MOSES LAKE — Veterans from across Grant County gathered at the Grant County Fairgrounds Saturday for the annual Veterans Resource and Job Fair, where dozens of organizations offered services ranging from employment assistance and medical resources to clothing, food, haircuts and housing support. 

The event brought together veteran-focused nonprofits, service organizations and community groups in a single location, giving former service members an opportunity to learn about benefits and connect with resources they may not otherwise know are available. 

For members of the Basin Piecemakers Quilt Guild, the event was also an opportunity to personally thank veterans for their service. 

Nancy Latham said the guild has participated in the event for the past three years, creating handmade quilts to present to veterans. 

“Our guild does,” Latham said when asked who makes the quilts. “We have kits, the members make a block, and we put the blocks together, and it's just kind of a group effort.” 

This year, the guild brought about 25 quilts for veterans attending the fair. 

For Latham, the motivation is simple. 

“It’s my passion to cover the veterans,” she said. “I just think they deserve it. Some recognition.” 

Nearby, members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association spent the day talking with attendees and sharing information about their organization. 

“We come here to support the veterans,” said Thad Evans, a member of the group. “A lot of times, we just talk to the veterans that come in, and that's all they really want.” 

Evans said many visitors stopped to admire the motorcycles on display, but the conversations were often what mattered most. 

“Most people just want some interaction, and someone to listen,” he said. 

The organization regularly rides together during the summer and raises money to help veterans in need. Evans said events like Saturday's fair are valuable because many veterans are unaware of services available in the community. 

“A lot of times, people don't know what's out there,” Evans said. “So that's a good thing that they come in here and find out what kind of resources are in the county.” 

Representatives from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 in Ephrata also spent the day helping connect veterans and families with information. 

Longtime member Jane Montaney said one of the group's most important messages is encouraging veterans to enroll with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, even if they do not believe they have an immediate disability claim. 

“The VA is far more than just that,” Montaney said. “When you're young, when you get back, whether you think you have a claim or not, register with them so that it's there when you need it.” 

Montaney said many veterans are reluctant to seek assistance, but the benefits available are earned through military service. 

“They don't need to feel like they're taking something or a handout,” she said. “It's not. They've already earned it.” 

She added that the event serves as an important introduction to services veterans may need in the future. 

“There's a lot of resources here,” Montaney said. “They need to know that they're out there.” 

For Leonard Muhr, who oversees the Washington chapter of Tools4Troops and coordinates Wreaths Across America efforts in Ellensburg, the fair represents an opportunity to meet veterans where they are and provide practical help. 

Tools4Troops collects donated tools from businesses and community members and distributes them free of charge to veterans for work, home projects and therapeutic use. 

“If they can't afford tools for work or whatever, we can get them to them,” Muhr said. 

As a veteran himself, Muhr said hands-on projects can be especially beneficial for those dealing with post-traumatic stress. 

“Working with your hands and building something just feels good,” he said. “It's therapeutic all the way around.” 

Muhr also highlighted the work of Wreaths Across America, which places wreaths on veterans' graves each December to honor their service and ensure they are remembered. 

“This is just another way of reminding the community about our fallen guys,” he said. 

Throughout the day, veterans browsed resource booths, received free haircuts, spoke with service providers and connected with fellow veterans. 

Evans said the fair's greatest strength is bringing everything together in one place. 

“It's a great event,” he said. “If people don't know about it, they should come out next year for sure.” 

Organizers and volunteers emphasized that whether veterans need assistance today or years from now, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. 

    The Basin Piecemakers Guild handmade 25 quilts for veterans this year for the resource fair. Member Nancy Latham (right) said the motivation behind the project is simple: recognition and respect for veterans.
  

    Various supplies were given away Saturday to veterans including sleeping bags, warm clothes, tools, food and merch from various nonprofits and organizations.