MOSES LAKE - Washington veterans from across the state will head to The Links at Moses Pointe for the first annual Washington State Veterans Golf Tournament Thursday.

The event is an opportunity for Washington veterans to come together and receive information about benefits available to them, Tournament Director Ron Laney said.

"The tournament is a way to get the veterans together and get the information out about their benefits," he said. "The needs are very important. We need the community to be aware of how to step up and help them."

Laney was a Specialist 4th Class served during the Vietnam War and understands how important it is that veterans understand the benefits reserved for them.

"I'm a vet," he said. "I went through some difficult times in 1997. With the increase of the vets coming back I am really concerned that they get the benefits they need."

The first annual tournament is important to the Washington state veterans and Laney said local businesses have helped put the event together.

"Moses Lake Industries has helped out a lot," he said. "They donated a larger sum of money for the event."

Laney said he is excited for the tournament and hopes the event will be a success.

"Right now we have a little over 60 (participants)," he said. "If it works out well we will do it every year across the state."

Tournament registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and the event begins at 10 a.m. at The Links at Moses Pointe.