By Christine West , Executive Director , South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District / Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall Images by Gilroy Veterans Memorial Hall and gmhTODAY

A recently discharged veteran may stop-in looking for work , seeking information about benefits or just to relax , play a game of pool , and have a drink in the Veterans Club . A family may come wanting information about military burials for a recently deceased veteran . Every veteran has a different question , a different need .

“ It ’ s a great place to start , but it may only be the first stop in finding resources and getting services ,” said Gabe Perez , board president of the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District ( SSCVMD ) which owns and operates the Hall . “ We want to help veterans navigate the system .”

The terminology , the acronyms , and the number of different facilities may lead to confusion and misunderstanding , often delaying services or causing a veteran to give up on getting the benefits they deserve .

“ Patience and an understanding of who does what can go a long way ,” said Perez . The Gilroy Veterans Hall , the Veterans Administration ( VA ) and Veteran Services Office ( VSO ) all provide different services , but work together to serve veterans . Those locations and services include :

• The Gilroy Veterans Hall

• County of Santa Clara Veteran Services Office

• VA Health Care

• Palo Alto VA Medical Center

• Menlo Park VA Medical Center

• San Jose VA Clinic

• Major General William H . Gourley VA-DOD Outpatient Clinic

THE GILROY VETERANS HALL : 74 W . 6th Street ( 408-842-3838 ) The Hall was built after World War II to honor the service and sacrifice of Gilroy ' s veterans . It serves as a multipurpose space for veterans and civilians , hosting meetings , socials , and official functions in a patriotic atmosphere .

It ’ s home to non-profit veterans ’ organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars ( VFW ) John A . Berry Post 6309 , the American Legion Post 217 , their respective Auxiliaries , and the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association 33-4 .

The Hall also hosts Veteran Service Representatives and the VA Mobile Medical Team the first and third Fridays of the month , from 8:30am to 12:30pm , to help veterans with benefits reviews , DMV verifications , enrollment , eligibility and more .

COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA VETERAN SERVICES OFFICE : 68 N Winchester Blvd , Santa Clara ( 408-918-4980 ) The Veteran Services Office is a county and state funded agency established in 1944 to assist veterans , military personnel , and their families in obtaining and applying for US Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ) compensation benefits earned through active-duty military service .

48

“ The claims and application process is complex and often confusing ,” said Darlyn Escalante , program manager for the County Veteran Services Office . “ Our state and nationally accredited Veteran Services Representatives ( VSRs ) are experienced and highly trained to provide free assistance through all steps and phases of this process . We truly advocate for veterans .”

SUMMER 2023 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com