wootten said there are other benefits available for veterans, eligible survivors and dependents.
Veterans and dependents are encouraged to contact OCVS at: (248) 858-0785 in Pontiac or (248) 655-1250 in Troy. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. weekdays. More information is available at www.oakgov.com/veterans.
“If you see our billboards around the county, hear us on the radio or see us online or on TV, feel free to contact us,” said Wootten. “If you aren’t a veteran yourself, chances are that you know one. Help us help them and pass on our information.”