JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There are nearly 1.4 million veterans living in the state of Florida but in February for the first time ever, there will be a designated military and veterans resource fair in Baker County, Florida.
We've seen veteran career fairs and parades to honor veterans, but there's no designated VA hospital in rural Baker County. That's one of the reasons why American Legion Post 83 and Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. feel it's important to host the Baker County Military & Veterans Community Resource Fair.
"We have a lot of veterans unable to travel," said Junnie Watson, an Army veteran and member of American Legion 83, "so to bring the resources to one location, it lets the community see what is available through the VA."
On Feb. 3 more than two dozen organizations will present resources ranging from health benefits, financial assistance and even career counseling.
"As the population of Baker County is growing we're seeing more and more caregivers of veterans as well and that's a big focus for the Feb. 3rd event, to show them what's available and what's needed," said Terry Caton, an Army veteran and Commander of American Legion Post 83.
The organizers of the Baker County Military & Veterans Community Resource Fair are veterans themselves, so they know what's important to provide to those who served.
"This event we're really focusing on the resources," Watson said. "We have the small business association, we have Baker County Career Source, they will be available to look at resumes, help with resumes, help people know what jobs are available right now for veterans."
The event will have a military focus, but it's for everyone in the community and surrounding areas.
"I'm so excited to just say, here's what's here for you, you have access to this, you deserve this, you worked hard for this," said Sharleen Deary, an Air Force veteran and Outreach Grant Coordinator for Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc, "not just our military folks, but their entire family, those who sacrificed for their servicemember."
The Baker County Military & Veterans Community Resource Fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 at American Legion Post 83 in Macclenny, 150 S. Lowder St.
More information about the event and vendors who will be at the event can be found here.