Emil Siwecky of Austintown, left, a veteran, gets food items from David Ewing, commander of American Legion Post 301 in Austintown, during a recent food giveaway to help veterans.

By BOB COUPLAND

Staff writer

Local veterans needing assistance and access to resources available to them can get help from local organizations and agencies during the coronavirus outbreak.

Delmas Stubbs, veterans outreach coordinator for Mahoning County Veterans Services, said in the past few weeks the organization has worked on community initiatives to meet the needs of local veterans and the elderly.

The veterans services agency has been working to get food delivered to veterans — currently more than 50 veterans in the community.

In addition to the food needs, Stubbs said the organization has worked with local dentists and Mercy Health to address dental needs of veterans and other health issues.

“There may be veterans who have teeth problems such as bleeding or other issues that need to be addressed. Usually many of the dental services at this time are checking the teeth of students in the schools. But because of the current situation with schools closed they are more available to work with veterans and seniors,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs said the agency has partnered with members of ACTION in Youngstown for distributing meals and checking on veterans.

“We have a skeleton crew here and are doing whatever we can to do our part to help local veterans. We appreciate working with ACTION,” Stubbs said.

Recently when food was distributed, the crew also passed out face masks to veterans at their homes.

He said while the veterans services agency offices at 345 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, are closed to the public the crew that is working is able to continue to handle veteran pension claims and benefits issues.

“There is a drop-off box outside of our entrance door. Veterans or the family members can drop off items in the box. Even in a time of crisis we are doing what we can for the veterans They can count on us,” he said.

He said the offices are operating from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday with a staggered staff.

Stubbs said while most of those they are helping are veterans, they also have reached out to assist senior citizens and other vulnerable members of the community. They are also working on transportation for veterans for necessary medical appointments running a van to the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Parma VA Outpatient Clinic.

Those who need transportation are asked to call 330-740-2451.

“We tell people to please check to make sure if the appointment is still being held. I know many non-emergency appointments have been canceled,” Stubbs said.

FOOD ACCESS

The American Legion Post 301 in Austintown is also looking out for its veterans.

For three hours earlier this month, members of Post 301 handed out food items to local veterans and others in need.

David Ewing, commander of the post, said many veterans do not have access to food and other items.

“This is a way we can help our veterans who need assistance. This is a time of crisis and our veterans can use assistance like everyone else,” he said.

Emil Swiecky of Austintown, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said he appreciates what the legion is doing to help him and others.

Ewing said once a month, every other month, the legion will have a food giveaway with food provided by the Youngstown Community Food Bank and the Feed the Children Network.

More than 80 bags filled with bread, lettuce, bananas, and strawberries were filled inside the legion headquarters.

For the giveaway people pulled up in their cars and were handed bags of food.

Youngstown resident Henry Wylie, who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970, was glad to get the food.

“Any extra food can help during this time,” he said.

Tom Moss of Austintown, second vice commander of the legion, said it had 16 people stop in the first half hour needing items.

“I tell people if they know another veteran or anyone who needs help to contact them and let them know we have food here. This is extended to all people who may need help,” Moss said.

Ewing said at the April 4 event 200 families were helped, and extra food went to local churches.

He said many veterans needed help who may not be receiving many benefits.

“The veterans’ benefits are so-so, so they’re low on income. It’s important to all veterans to help other veterans,” Ewing said.

Veterans needing benefit information can also contact by phone the Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Offices, which will be closed to the public.

Jessica Marston, a spokeswoman, said regional offices will remain open, but will no longer accept walk-ins for claims assistance, scheduled appointments, counseling and other in-person services.

She said veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting www.va.gov. Veterans with specific claims or other questions may request information via Inquiry Routing Information System or telephone at 1-800-827-1000.

VBA benefits and services provided to veterans, families, and survivors will continue to be delivered throughout the duration of COVID-19.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com