Veterans Committee announces Nov. 13 resource fair, Veterans Day events; VSO reports VA claims unaffected by partial shutdown

The City Council’s Veterans Committee announced a community resource fair for veterans and service families on Nov. 13 at the Lynn Housing Authority and reviewed other upcoming events, including Veterans Day programming and a 200th U.S. Marine Corps birthday event.

Committee chair Councilor McLean opened the meeting and invited the Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Mike, to give an update. Mike said the benefits fair on Nov. 13 will be sponsored by the Veterans Committee, and noted Veterans Day breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 followed by a 10 a.m. ceremony.

Regarding federal operations, Mike told the committee that the VA had informed staff that claims processing was continuing normally despite an operational posture that reduced outreach activities during a partial federal shutdown. "Claims will...are being processed normally," he said and added that outreach efforts have been curtailed but veterans should continue to file paperwork; the VSO provided a contact number for the office at (781) 586-6911.

The committee also heard that the annual veterans parade is being planned for Sept. 20 next year (noted as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the nation’s 250th birthday in the discussion) and that the Lynn Veterans Council is holding fundraising and planning meetings. Committee members encouraged volunteers and outreach and asked Mike to circulate flyers.

No formal votes beyond routine committee business were recorded; members asked for follow-up and for staff to email committee materials and outreach information.