(Bellevue, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at the newly opened Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Bellevue. The agreement solidifies the relationship between federal veterans’ officials and state leaders, outlining a commitment to ensure the full range of military benefits are made available to eligible Nebraska National Guard personnel who serve on active duty with the U.S. armed forces.

Veterans returning from missions in support of the Global War on Terrorism typically qualify for benefits ranging from health care to education. The MOU details the commitment federal veterans’ affairs officials will continue developing with state military leaders to ensure that troops can access the support services available to them.

“I am pleased to see the strong commitment being made to the servicemen and women who put their personal lives on hold to deploy as part of our missions overseas,” Gov. Heineman said. “With so many of our state Guard personnel serving in combat zones during the last several years, it is important to ensure that our veterans receive the available assistance as they transition back to civilian life.”

The agreement was signed by representatives of the Nebraska Military Department, the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Benefits and Health Administrations within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

John Hilgert, Nebraska’s Veterans’ Affairs Director, said, “We are always looking to further cooperation that helps us to better serve those who have done so much for our country. This agreement is more than a piece of paper – it is a promise to continue support for our veterans.”

The agreement augments an ongoing, comprehensive effort to ensure military service members and their families receive the benefits they earned as a result of deployment. It also recognizes the Department of Defense and DVA for providing services for troops returning from mobilizations deal with the medical, mental health and dental conditions.

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