All veterans and their families will soon enjoy a home away from home while in Branson. But this new home is far more than a place to relax and swap stories with old buddies — Branson’s first-ever “Veterans Welcome Center” will offer a variety of services, from assisting with medical issues to discounts on area entertainment.
Eagle Plaza, currently known as Shake It Up ShowClub, will open its doors in the daytime for the new welcome center.
A grand opening is set for 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5, according to Shake It Up owner Steve Derringer. National, state and local VFW dignitaries are expected to attend.
“I was surprised to learn there is no VFW(Veterans of Foreign Wars) post in Branson,” Derringer said. “But this will be much more than a post — all veterans, regardless of affiliation, can enjoy a drink or sandwich, shoot a game of pool, and learn about relevant issues specific to veterans.”
Danny Ferguson, a local Vietnam veteran and VFW chairman, recently approached Derringer about the idea. “It took me about 30 seconds to think about it,” Derringer smiled. “It was a wholehearted ‘Yes’.”
The Missouri VFW will sponsor the center, but all veterans and their families are welcome, Ferguson said. Services being developed include a computerized touch screen where veterans can locate buddies, use of the 100-seat lounge for food, drinks, games and conversation, and having a service officer on duty to provide much needed veterans benefits and other support information.
In addition, discounts on area hotel/motels and shows will be offered.
“Veterans don’t always know what options they have,” Ferguson said. “For example, if they have hearing loss, or have issues related to how to best draw a disability pension, many of them don’t know how to file for these benefits.”
Other topics may include how to apply for the best home loan or future education needs.
At the welcome center, veterans won’t have to file claims or make appeals; once their information is entered, the service officer will carry through whatever process is required to receive applied for benefits, Ferguson said.
“We even hope to make it so they can get prescriptions filled while they’re in town,” he added. “Whatever they need, we want to be there for them. Branson is a vacation destination for more than 2 million veterans a year. Our mission is to help make their stay as enjoyable and worry-free as possible.”
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News