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Project Salute for
Veterans
Free legal assistance for veterans
November 13, 2008--Help for veterans who may not know how to request benefits is on the way.
The University of Detroit Mercy Law School is bringing Project Salute to Chattanooga for two days beginning Wednesday, November 19, and concluding on Thursday, November 20. It will be set up at the Farmers Market at 702 East 11th Street.
The goal will be to help low income veterans file for disability claims, pensions and other benefits they may be entitled to. It will be held each day from 10 AM to 4 PM.
A third day will be set aside for informing local attorneys about the program to allow them to volunteer pro bono service to veterans.
Veterans are requested to bring their DD214, military discharge or other proof of service. If they have had recent ratings decisions and have paperwork on benefits sought, they should bring this also.
This program is limited to veterans with proof of military service.
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council is assisting in coordinating the program for veterans and will have volunteers on the scene to assist other veterans. The City of Chattanooga is providing the facility across from the Community Kitchen.
A renovated RV donated by General Motors will be at the Farmers Market and the city’s facilities will be used for individual counseling. Project Salute is a nationwide program and Chattanooga was chosen as one of the cities for the assistance.
Lynda Hood, executive secretary of the Chattanooga Bar Association, is promoting the assistance of pro bono attorneys. Alesa G. Silver is Project National Event Coordinator working out of Detroit, Michigan.
The free benefits information session will be followed immediately by free individual disability and pension matters information. Individuals may be referred to a pro bono attorney if needed.
Questions about Project Salute may be directed to 1.888.836.5294. The web site is www.law.udmercy.edu.