Washington- Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) will host a conference to benefit veterans in the 16th Congressional District on Monday October 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The conference will feature presentations and information from individuals with the Veterans Administration and other organizations that are available to assist veterans in the district, including Gary Devanski, the Director of the Coatesville VA Medical Center and Chuck Southern of the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

Monday, October 6th
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  
American Legion
William W. Fahey Post 491
208 East State Street, Kennett Square

Below is a list of the confirmed speakers and their presentations:

Gary Devansky, Director of the Coatesville VA Medical Center, will speak about Coatesville medical center programs offered to veterans.

Chuck Southern, of the VA Office of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, will speak about contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses within the corporate business community.  He manages the very successful VetFran Program with the International Franchise Association and several formal corporate partnership agreements.

James Goss, Director of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) unit, will speak about the treatment options available to veterans suffering from this disorder.  The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder inpatient unit at Coatesville is rated number one in the nation for treatment of veterans with combat related PTSD.

Mary Pearce will speak about the programs available to female veterans.

Lewis McCullough will speak about Team River Runner which is a Kayak program specifically designed to help veterans who have served in today’s global war on terror.  This therapeutic recreational activity is well know and started at Walter Reed Medical Center. 

Andrew Pahountis will speak about VA eligibility for medical benefits.

###