Veterans support fair set for Saturday
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
Columbia Basin Veterans will have the opportunity to stock up on warm clothes and supplies for cold weather at the Veterans Resource Fair this Saturday. There will be a variety of resources, centralized at the Grant County Fairgrounds for veterans to learn about and utilize.
FILE PHOTO
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Veteran Advisory Board is hosting its annual Veteran Resource and Job Fair on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds' Commercial and 4-H Buildings.
This long-standing event, which has been a staple of community service for nearly 20 years, aims to connect veterans and their families with crucial resources and employment opportunities in a single, accessible location.
Eileen Boylston, the Secretary of the Grant County Veteran Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of this event, especially for veterans living in rural areas where resources can be scarce.
"We don’t have a lot of veteran services in our immediate area," Boylston said, referring to the distance many veterans must travel to reach facilities such as the VA hospital, which is around 120 miles away. "This event provides a unique opportunity for veterans to easily connect with essential services without having to travel great distances."
The fair will feature representatives from various organizations affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, local community services, and numerous employment opportunities.
"We will have about 6 to 8 representatives from VA-related organizations available,” Boylston said.
These representatives will assist veterans in filing claims, accessing medical care, and understanding their benefits. Additionally, attendees can learn about job opportunities from local employers, including positions with the sheriff's department and various unions.
Beyond job placement and assistance with VA claims, the fair will also focus on providing essential items to veterans in need.
"We have a program called 'Tools for Troops'," Boylston said. "Veterans can receive donated tools and other items for free. We also have surplus items like coats and sleeping bags available for those experiencing homelessness."
Veteran homelessness is an ongoing challenge, and Boylston encourages struggling veterans to attend the event.
"The services will all be in one place, making it easier to access what is necessary," she said. "We want veterans to know that they are not alone. We have dedicated representatives who can help with the sometimes confusing paperwork and benefits application process."
Registration for the fair is free, and lunch will be provided at no cost to all attendees, thanks to local community efforts.
The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor the meal, which typically includes barbecue staples such as hot dogs and chips.
"It's an opportunity for people to not only gain valuable resources but also to enjoy a meal together," Boylston said.
In addition to the resources, the event will have cultural elements to enrich the experience for attendees. A local singing group, affiliated with Trinity Church, will perform patriotic songs throughout the fair.
Boylston highlighted the critical role such events play in ensuring that veterans are aware of their benefits and resources.
"Many veterans are unaware of the resources available to them," she said, stressing that the fair aims to enlighten veterans about benefits they may not have fully explored. "It’s vital for them to come and discover what could significantly improve their quality of life."
With an average attendance of approximately 150 participants — including veterans, their families, and community members — this year's fair continues the tradition of forging connections and fostering community support.
“It’s a real opportunity for veterans to get information they might not have otherwise,” Boylston said.
For further information, veterans can contact the Grant County Veteran Advisory Board.
Veteran Resource and Job Fair
Grant County Fairgrounds
Commercial Building and 4H Building
3953 Airway Drive
Moses Lake, WA
Sept. 27: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Businesses, resources and more:
All Ways Caring Home Care
2219 W. Broadway Ave.
Moses Lake, WA
509-492-3884
American Legion Art Semro Post 28
276 8th Ave. N.W.
Ephrata, WA
509-754-2761
American Legion Post 209
538 W. Broadway Ave.
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-1126
Assured Hospice
1417 S. Pioneer Way
Moses Lake, WA
509-766-2580
Basin Piece Makers
Immanuel Lutheran Church
1020 S. A St.
Moses Lake, WA
Bath Fitters Inland NW
5221 E. 3rd Ave., Suite A
Spokane Valley, WA
509-584-5214
Big Bend Community College
7662 Chanute St. N.E.
Moses Lake, WA
509-793-2222
Civil Air Patrol
Port of Ephrata
1990 Division Ave. E.
Ephrata, WA
509-754-3273
Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association
CombatVet.us
Family Resource Home Care
830 Sharon Ave. E.
Moses Lake, WA
509-540-3765
Geneva Financial
180 S. Arizona Ave. Ste 310
Chandler, AZ
888-889-0009
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
855-428-5673
Grant County Corrections
35 C St. N.W.
Ephrata, WA
509-754-2011
Holy Trinity Church
1012 C St. S.W.
Ephrata, WA
509-754-2421
MITAGS-West
1729 Alaskan Way S.
Seattle, WA
206-441-2880
Old Guard Riders
OldGuardRidersPNW.com
Email: [email protected]
Veterans Operation Creation
[email protected]
509-398-4922
People for People
843 Kittleson Rd. N.E.
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-9249
Red Cross
RedCross.org
Renew
840 E. Plum St.
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-9239
Rural Resources Community Action
956 S. Main St.
Colville, WA
509-684-8421
Service Peace Warriors
1781 N. Bellevue Rd.
Eltopia, WA
509-537-2530
Spokane Veterans Home
222 E. 5th Ave.
Spokane, WA
509-344-5770
Tools4Troops
Lake Oswego, OR
503-387-5844
[email protected]
U.S. Army Recruiting
601 S. Pioneer Way Suite P
Moses Lake, WA
520-673-3191
Veteran Affairs
va.gov
800-698-2411
Vet Cemetery
21702 W. Espanola Road
Medical Lake, WA
509-299-6280
WA Department of Veteran Affairs
1020 S. 7th Ave.
Pasco, WA
509-585-6558
Work Source
309 E. 5th Ave. Suite B
Moses Lake, WA
509-766-2559
WTH Custom
1627 W. Broadway Ave.
Moses Lake, WA
509-793-8756
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