Help with paperwork available at veterans office

Observer Staff

7/14/2003 12:00:00 AM

The Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veteran and Warrior Society will be having a representative in their office weekly to help assist veterans with their paperwork who are seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Daniel A.Ashcraft, national service officer with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said the non-profit group chartered by the U.S. Congress is there to represent all veterans.

"A lot of people dealing with the federal government on their own get confused with all the paperwork," he explained. "There are seven pages of instruction with the normal application for compensation or pension. They can be easily overwhelmed. Most vets will say, 'to heck with that.'"

Ashcraft added there is no charge for his assistance and he will be in the Tribal Operations office from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington in 1782, is a combat decoration awarded to individuals who are either wounded in times of war or are killed in action or die from wounds received in action. The Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration.

Ashcraft said he was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in Dong Ha, Vietnam. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1963 to 1967.

"We're here to help all veterans," he explained.

For more information, contact the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Beteran and Warrior Society at (989) 775-4175.