Nearly 400 people attended the third annual Veterans Expo in Terre Haute on Tuesday.
It's for vets and their families, getting the word out about the resources and benefits that are out there.
And organizers know first-hand just how much these simple steps can turn your life around.
Just call it one-stop shopping.
The Veterans Expo has employment and education opportunities, benefit information, and support services... giving back to those who served our country.
"Reach out to veterans as well as the community and their families. We try to let them know as far as what benefits are available to them. And that veterans are entitled to these benefits," said Chris Watson, spokesman for the 2013 Expo.
The goal is to strengthen the information delivery system that keeps vets informed.
Experts have found that many veterans, whether they served years ago or are just returning from duty, simply don't know the resources that are out there.
"Veterans are entitled to these benefits. And some vets think that other of that need those benefits more, and so they won't apply. We volunteer for this. This is what we volunteered for. They're there to help us," explained Watson.
It's something Chris Watson knows firsthand.
He's a disabled vet who was a corporal in the Marine Corps. for four years.
After coming home, he found himself unemployed, living with his parents - until someone helped him find these benefits.
"Federal work-study program, and I got out on my own. I'm currently a week-and-a-half away from finishing a criminal justice degree, where I'm trying to get a case manager's position. And so it's helped me out tremendously, and it's changed my life. So I will be the first one to admit that this Veterans Expo is worth it," he said.
Those involved in the Veterans Expo travel to different counties, making sure they come to the vets.
Organizers say it gets bigger each year - and that shows that this message is making an impact:
"So the information is out there, you just have to make the first step," urges Watson.
There was also a silent auction to benefit the Homeless Veterans Organization and the Wounded Warriors Project.
For more information on these benefits and services, you can go to an county's Work One office, stop by a VFW or American Legion post, or contact Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov.
You can click here for more information on the Veterans Expo in Terre Haute.
It's for vets and their families, getting the word out about the resources and benefits that are out there.
And organizers know first-hand just how much these simple steps can turn your life around.
Just call it one-stop shopping.
The Veterans Expo has employment and education opportunities, benefit information, and support services... giving back to those who served our country.
"Reach out to veterans as well as the community and their families. We try to let them know as far as what benefits are available to them. And that veterans are entitled to these benefits," said Chris Watson, spokesman for the 2013 Expo.
The goal is to strengthen the information delivery system that keeps vets informed.
Experts have found that many veterans, whether they served years ago or are just returning from duty, simply don't know the resources that are out there.
"Veterans are entitled to these benefits. And some vets think that other of that need those benefits more, and so they won't apply. We volunteer for this. This is what we volunteered for. They're there to help us," explained Watson.
It's something Chris Watson knows firsthand.
He's a disabled vet who was a corporal in the Marine Corps. for four years.
After coming home, he found himself unemployed, living with his parents - until someone helped him find these benefits.
"Federal work-study program, and I got out on my own. I'm currently a week-and-a-half away from finishing a criminal justice degree, where I'm trying to get a case manager's position. And so it's helped me out tremendously, and it's changed my life. So I will be the first one to admit that this Veterans Expo is worth it," he said.
Those involved in the Veterans Expo travel to different counties, making sure they come to the vets.
Organizers say it gets bigger each year - and that shows that this message is making an impact:
"So the information is out there, you just have to make the first step," urges Watson.
There was also a silent auction to benefit the Homeless Veterans Organization and the Wounded Warriors Project.
For more information on these benefits and services, you can go to an county's Work One office, stop by a VFW or American Legion post, or contact Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov.
You can click here for more information on the Veterans Expo in Terre Haute.
