Washington, DC ---On Thursday, June 19, 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC (DCVAMC) will host its first Clergy Day, bringing together spiritual leaders from the metro area to develop greater understanding of the services and resources available in the pastoral community for returning combat veterans.

Clergy and other pastoral care givers are among the frontline service providers for many veterans. The VA Medical Center will reach out to these community leaders to keep them informed as to the many programs offered for combat veterans and to learn more about community services available for military service personnel who have recently returned from Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan-OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Topics for this Clergy Day will include: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of OEF/OIF Veterans, VA Eligibility and Enrollment; and Developing a Theological Response for Returning Combat Veterans.

Medical Center Director, Mr. Fernando O. Rivera will present an overview of Medical Center services. "Members of the clergy are important partners in caring for combat veterans. It's important that we work together with these community leaders. We recognize their valuable contribution to health outcomes."

Chaplain Clarence Cross, Chief of Chaplain Service for the VA Medical Center will host the event. "We hope this first Clergy Day will be one of many opportunities to bring together DC’s pastoral care community in service to veterans," said Chaplain Cross.

Attendance at Clergy Day is by invitation. Members of the clergy interested in attending should contact Chaplain Service at the Medical Center at 202-745-8000, extension 8143. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and will include a luncheon.

For more information about the Washington DC VA Medical Center, visit our website at www.washingtondc.va.gov.