The new leadership at the Veterans Administration is seeking to make some really impactful change for our veteran heroes. There seems to be a new positive upbeat tone in the organization, with more focus on improving the health care offered to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country and it’s citizens. There seems to be a little more skip in their step, as morale is expected to improve going forward.
In fact many of the professional doctors, nurses, technicians, administrative staff, and others are great servants and health care providers. However, as in any organization, a few bad apples need to be rooted out and funds correctly allocated to turn this ship around.  This will guide the agency in the right direction to accomplish their mission, which is to serve our veterans with the dignity they all deserve while providing excellent health care.
In Mecklenburg County we have a responsive and active group of professionals who are dedicated to work for the veterans and their families.  The Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Veterans Services Division is dedicated to serving local veterans and their families in a variety of different ways. The office is accredited by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, and The American Legion.
The Key organization contacts are Janene McGee, Division Director, phone 908-314-1901, Darryl Crenshaw Office Coordinator, phone 908-314-1902, Tywonda Meaders, Case Coordinator, phone 980-314-1913.
The Veterans Services Specialists who should be contacted are Florence Jones, Senior Veterans Services Specialist,  phone 908-314-1904, John Blatts, phone 908-314-1911, Lakesha Davis, phone 980-314-1912, and Sean Fucci, phone 980-314-1909. Feel free to contact a specialist about any questions you may have regarding VA forms and benefits.
Their offices are open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday to provide service to veterans on a walk-in basis. The office is located on the 2nd floor of the Hal Marshall County Services Center at 700 North Tryon Street in Charlotte.
Being informed is key to any veteran getting the health care or benefits they have earned as former military members from all branches of service. This includes reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA health care benefits. If you served while on active duty in a theatre of combat operations, you have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for two years following discharge from active duty. Also, other groups may be eligible for some health care benefits.
The VA covers Preventive Care Services, Ambulatory (Outpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services, Hospital (Inpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment, including Medication and Supplies. Generally, the medications must be prescribed by a VA provider and be available under VA’s national formulary system.
If you need to file a claim please complete VA Form that can be found on-line at vha-10-10ez.pdf(/mecklenburg/county/CommunitySupport Services/VeteransServices/Documents/vha1010ez.pdf). Take your completed application along with a copy of your (DD214 or WD AGO Form 53-55) to the County Veteran Services Office, or the VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Avenue., Salisbury, NC 28144, or Charlotte (Outpatient) Clinic, 8601 University East Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213-4353.
