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Veterans Resource Fairs, events planned for March

Messenger-Inquirer - 2/7/2019

Feb. 07--Last year, Audubon Area Community Service's veterans resource fairs in Ohio and Daviess counties drew a record high attendance of 338 guests.

Abbie Arrendell, who manages the agency's Retired Senior Volunteer Program and coordinates the annual resource fairs, hopes to see at least 400 next month.

Both events are free. No reservations are needed.

Ohio County's event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.March 12 at the Ohio County Senior Center, 2320 Kentucky 69 N., Hartford. Daviess County's fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.March 28 at the Youngman Readiness Center, formerly the Kentucky National Guard Armory.

Vendors who want to participate in the events have until Feb. 19 to submit forms. They should contact Arrendell at 270-683-1589 for applications.

To date, she has two new vendors for this year's resource fairs -- Veterans United Home Loans and Ohio County Healthcare's Rehab Services.

Each year, the fairs draw representatives from area colleges, employment agencies, financial institutions and health offices, to name a few. The 2018 Daviess County event offered guests the opportunity to visit with 50 vendors. The Ohio County venue is smaller, so about 40 vendors presented information.

"The main purpose of the resource fair is to get the word out about benefits," Arrendell said.

Door prizes will be available, and the Veterans Food Bank of America will have baskets of food available for guests who meet income-eligibility guidelines.

Last year, 96 percent of guests said the fairs increased their knowledge of local benefits, Arrendell said. Ninety-eight percent of veterans who attended said the events provided them better access to services.

"It was amazing," Arrendell said. "We still had people rolling in after we closed down."

She encourages veterans to wear all or part of their uniforms -- at least a hat -- for photos.

Refreshments are served throughout the event. Haircuts, clothes and eye exams will be available.

Veterans should bring their DD214s or military release papers. "(Veterans Affairs) can get their process started right away," Arrendell said.

If nothing else, the event provides an opportunity for veterans to gather and visit, she said.

The events are open to veterans, active duty, retired military, National Guard, Reservists and military families. For more information, contact Arrendell at 270-683-1589.

Renee Beasley Jones, 270-228-2835, rbeasleyjones@messenger-inquirer.com

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Veterans Resource Fair/Stand Down events are planned for Ohio and Daviess counties next month.

The fairs are free to veterans, active duty military, retired military, National Guard, Reservists and military families. No reservations are required.

Ohio County Senior Center

2320 Kentucky 69 N., Hartford

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12

Youngman Readiness Center, formerly the Kentucky National Guard Armory

3300 Tamarack Road, Owensboro

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28

For more information, contact Abbie Arrendell at 270-683-1589.

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