April 28, 2017 at 4:49 p.m.
Multi-county expo showcases programs for veterans
Multi-county expo showcases programs for veterans
"If one veteran would have stopped me to say they were happy with the event, or that they got information they needed, it would have been all worthwhile," she said, "But so many veterans have stopped to tell me how great they thought the expo was. We are getting information to people about programs they may not know exist or they may not be aware they are eligible for. I'm really happy with the turnout today."
"The last time we planned this it was just one county and it wasn't very successful," Walters continued. "It was opening turkey season and Harley ride. So this time we went with seven counties. We decided if we went together and did a multi-county expo, people would be more willing to travel. So that's what we did." Walter noted the event required four months of planning.
There were 37 vendors available representing programs for everything from heat assistance and domestic abuse awareness to senior services and the college G.I. bill.
"I've talked to a lot of people today that had no idea they could use the G.I. bill, for sure," said Tou Yang from North Central Technical College. "They think because they've been out of the service for a while that maybe their benefits expired. But that's totally not true. So they are excited to find out they can still use those benefits and enroll in college."
He noted North Central Technical College offers online schooling, where a person can take all of their classes without leaving home. He made several contacts with veterans who were interested in going back to school, but had no idea they were still eligible. Veterans came from all over the Northwoods to attend the expo.
"I think this is a great idea," said veteran David Macak. "I came here to see the different vendors and to see the different programs. There are a lot of interesting things for people. You don't know the things unless you go to them, you don't know what's available. I'm really glad they had this. I think it's great for veterans."
Vendors, too, were happy with the turn out.
"I am based out of Milwaukee," said Dan Driscoll of the VFW Claims Office. "I need to get out of Milwaukee and focus on veterans in other areas, too, like the Northwoods. So when we got the opportunity to come up here for this big expo, that was great."
Driscoll represents all VFW claimants to the VA across the state of Wisconsin.
He came to the expo to talk to veterans about the different services and programs available to them.
With all six county veteran services officers in attendance, he was happy to provide a show of support to those officers as well as the veteransm he said.
"There are a lot of veterans and spouses of veterans, especially older folks - veterans and widows -who don't know what's out there and that they're leaving benefits behind," he said.
The event ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all were pleased with the attendance.
Veterans were able to learn about programs and vendors were able to explain various ways they can help.
Walters said her goal for the event was to educate veterans on the benefits available to them, and based on feedback from the large morning crowd, that goal was achieved.
Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].
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