Watch for scams

Veterans Corner

Shellie Shaw

We have heard that there are some telephone scams reaching our veterans as of late. If you are called to discuss VA Benefits, please check the number that is calling before giving any information. The real number for VA Benefits is 1-800-827-1000. If you are asked to contact the VA using a different number, please call the 1-800-827-1000 number to see if the VA had attempted to contact you to discuss benefits.

We are working to have most vendors outdoors and spaced out more for our Veteran’s Outreach Day set for August 28. Also, the Tomah VA has requested that we have an area where they can administer the Covid-19 shot to veterans and anyone that knows a veteran. Taylor County Public Health will be there to enter this into the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. (The VA is not able to enter your proof of vaccination into the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.) If you have already received the COVID shot from the VA, please contact Taylor County Public Health at 715-748-1410 or stop by to provide them with your proof of vaccine, and they will update this in the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. This allows Wisconsin healthcare workers outside the VA to see you have been vaccinated if and when you present to the emergency department or go to appointments outside the VA healthcare system.

We are using the DAV van to take veterans to VA authorized appointments. If you wish to utilize this service, call the office at 715-748-1488 to let us know when and where your appointment is scheduled. We will then coordinate a driver for your appointment and call you to confirm.

And finally, another reminder for veterans and surviving spouses of veterans – if you think you could be eligible for veteran’s benefits, give us a call at 715-748-1488 to discuss the details.

— Shellie Shaw, Taylor County Veteran Service Officer