War Memorial hosts help for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System sponsors a welcome home event family fun extravaganza at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark. Saturday honoring all veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

The perks of the event include free food, live music and free admission to the Little Rock Zoo with a valid military ID, and is open to active-duty members, Retirees, Guardsmen and Reservists. 

"It's an event for our OIF/OEF veterans and active service men who have served overseas. It's for the Veterans Affairs (department) and the surrounding community to show our appreciation, that we care, and that (the veterans) matter," said Douglas Bowers, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Services System chief of voluntary service. "We've found in the past that we didn't show our servicemen the proper appreciation that was warranted. We want to learn from our mistakes and give to our younger veterans what our older veterans have missed out in past times." 

The event is highlighted by a job fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. meant to equip veterans with the necessary skills to skillfully attack the job market. More than 40 local companies will be in attendance to interview and provide information to veterans who have finished their honorable service. 

"We want to help find jobs that will make a difference in their lives and their families' lives. There are a lot of people who want to show them that they do actually make a difference. The police force, the fire department, Wal-Mart ... we're going to try to hook up as many unemployed vets as we can, so those who aren't working can put their lives back together. We don't just care about their healthcare, but their mental, emotional and financial well being also." 

According to Mr. Bowers, the benefits of attending the job fair are particularly appealing to veterans used to a military sense of structure. 

"Retirees of OIF/OEF after a distinguished and long career may need a transitional job after being in the military so long," he said. "A transitional job with the police department or fire department ... something with a similar structure to help them transition smoothly and feel comfortable. There's a vast array of jobs available, and all walks of life can look at that and pick and choose." 

Free food will be served at 1 p.m., games and activities are planned from 1 to 5 p.m. and live entertainment from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 501-257-6706 or 501-257-3293.