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STEUBENVILLE - Hundreds of area veterans received a variety of information and screenings during the 16th annual Veterans Health Fair held Saturday by the Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission and Steubenville City Schools.

Ed Mascio, the commission's executive director, said a line of veterans extended to the doors leading to the commons area of Steubenville High School during the event's first 90 minutes and a steady flow of former service members entered through the remainder of the day.

He estimated more than 500 turned out for services that included flu vaccinations; blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar screenings, vision assessments and information about benefits available to veterans of various ages.

Mascio said the fair has been attended by more than 6,800 over the last 15 years.

James Hilson of Steubenville, a former Marine who served during the Vietnam War, said he regularly attends the event.

"You can get a flu shot and they give you all your vitals and information about your benefits. They've got something for everybody," he said.

Glen Horne of Wintersville, a Navy Korean War veteran, said he comes each year "to check my cholesterol. It's nice. Well-organized, too."

Ed Mascio, service officer for the Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission, said the fair serves not only to provide free services to veterans but also to inform them about ongoing benefits that they may not be aware of.

For example, all veterans are eligible for compensation for injuries sustained at wartime, regardless of whether they were serving abroad or stateside when they occurred.

To receive the compensation, veterans generally must show they received treatment for the injury while in the service or within a year after they were discharged.

Many veterans suffer from hearing loss due to exposure to loud vehicles, equipment and explosions, but the loss often is gradual, so it's very important for service members to have their hearing tested as soon as possible, Mascio noted.

He added many Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange aren't aware they may be compensated for such long-term health problems as diabetes type 2, neuropathy, which is numbness of the arms or legs; and various forms of cancer, including prostate, lung, throat and bone.

While veterans of various ages turned out for the fair, there were few in their 20s or 30s, though they also could benefit from services provided by the commission and the VA Healthcare System, said Bryan Felmet, a member of the commission's advisory board.

"Some have a hard time adjusting to civilian life again, but it's not in their nature to look for help. They just need to know there's some place local to help them," he said.

Mascio said a counselor from the Wheeling Veterans Service Commission visits the Jefferson County VSC office each Wednesday to meet with local veterans in a group setting or individually.

The commission also arranges for a VA van to transport area veterans to VA medical centers in the Pittsburgh area Monday through Friday.

The commission's office at 423 North St., Steubenville, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

Bill Cermak, president of the commission's advisory board; said the commission is seeing a greater number of widows of World War II veterans. The commission is able to provide financial assistance to veterans' spouses with low incomes, he said.

Mascio said Jefferson County has lost about 200 World War II veterans per year in recent years, and their spouses should know there's help available if they have fallen on financial troubles.

For information about services provided through the Veterans Service Commission, call (740) 283-8571.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)