Aguas Buenas promotes initiatives to benefit veterans

By THE STAR STAFF

To facilitate access to essential services, guidance and comprehensive support, the Municipality of Aguas Buenas continues to strengthen its support for the veteran community of Aguas Buenas and all of Puerto Rico through the Veterans Advisory and Support Center, an initiative that opened its doors last November and has already positively impacted more than 40 veterans.

“This is a genuine commitment to our veterans in Aguas Buenas and throughout the island,” Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano said. “Beyond providing services, it’s about supporting them, guiding them, and ensuring they can access the resources they are entitled to.”

Some 65,000 veterans reside in Puerto Rico, representing about 2.4% of the adult population.

The mayor added that the center offers guidance, counseling, and support services on health-related issues, as part of a collaborative effort with the Office of the Veterans Advocate and the San Juan VA Medical Center. It also provides legal support to advise veterans on their rights, particularly in priority areas such as health, education, services at the Veterans Hospital and support for their families.

The center, which offers services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon, also assists veterans in applying for and processing state and federal benefits, including pensions, medical care services, socio-educational workshops, and other direct services designed to improve their quality of life.

The center is located in the former Plaza Agrícola on Padre Quiñones Street in the town center.