The Berrien County Veterans Services office will hold its annual outreach event next week, offering the county’s more than 8,500 veterans a way to connect with resources available to them and mingle.
Berrien County Veterans Services Director Maureen Adams tells us this is the fourth year for the gathering, which has been rebranded this year as “VetFest — Military Stand Down” from the previous name, Veterans Stand Down. She says there will be something for veterans of all kinds at VetFest.
“We offer a meal to veterans, there’s free haircuts, there’s going to be military surplus available,” Adams said. “There is the Michigan Footprints Truck, which offers shoes to veterans, is going to be there.”
Adams says the event last year attracted more than 300 people, so they’ve moved it this year to the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs. That ought to offer plenty of space for the more than 60 vendors.
“We’ve moved to the fairgrounds just because it keeps getting bigger and better every year. I think the fairgrounds is going to be our new home for VetFest. So we have two commercial buildings reserved out for the event.“
And Adams says local veterans have all sorts of needs.
“We see people all the time, whether we’re getting them hooked up with their VA health care, compensation benefits. A lot of people don’t know about things like the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, which helps with emergent financial needs.”
The year’s event will include a mobile dental unit, a mobile Secretary of State office, and a Quilt of Valor presentation honoring veterans. Adams says past events have made a difference in real lives.
“We see veterans all the time that kind of come across our office, and sometimes it can be life-changing for them.”
Adams recalls one military widow who got connected with years of missed benefits.
VetFest will be next Friday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. They’ll have golf carts on site to help transport those who have trouble getting around.
Veterans who plan to attend are reminded to bring their proof of service. Also, RSVPs are requested, but not required.
