War Memorial makes space for veterans during gov't shutdown

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center is opening its doors to veteran service officers hampered by the current federal shutdown so the service officers may continue to meet face-to-face with disabled veterans and their families.

Since the Milwaukee regional office of the U.S. Department of Affairs shut down Tuesday, October 8th as part of the partial federal government shutdown, some 35 accredited claims officers who work for various veteran service organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW, have found themselves without a place to conduct personal meetings.

“We meet with 50 or more veterans every week in our organization alone at the VA regional office,” says Wisconsin American Legion Adjutant David Kurtz.  “Navigating the claims process for a disabled veteran is not something that can just be done online or over the phone.  Many times we are dealing with sensitive documents and our veterans need the reassurance of a face-to-face meeting.”

The board of directors for the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center decided it will offer meeting space to veterans and their claims officers, free of charge for as long as it’s needed.

“We are taking stock of our available space today” says Dave Drent, Executive Director of the War Memorial Center.  “We are confident we can meet the needs of our disabled veterans for the length of this federal shutdown.”