CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition held its monthly meeting on May 18 at the Montgomery County Veterans Plaza downtown Clarksville.
There were approximately 35 members in attendance that represented various organizations, agencies and businesses that provide services to our local Veteran population.
Mr. Michael McKay from the TN Justice Center was the presenter for the month. The topic of discussion was the “Coverage Gap.” According to Mr. McKay, 280,000 Tennesseans including 24,000 veterans live in the coverage gap. They have no access to health care coverage, are ineligible for Tenn Care and they do not make enough to get financial help through Obama care on healthcare.gov. T
o learn more about the Coverage Gap one can visit tnjustice.org/gap or watch a short video at tnjustice.org/video.
Other notable topics discussed included fireworks and how it affect our local Veterans. The Coalition decided that a great way to attack the issue was to do a PR/Education event. Coalition members will make contact with Firework distributors to request placing a flyer in the purchase bags and to also PSAs to remind the local community that many Soldiers and Veterans live in the area. These Veterans may have PTSD and the community is asked to be mindful and thoughtful of those in your neighborhood when shooting off fireworks.
The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition continues to be an organization that is active in its community. The Coalition’s main focus is to make a difference for our Veterans in our local community in our state and eventually our country. To find more about the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition contact Sherry Pickering @ spickeringvtc@gmail.com.