Thompson, a Vietnam War veteran who serves on the Armed Services Committee in the House, is also hosting a health fair in McKinleyville for military retirees Saturday. It's scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. at Azalea Hall on Pickett Road. The health fair will help military retirees and their family members learn of benefits available under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. The 1998 legislation directs the Department of Defense to bring more health care services to those in rural areas who live far from military treatment facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs has operated a community-based outpatient clinic in Eureka since March 1998.
Services range from diabetes management to cholesterol screening.