June 27, 2002 – Justin Harrigan Sr., former assistant director of the V.I. Veterans Affairs Office, has been named its acting director by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
The territory has some 5,000 to 7,000 veterans, Harrigan said, and "with dependents, it's about 10,000."
He urged any veterans who have not registered with the office to do so — in case they need care and also so he can get a more accurate count of veterans in the territory.
Harrigan, who has worked with the office since last September, said it now has funding to assist veterans in obtaining medical care at the Veterans Hospital in Puerto Rico. The Veterans Administration also operates a clinic at Buccaneer Mall on St. Thomas for those with less-serious medical needs.
He said the office also must address other issues affecting veterans, such as homelessness.
Harrigan replaces Fernando R. Webster. A Government House release said Webster resigned for personal reasons; he could not be reached for comment.
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