http://youtu.be/LRqflEcBn6I
The 7th annual Veterans Information Fair was held at the Las Cruces convention Center, and James Turner a Veterans Services Officer with the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s services says it is one of the largest he’s been too.
“This is one of the bigger events we’ve had,” Turner said. “The convention center is our 3rd or 4th location, and it always is nice to have bigger locations because we’ve had a good turnout today.”
He says many veteran’s are unaware of the services available to them and events like this give them a chance to find out about them.
“There is a lot of stuff out there for Veteran’s to be aware of,” Turner said. “And a lot of times they are just not aware of the things that they need to pursue in regards to their benefits that they’ve earned. We’ve got out office here; we’ve got the DAV- Disabled American Veterans, the Vietnam Veteran’s of America, all these health care agencies, educational agencies that will help veterans pursue their benefits.”
He says it is helpful for veteran’s to have all the services in one place.
“Veteran’s have said, and you can tell by the turnout they are interested in getting information,” Turner said. “Instead of going from one place to another, everybody’s here, that’s the best part about it.”
Turner says fairs like this are also helpful for organizations recruiting members.
“A lot of these organizations are seeking members,” Turner said. “To support their organizations, to make them stronger, and eventually help them get what they need.”
Minnie Montoya with Disability Rights New Mexico, one of the event sponsors, says that it is important to show veterans they have support in the community.
“Our Veterans have given a lot to our country,” Montoya said. “And they deserve to get all the information and all the assistance that they can get from different organizations and agencies.”
Veterans who were unable to attend the fair can get information about the services provided from the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
