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Survey to assess needs of veterans
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The Heinz Endowments is conducting a survey of military veterans in Western Pennsylvania to help provide more complete information about what services are available to them and what additional programs are needed.
The online 39-question survey -- the "2013 Survey of Veterans in Western Pennsylvania" -- which takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, covers the survey taker's basic demographics, military experience, connections to Western Pennsylvania medical providers and other nonprofits, and employment status.
Steel City Vets is housing the survey on its website www.steelcityvets.com/survey. Ben Keen of Steel City Vets has been a strong partner in the effort.
The survey is a first step to get a sense of size and scope of the need. A more scientifically valid survey may be commissioned later based on what this first effort shows, the endowments said. The plan is to get as many responses as possible to the survey by the end of March, when the surveying is expected to conclude.
While all veterans are invited to participate in the survey, the endowments are especially interested in those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hope is to get a sense during this period of military-downsizing of what services are needed to assist military personnel in a smooth transition to civilian life. The information will be shared with other foundations and nonprofits that are interested in veterans assistance or already working in this sector.
The survey was compiled by West Point graduate and Iraqi veteran Megan Andros, a Coro Fellow working with the Heinz Endowments. She plans to pursue a master's degree in public policy and to serve the nation's veterans through professional and/or volunteer service.
First Published March 4, 2013 12:00 am
