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October is spooky season with treats everywhere you turn. On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, join Thurston County Public Health & Social Services for their free, open to the public, Veteran Resource Fair. You’ll find plenty of goodies galore.

All current and former military men and women are invited to this informative day of education, financial assistance, and there’s even free lunch! Topics and information will include community resources, available veterans’ services, workforce development and much more.

a person in fatigues sits at a table with another person across them, only their hands and torsos are visible.
All Thurston County servicemembers and veterans are invited to the free Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Veteran Resource Fair on Wednesday October 30, 2024. Photo courtesy: Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

Honoring Thurston County’s Military Heroes, Past and Present

The Resource Fair runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center. Mark Moffett, social services program manager for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, says the layout will be a wandering-friendly setup of tables and booths showcasing the many ways county officials can help local vets and their families.

“This is for all veterans that want to learn about resources available to them within the local community,” explains Moffett. “Our annual event goes back at least 10 years showcasing financial assistance, veteran benefits and help, job placement services and more.”

No tickets, RSVP or pre-registration is required. Simply come ready to learn about new, recently updated or new-to-you options provided across Thurston County.

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Supports Veterans at Every Stage of Service

Moffett and the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services team thank their many community partners for supporting this valuable event. They are especially grateful to the Lacey Veterans Services Hub, American Red Cross, Thurston County Public Health & Social Service’s Veterans Assistance Program and the City of Lacey for providing the event space.

For those who may not know, the Lacey Veterans Services Hub provides information about filing VA claims, accessing education benefits, checking medical and dental eligibility and giving financial assistance and classes to vets in need. They can also help with nutrition, housing, legal needs, counseling and employment.

Likewise, the county’s Veterans Assistance Program and Fund helps resident vets in their times of greatest need. They can provide one-time, emergent financial assistance for basic living expenses. Funds can be used for expenses such as housing, food, utilities, funeral expenses, or auto repair.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, reach out to the Veterans Services Hub at 360.867.8236 or dial 9-8-8 and choose option 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

close up of two people's hands holding a piece of paper over a table covered with papers and pamphlets
The Veteran Resource Fair runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center. There will be informative booths and tables as well as a free lunch for attendees. Photo courtesy: Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

Spread the Word and Help Local Veterans, Servicemembers and Thurston County Families

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services created an informative YouTube video and Facebook event posting to share with family and friends. Invite all the vets you know to drop in for info, updates to existing programs or just a tasty lunch with friends.

You can email Candace McCutchen, veteran assistance program specialist, at tcveterans@co.thurston.wa.us  or Mark Moffett, social services program manager, at mark.moffett@co.thurston.wa.us for guidance with the programming and offerings countywide.

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs says that there are nearly 31,000 veterans in Thurston County alone, part of nearly 500,000 statewide.

But thanks to available resources on the local, regional, statewide and national levels, our servicemembers, veterans and their families can find help accessing the VA benefits they’ve earned through their service.

Help them find the answers they need at the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Veteran Resource Fair. It’s the least we can do to show our continued gratitude for all they’ve done.

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