Riverland Community College Austin Veterans Resource Center will host an Information session for veterans Tuesday, February 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Luke Johnson from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Outreach Division and Luke Weinandt from the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V) will be available to assist with benefit questions.

If veterans have questions about filing a claim for disability, a Veterans loan, or anything non-education-related Veterans issue, Luke Johnson can help by answering these questions and help start a claim.

MAC-V provides comprehensive program and supportive services to homeless veterans in three primary focus areas: housing, employment and civil legal concerns. Supportive services for all MACV programs provide for and coordinate chemical dependency treatment, mental health treatment, crisis intervention during acute emotional and/or physical distress, life skills training, educational services, family support, transportation, money management training and/or counseling, re-establishment of socialization skills, training to increase basic living skills and/or income to prepare for obtaining and retaining permanent housing.

Luke Weinandt can also help any Veteran who may be experiencing financial hardship through one-time grants, including the ability to bridge the gap for those of you waiting for your GI Bill payments, as well as to provide you information on the other services they offer.

Of course, if you are experiencing any issues with your education benefits, Riverland's Kelly Downey will be on hand to answer any questions and give assistance in filing for those benefits.

All veterans and family members are encouraged to stop at Riverland's Veterans Resource Center located in the East Bulding of the Austin Campus, Room N002, Tuesday to meet Veterans representatives and learn about eligibility of benefits you are eligible for. This event is free open to students, faculty, and staff members at Riverland.