The City of Rutledge is organizing a workshop geared towards helping veterans in the area learn more about and navigate available benefits. 

The event founder, Rutledge Mayor Steven Phillips, is a veteran himself. After aiding other veterans in the community, Phillips said he wants to help others to combat the lack of services for veterans in Crenshaw County – outside of the upcoming veterans’ court.

“The biggest thing is that all military veterans are invited, encouraged to come,” Phillips said. “Even if you only did a year in the military, it doesn’t matter. Come to the workshop, hear what’s said, and apply for benefits.
“There’s a lot of programs out there and we need to get the word out to veterans.”

At the event, there will be four federal Veterans Administration (VA) representatives from Montgomery on hand to discuss the different benefits available to veterans. Offerings include how to get onto VA healthcare, which covers health exams, surgeries, medical treatments, drug rehab, mental health treatments and other services according to VA.gov. 

Additionally, federal representatives at the event will discuss VA disability programs and help veterans fill out paperwork. 

“Disability is a pain to get, but you [have] to start somewhere and that’s the place to start,” Phillips said. “Show up, hear what they [have] to say. They’ll help you fill out your disability paperwork and then you start the process.”

After this event, Phillips hopes to bring representatives more frequently to Crenshaw County.

The veterans’ workshop will be held April 12 at the Rutledge Town Hall starting at 1 p.m. 

“The support and dedication of the City of Rutledge and Mayor Steven Phillips toward Veterans is spectacular,” said Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton. “Working with the City of Rutledge for the upcoming veterans’ workshop event is a privilege.
“Our working together will give veterans the support, respect, and resources they need to thrive. Community events like Rutledge’s Veterans Workshop create a strong, caring environment that can make a tangible impact on the lives of those who have served. We want to thank Mayor Phillips for honoring and assisting Alabama’s Veterans.”