Veterans welcomed across the country to in person VA processing

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It can take years and a lot of red tape for a veteran to receive their benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But The Veterans Benefits Action Center in Wilmington is going the extra mile to help vets.

Some like Chris Solomon, drove six and a half hours to get here. He says this was a much needed experience after dealing with V.A. paperwork for seven years.

“It gave me a new insight and it gave me hope and also to spread the word to other veterans going through the same thing that I’m going through,” Solomon said.

American Legion officials say North Carolina is the only state that does in person V.A processing, which is why so many veterans come from all over the country just for some help. So far, more than 400 veterans have come seeking assistance but only so many of them can get their benefits.

Vets like Tracy Graham waited for hours to get help, but eventually had to go to work. She believes events like this need to happen more often.

“They’re so few and far between and people have to travel long distances to get here. Cause like the last one I knew about was almost a year ago,” Graham said.

Tom Cerniglia, chairman of the V.B.A.C, says volunteers are limited and knows the process isn’t perfect, but he and his staff are trying to help everyone who shows up.

“I really don’t know what to do because we can only do so many appeals in a day. We’ll have to see,” Cerniglia said.

The V.B.A.C and The American Legion are putting on the event.

There’s another one tomorrow at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington from 9 AM to 2 PM.