If you know of a Long Island veteran who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and has not enrolled with VA, encourage him or her to contact the Northport VA Medical Center as soon as possible to participate in the OIF/OEF registry and medical screening process.

Active-duty personnel and Reservist or National Guard members who serve in a theater of combat operations are eligible for VA care and services for injuries or illnesses related to combat service for two years beginning on the date of their discharge or release from service. OIF/OEF veterans who don't enroll with VA within two years of separation from active duty, have no VA-rated service-connected disabilities and earn more than the geographically based income threshold may be ineligible for enrollment. For this reason, all OIF/OEF veterans are strongly encouraged to enroll with VA upon their release from the military.

Northport VA Medical Center's OIF/OEF team will assist veterans with enrollment, benefits and claims information and medical services including medications and therapy. Call (631) 261-4400, ext. 2173, 2385 or 2655, or visit the Medical Center, 79 Middleville Road, Northport, as soon as possible.