VA reps ready to assist on base Published April 26, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Department of Veterans Affairs representatives at Robins are now delivering VA's enhanced benefits briefings and stand ready to assist the military community transitioning out of the service. "We're empowering service members with VA information, where to find it and how to apply for the benefits they're interested in," Michael Caldwell, a representative with VA, said. The team on base includes Rudy Lamothe, Christina Kelly and P.D. Anglea, who are located in Bldg. 380. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 327-6986. The Benefits I Briefing includes detailed information on education, health care, compensation, life insurance, home loans and other VA benefits and services. VA Benefits II provides supplementary information to expand and reinforce what is covered in the VA Benefits I, and provides an overview of the disability compensation process and an introduction to the eBenefits portal, VA's web-based benefits application system. Both briefings are highly interactive and include practical exercises, videos of personal experiences, and a question and answer session. A participant guide and the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Handbook is provided to participating service members. The online web portal eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov) allows members to sign up and take charge of their benefits. By using this feature, members can not only apply for benefits, but also check the status of a claim appeal, find important documentation, learn about education benefits and employment, and more. The VA team will serve as an important on-site resource for veterans who need accurate, up-to-date information on available resources. "Another takeaway from this is service members can schedule 'individual assistance' sessions with VA representatives on site to receive additional VA benefit information," said Caldwell. "It will also provide additional support for members who may still be unsure on how to move forward when transitioning out of the military."