Here at VFW Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres, we were informed of a new policy which has expanded health care benefits for emergency suicide care. The VA claims this will help up to 9 million veterans who are not enrolled in the health care system.

Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive emergency care for free at both VA and non VA facilities. The policy gives the VA authority to provide pay or reimburse the cost of treatment to eligible individuals for emergency suicide care, transportation costs and follow up care at a VA or non VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.

Eligible veterans are those who were discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable with at least 24 months of active service, or they have served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation.

All VFW Posts are always working to continue serving those who had “boots on the ground” and constantly are taking many different matters all the way to the nation’s capitol. If one is an eligible veteran, joining the nearest post can be of significant value to the veteran as he or she transitions back to civilian life. A VFW post is also determined to assist a veteran with their families, and have many committees which center around the children of veterans.

A VFW Post is also a place to go for some social activity. The general membership has all gone through the many changes and adjustments that civilian life engenders. They understand and welcome their “brothers in arms” wholeheartedly. There is a wide variety of services which can be used to make life easier, especially when having to deal with the many and varied government forms which need to be filled out. The service officers are all experienced in what they have to do to get the veteran on the right path.

If you’re a veteran who had “boots on the ground,” stop in at, 25 S. Homestead Rd., Lehigh Acres, to see what we’re all about. You’ll be glad you did!