We Care Vets Fair Returns To Rome In A New Home

For many veterans, asking for help is often a last resort — despite whatever situation they are dealing with — because they always know someone else who is more deserving of aid.

“The problem is that, with these benefits, if you don’t use them, you lose them,” said United Military Care’s Kelly Fisk. “And what we’re trying to communicate to vets now (is), if not for you, think of your caregiver.”

Judging from the number of people packing the lobby of the Forum on Thursday for the We Care Vets Fair, the event was a huge success.

The fair is organized by United Military Care, a nonprofit serving veterans. Their mission is to ensure veterans of all ages, branches, and lifestyles receive the care and support necessary to live their best lives.

“We are thrilled at the reception we received from Rome, Floyd County and all of Northwest Georgia,” United Military Care President Kim Scofi said. “And we look forward to many more events in Rome.”

Last year’s event was very successful, Scofi said. They were hoping to draw 300 people, but they ended up with over 700 attendees, and signed up over 8,000 veterans for benefits over the course of several events across Georgia last year.

“I really enjoyed the fair,” said Roy Evans of Rome. “My friend had to coach me into coming or else I probably wouldn’t have come.”

Evans, who left the Marine Corps in 1966, said he came to check on a health benefit claim he’d applied for. He said he’d only received a partial answer from the Veterans Administration, which had a large presence at the fair.

“I’ve got to follow up on one more thing,” Evans said. “But the support they gave me was outstanding.” He also agreed that it’s impossible to get veterans to ask for help, especially a Marine.

“Marines don’t ask for help,” he said with a smile.

This year’s event more than doubled in size, from 45 vendors to over 100, and it was also open earlier and closed later, with hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

“All veterans should apply for all the benefits they can,” 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.”