Contributed Article By Graham County Supervisor Paul David
Graham County – Area veterans, their families and community members are invited to attend the sixth annual Graham and Greenlee Serving Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Safford Armory near the Graham County Fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 191.
The presentation of Gold & Blue Star Banners to honor families with active duty members or those who died while serving will be presented at noon followed by a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the American Legion. Valley youth interested in military service and career options can meet with U.S. Army and Arizona National Guard recruiters and representatives from Women Warriors.
Representatives from the Phoenix VA Regional Office and the Southern AZ VA Health Care System will offer valuable advice regarding VA benefits and all aspects of health care (physical, behavioral, dental, long term, and crisis). Social Security and Medicare questions and concerns will be addressed. The VA Vet Center Mobile Unit provides a comfortable setting to assist veterans and their families
Attendees seeking employment can visit with HR representatives from FMI, the Arizona Department of Corrections, HDS Trucking, AZ@Work, the Arizona Department of Economic Services, and others. Vocational rehabilitation, career and education counselors from Eastern Arizona College will be present along with legal aid, pastoral care, VA, HUD, conventional housing and mortgage lending experts.
Additional services include voter information and registration by Graham County, free vision screening by the Safford Lions Club, dental care by Tooth B.U.D.D.S., hospice and long term care as well as a Women Warriors representative. Congressman Tom O’Halleran will have a constituent services aide at the fair.
An important part of a veteran’s family is their pet. Again this year, Veterans Resource Fair attendees will receive pet services from The Empty Food Bowl Pet Pantry, which will provide free pet food and pet care devices; rabies vaccination from Desert Cross Veterinary of Safford; pet license vouchers from the city of Safford; and Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Arizona will offer reduced price spay and neuter vouchers.
Early attendees can enjoy free coffee and donuts. A free BBQ lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and complimentary soft drinks will be served throughout the day.
This year’s major fair sponsors include the American Legion and their auxiliaries, Arizona@Work and the Arizona VA.
