Veterans have a friend at Military Order of the Purple Heart

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Veterans know they are entitled to certain medical benefits from the Veterans Administration based on their time in service. But many veterans may not know there is another office at Fort Harrison that will go to bat for them on a number of important issues. The office is the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the key advocate is Darlene Davis, the deputy field supervisor for Region III.

"My job is to represent claimants seeking benefits for compensation, pension, medical care, education, job training, employment and veteran's preference housing," Ms. Davis said. "I also can assist widows with death and burial benefits."

Another key aspect of her job is to identify homeless veterans and provide assistance to unemployed and/or underemployed veterans with employment opportunity resources.

"Although this is a challenge to get the homeless veterans to step forward, one of the best programs I can offer them is the Non-Service Connected Pension Program benefit," Ms. Davis said. "This will help get our veterans off the streets."

Veterans with medical disorders are also one group she targets with help.

"Informing those veterans afflicted with psychological disorders where to receive appropriate individual and family counseling as well as receive the necessary medical treatment they need is another big part of what I do," Ms. Davis said.

While all of the services provided have been available since 1958 when the service organization was founded, Ms. Davis said her biggest challenge is getting the word out to those who need her help.

"My biggest hurdle is awareness to the public that I am here to assist all veterans - not just combat wounded," she said. "I continuously seek avenues to ensure all veterans and their families are aware that the Military Order of the Purple Heart is here to assist them. I cannot stress the importance of a veteran or family member asking for, and receiving, all the benefits they are entitled to."

For more information or to find out if you qualify for additional benefits or services, contact Ms. Davis at (406)495-2085. For more information on the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization, visit www.purpleheart.org.