Mayors Host Veterans Affairs Roundtable in the Florida Keys

Last Thursday, nine mayors from across South Florida met for the Florida League of Mayors Regional Roundtable Discussion on Mental Health and Veterans Issues in Islamorada. Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane and Village of Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder helped facilitate the meeting. Florida League of Mayors President Scott Brook of Coral Springs led the meeting.

Those in attendance discussed initiatives to help support Veterans, such as mentorship, employment programs, and free meal or discount services. Eleven Florida Keys Veterans shared their input, pointing out difficulties regarding Veterans' healthcare and requesting mental and physical health services. The Veterans also wanted local officials to help promote current veteran resources, such as local facilities and crisis hotlines.

"The roundtable discussion gave veterans in Monroe County an opportunity to engage in a productive dialogue with the region's mayors," said Crane. "They addressed important issues such as mental health and suicide, access to healthcare, employment, and mentorship programs, and the need for support for veterans transitioning into civilian life."

Monroe County has two Veteran Affairs offices, one in Key West (305-295-5150) and one in Key Largo (305-453-8777), and hosts a satellite office in Marathon (305-295-5150) on the second Wednesday of each month. The department can help with a variety of services for Veterans, including:

• Service-related disabilities
• Non-service connected pensions
• Burial benefits
• Survivor's benefits
• Educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits
• VA home loan eligibility assistance
• Appeals of any denied benefit
• Military service medal, decoration, and award issuance or replacement
• Military service records or document requisitions
• VA Healthcare application assistance
• Courtesy Veterans Transportation Program
• Documentation assistance in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs for:
  • Disabled Veteran's license tags
  • Property tax exemptions
  • Educational benefits
  • Commissary Privileges

The department also assists 100 percent service-connected in obtaining state benefits, such as free car tags and fishing licenses.

To reach the Veterans crisis hotline, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

There are more than 8,000 Veterans in Monroe County. For more information on Veterans Affairs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va.