By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – In an ongoing effort to expand awareness of veterans and their needs, Marlborough’s Director of Veterans Services Nicholas Charbonneau is publishing a newsletter for citywide distribution. In the position he was appointed to a year ago, his main function is to provide veterans with pertinent information on local, state, and national benefits and assist in obtaining them.
“I am meeting with a lot of vets of all eras and those recently discharged, working with them to take advantage of all that is available to them,” he said.
Among the services available for veterans of all ages and their families are health care, education and training, home loans, life insurance and vocational rehabilitation.
His publication will include information on documents needed to formally file for benefits. He will include a sample of a DD form 214, discharge paperwork that every veteran receives when leaving action duty.
“Often veterans lose this document or pass on leaving family unaware of its importance. We can provide information on acquiring it and others as needed,” he said.
Veteran service officers have access to a statewide database and national archives that contain these and other documents.
In June, the 12th annual Stand Down was held in Worcester for homeless and in-need veterans and their families. They were offered clothing, food, haircuts, personal care items and much more. There was also a career fair, counseling and substance abuse referrals, employment and training and other essential services.
Prior to accepting the present position with the city, Charbonneau worked directly with veterans at the Employment and Training Resource Center in Framingham and Norwood. He invites all veterans seeking help to stop at his office at the Marlborough Senior Center, 40 New St., or call 508-485-6492. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
