AIKEN --- Military veterans and their families struggling to find the help they need can learn how to wade through government red tape at a free program today.

The CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project and the Fisher House program -- both of which serve injured soldiers, veterans and their families -- have scheduled a meeting at Charles Wesley United Methodist Church in Aiken.

The Rev. Jim Bennett, the pastor of Wesley United, said the presentation will be free and no donations will be accepted.

"We're dedicated to peace, and part of having peace is finding peace," the Rev. Bennett said. "There's no collections, no asking for money at this."

The discussion, he said, is simply to inform veterans and their families about services that are available.

"We're not making a statement for the war or against the war -- just to help those who were involved in it find peace," the Rev. Bennett said.

The CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on expanding care for injured soldiers and publicizing their needs.

The Fisher House program supports the VA Center and offers temporary housing to the families of soldiers who are hospitalized away from home.

Scheduled to speak at the presentation are Laurie Ott, of the Wounded Warrior project, and Cone Underwood, of the Fisher House program.

The Rev. Bennett said his brother served in Iraq as a commanding officer and lost troops. When he returned to the U.S., he needed help overcoming stress, the Rev. Bennett said.

But going through government services to find the one you need -- and getting that help -- can be daunting, he said.

"We just want them to have the straight information and be able to find peace when they come home," he said.

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com.