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The Department of Veteran Affairs and the Freeborn, Faribault and Mower County Veterans Service Offices will host a Veterans Resource Fair and Claims Clinic on Jan. 23 providing local veterans with an opportunity to learn about benefits and healthcare options. 

 The expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Albert Lea Armory, 410 Prospect Ave. Veterans can speak directly with representatives from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Albert Lea VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic to get a toxic exposure screening and enroll in health care. The Veterans Benefits Administration representatives will also be onsite to assist with disability compensation claims and benefit questions. Additional resources will be available from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.  

 There are nearly 3,000 veterans in Freeborn, Faribault and Mower counties, and 500 of those veterans, who are eligible for VA health care and/or benefits, are not using them.  

 The event will be an excellent resource for veterans, their families and caregivers, according to a press release. See more information visit our website events page at www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/events.