Over a year ago, the Ripon Clinton McCausland America Legion Post 190 officially opened the Bugbee Veterans Center.
Located at 201 S. Stockton Avenue – across the street from the local American Legion Hall – this facility honoring the late Allen Bugbee, a past commander, was deemed necessary in assisting returning military personnel.
According to Denise Alvarez, US Navy (Persian Gulf veteran), the Bugbee Veterans Center is available to those who might need guidance on Veterans Administration claims, burial benefits, educational opportunities, housing and medical services, to name a few.
A local American Legion representative will be on hand to give directions on the claim process with the VA and / or other types of benefits.
Alvarez, in fact, is hoping that more returning veterans will take advantage of the services at the facility, which also consists of a business center.
It’s here that they can research jobs on the internet or learn of any possible job opportunities for veterans within San Joaquin County.
“The onsite staff is currently working on scheduling workshops for resume writing and interview techniques,” said Alvarez. “The center gives local veterans an opportunity to network among each other.
“We want to reach our young men and women who have served this great country.”
American Legion Post Commander Mike Zureich is overseeing the function of the Bugbee Center, which welcomes all veterans especially those returning from long deployment.
The ultimate goal here is to reach veterans in their transitioning out of the military.
The Bugbee Veterans Center opened in August 2015 in honor of the past commander.
Allen Bugbee died in 1995, with his wife, Fern, reconstructing his trust going to the local American Legion post. Of that, $40,000 was later used to convert the former George’s Bicycle into the veterans’ center.
For more information, call Zureich at 209.253.0200 or log on to www.riponpost190.org.