Thursday, January 01, 2026
21.0°F

Veterans support fair set for Saturday

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | September 25, 2025 5:03 PM

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 


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Mathis sworn into Ephrata council seat
December 30, 2025 5:26 p.m.

Mathis sworn into Ephrata council seat

EPHRATA — On Monday night, the Ephrata City Council and Mayor-Elect Steve Oliver attended a workshop to discuss roles and swear in Oliver and the council’s newest member.

Ephrata’s 2025: A year of infrastructure, parks and branding
December 31, 2025 3 a.m.

Ephrata’s 2025: A year of infrastructure, parks and branding

EPHRATA — As 2025 draws to a close, the city of Ephrata reflects on a year marked by investments and improvements in its water infrastructure, park facilities, buying a new facility and branding initiatives. The city added a new water tower, upgraded its water reclamation facility, installed new park bathrooms, began replacing the playground equipment at Lions Park and formed its first brand.

Port of Ephrata reports 2025 successes
December 30, 2025 3 a.m.

Port of Ephrata reports 2025 successes

Port administration plans for infrastructure growth in 2026

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has marked a successful year of growth and innovation, according to Executive Director David Lanman. The Port's accomplishments include infrastructure upgrades, new services like Jet A fuel and Hertz rental cars, as well as collaborations with area partners to create opportunities.