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Fair's Goal Is To Benefit Veterans

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: January 30, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - An event slated for this weekend aims to help veterans and their families negotiate the often complex challenge of securing benefits.

The second annual Veterans Benefits Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St.

The fair, organized by U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, is a chance to meet representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hernando County Veterans Services officers and members of Brown-Waite's staff - all in one place.

On hand will be representatives of the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Humana Military Healthcare Services, the Alzheimer's Association and its Memory Mobile, Hernando-Pasco Hospice and Lighthouse for the Blind.
Hernando County Health and Human Services will be there and will accept donations for a food drive.

Veterans are encouraged to bring paperwork to make it easier for representatives to provide help.

The event is not all about paperwork, though.

An opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. featuring the color guards from Springstead and Central high schools.

The Hernando Harmonizers, a men's barbershop quartet, will perform from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

A medal presentation for more than a dozen local veterans will begin at 1 p.m.

The fair also will give veterans a chance to tell their tales on tape as part of the Veterans History Project. In one-on-one interviews taped by students from Nature Coast Technical High School, former service personnel will recall memorable aspects of their time in the armed forces.

Would-be interviewees should call Brown-Waite's office for an appointment. The number is 1-866-492-4835.

Matt Perry, veterans service manager for Hernando, says the event will provide a wealth of information.

Perry attended the inaugural event in 2008 and barely got a break.

"I talked all day long about nothing but benefits, what veterans need and how to attain them," he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 2nd annual Veterans Benefits Fair

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St., Brooksville

ADMISSION: Free

CONTACT: For information or for an appointment to be part of the Veterans History Project, call U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's office, 1-866-492-4835.

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