Military Officers Association of America - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter 2nd Vice President Florence Hosler (far left) and President Rod Hosler (second from left) present $400 in GetGo Cards to Youngstown State University Associate Director for Veterans Services Patrick (”Rick”) Williams (right) at the chapter’s Nov. 21 lunch meeting, (Photo by David DiTallo, MSVC-MOAA)

CANFIELD – Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) – Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter met Nov. 21 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield to learn about veterans burial benefits from chapter member CW3 Nathan (“Nate”) Walker, a Service Officer with the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission and an Ohio National Guard CH-47 CHINOOK pilot.

Walker provided a summary of the stipends and types of burial markers available to veterans and, in some cases, spouses, as well as how veterans can apply for certain benefits ahead of time and even choose their marker and inscription. Most applications can be initiated with a veteran’s DD-214 form and a brief in-office interview, and the Veteran Service Commission can store the records electronically until needed by a funeral director, family member, or estate administrator.

Following Walker’s presentation, the chapter made its annual donation to the Youngstown State University Veterans Service Center by presenting $400 in GetGo Cards to Associate Director of Veterans Affairs and fellow chapter member Patrick (“Rick”) Williams. Williams explained that he makes the cards available to YSU student veterans in need throughout the year for gas and groceries at area GetGo Stations and Giant Eagle Supermarkets.

In addition to Walker and Williams, the chapter also welcomed as guests Marly Reichert, metro editor, The Tribune Chronicle-Vindicator, and former U.S. Army captain and YSU ROTC alumus Kelly Nulf.

The chapter’s next event is its annual Christmas Luncheon and Fundraising Auction on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. at A La Cart Catering, 429 Lisbon St., Canfield. Reservations are due by Monday, Dec. 1. Write to msvcmoaa@gmail.com for details.