Veterans Fair Draws Tremendous Response
By Kai Rambow
“I went all the way around, and I probably stopped at ninety percent of the tables,” commented wheelchair-bound veteran, Patrick Clarahan. “Just about every table, people were very easy to talk to. There were a few tables at which I had to wait, but it wasn’t that bad.”
The wait was due to the tremendous response from community veterans. Hundreds showed up to learn about services available to them. Pam Smith-Beatty, a 21-year veteran herself, is the Women Veterans Program Manager with the VA. When asked about the focus on women, Smith-Beatty illuminated: “A lot of times they don’t think of themselves as veterans. Women do so many things, they often push their service to the side and we don’t think about it. In reality, that service means that you’re eligible for health benefits, care, loans and the GI bill. If you’ve ever served in any service, you should look and see what you’re benefits might be.”
Not knowing what is available was a common theme. Manuel Guevara with The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay shared how very few veterans knew about their center. “It is the epicenter for crises or referral. We answer the 211 calls, the substance abuse hotline, and the suicide prevention line.” Just about any question related to mental health and well-being can probably be answered by this center. More importantly, they can let veterans know where to find help.
Clarahan was enthused to learn about some extracurricular activities that should help him get out of the house more. “Because of my disabilities, I spend a lot of my time watching TV.” This well attended event was clearly helpful to many veterans.
In the photo: Bud Brubaker and Bill McKiernan volunteered to let Marine veterans know about the Leathernecks club.
Plan to Travel? Read This First
Whether you are a snowbird or a year-round resident, you will probably travel away from your Florida home at some time. Of course, you want to make sure that you, your belongings, and your home are safe during your travels. Recently, a travel consultant...
Social Security Phone Scams Increase
HCSO Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry says residents need to watch out for new telephone scams: “Please be cautious when providing personal information over the telephone. There has been an increase in social security fraud telephone scams targeting...
South Bay Hospital Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Dozens of staff children attended National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at South Bay Hospital recently. This annual event is an educational program in the United States and Canada where parents take their children to work with them for one day....
Floating by Fabulous Chicago Buildings
Floating by Fabulous Chicago Buildings By Kai Rambow The Jewelers’ Building, completed in 1927 and facing the Chicago River, has a distinct look that grabs your attention. Behind the unique look is an interesting story. For many years, one...
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
0 Comments