|
|
Patrick R. Waldron
Director
|
|
Address:
|
198 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
|
|
Telephone:
|
203-797-4620
|
About us:
The
Director of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the knowledge of federal and
state laws, benefits, and rights available to veterans and their
dependents. The director interviews
local veterans to determine initial and continuing eligibility for benefits. Information is then verified and evaluated
and applications are prepared and filed with the appropriate local, state, or
federal agencies. Veterans Affairs
provides referrals, information, and answers inquiries regarding veterans’
benefits, and interprets laws and regulations to veterans and eligible
dependents. Through this office,
veterans are also assisted with the preparation and filing of appeals of
decisions denying benefits when required.
The Director also serves as local Chairman of the state Soldiers,
Sailors & Marine Fund; speaks before interested groups on laws relating to
veteran benefits; prepares reports, budgets, and maintains office files and
case folders.
Our accomplishments:
In the last 20 years, the Veterans Affairs Office has served 8,897 veterans as well as family members. Recently, the Veterans Affairs Office reached out to several organizations to coordinate a “Welcome Home Package” for new veterans. The packages contain both federal and state benefits information, and provides our new veterans with aid, various program information and additional resources.
The office is committed to continuing its efforts at securing grant funding for veterans. The director worked in unison with veterans affairs administrators, and Congressman Chris Murphy, to continue to obtain monetary funding for the full time V.A. Medical Clinic in Danbury serve all of our area veterans. The Disabled American Van, used for transporting local veterans, drove 312 veterans throughout the year to the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers at no cost to the city. In addition, the office continued working closely with the medical clinic to reduce a large backlog of patients.
The office received monetary funding for the 2009-2010 fiscal year in the amount of $1,232,184, and an additional $62,748 from the State of Connecticut’s Soldiers, Sailors & Marine Fund.