We Care Veterans Fair Returns To Rome Thursday

An event that provided information and services to hundreds of Northwest Georgia veterans is returning to Rome, at a much larger venue, on Thursday.

The We Care Veterans Fair is organized by United Military Care, a nonprofit serving veterans that was founded in 2012. Their stated mission is to ensure veterans of all ages, branches, and lifestyles receive the care and support necessary to live their best life.

Last year’s event was very successful, United Military Care President Kim Scofi said. They were hoping to draw 300 people, but they ended up with over 700 attendees.

Over the course of a series of events they were able sign up over 8,000 veterans for benefits. Many of the veterans weren’t aware that they were entitled to those benefits.

This year’s event has more than doubled in size, from 45 vendors to over 100, and it will be located at the Forum downtown.

It also will open earlier and close later, with hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A highlight of this year’s event will be the special recognition ceremony honoring U.S. Army Maj. Sylvia Bonnette James, a distinguished veteran who proudly served in the army from 1993 until 2005.

At noon, Maj. James will be presented with a Quilt of Valor commemorating her dedicated military service.

There will be a number of entertainment options for attendees, including:

♦ Quilts of honor

♦ Two golf pros with a golf simulator

♦ Replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

♦ Musicians

♦ Free haircuts and free lunch

There are also free groceries available, but you must pre-register through the WeCareVetFair.com website.

There is also an eSports area, where there will be a Rocket League Tournament , but teams need to pre-register for that through the website as well.

The event isn’t limited to Rome and Floyd County residents. The services are available for residents of 16 counties in Northwest Georgia. Their families and caregivers also can get help filing for military benefits, claims and appeals and learn about programs available in their communities.

Historically, Scofi said, one of the biggest barriers that veterans service agencies have to overcome is that many veterans are selfless — they don’t feel they need or deserve help because they know veterans who have far greater needs than them.

“All veterans should apply for all the benefits they can,” said Scofi said earlier. “The government knows the exact cost of every piece of equipment they have, but they can never calculate what it truly costs veterans who’ve served.”