The Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs will hold the state's first Veterans Benefits and Information Fair Saturday, April 19,  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. This is open to veterans of all ages and there is no charge to attend.

The fair will feature information booths, mobile offices and trained staff from over 30 state, federal and private agencies and organizations. Visiting veterans will have access to a variety of information about benefits and services that are available to assist them and their families.

Information forums on topics of interest to veterans will also be conduced throughout the day featuring presentations and question and answer sessions conducted by multiple organizations.  The forums will begin at 10 a.m. and offer information on benefits for older/senior veterans, health care services for Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, educational benefits, financial assistance, jobs/job training, and readjustment/behavioral health issues.

Veterans will also have the opportunity to meet individually with staff from the U.S. Veterans Administration and the Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs regarding disability claims, other benefits and individual concerns.

The Connecticut Department of Labor's Career Express, the Department of Social Services' Mobile Service Center and the Department of Motor Vehicles Licensing Bus will all be on-site to provide specialized services to veterans and their families

"This event will be one-stop shopping for our veterans," said Dr. Linda S. Schwartz, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs.  "In one location in a short amount of time, veterans will make contacts with many people and organizations available to assist them.  Whether for an hour or the entire day, we think this will be time well spent for veterans of all ages."

There is no required registration for the fair and the event is open to the public. Free parking will be available in the Legislative Office Building parking garage and state lots in the immediate area.

For more information, visit the Web site www.ct.gov/ctva or call (860) 721-5826.