Event aims to safeguard veterans’ important documents from disaster

Contra Costa County is hosting a free event in November to show veterans and their families how to “disaster-proof” honorable discharge documents and other important paperwork that can be a lifeline for preserving benefits, medical insurance and compensation.

The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department is hosting its third annual “Operation Documentation” veterans’ assistance event on Nov. 13 from 8 a.m. until noon at its office at 555 Escobar St.

The office offers veterans a place to record and safely store their DD-214 documents — the certificate of release or discharge from active military duty — free of charge.

The session also will offer a comprehensive overview of the Veterans Affairs benefits they may be eligible to receive, and to sign up for a veteran’s distinction on their state driver’s licenses (those who served in the Reserves and in the National Guard are now eligible for this).

Representatives from other county departments will also be on hand to describe tax breaks, job opportunities and other perks for which veterans might be eligible.