Veterans across the Princeton corridor who have never enrolled in VA benefits or had claims denied years ago can walk into TQL Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, and walk out enrolled the same day.
The Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission is hosting its third annual Veterans Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is open to all Hamilton County veterans and their families, and organizers expect about 5,000 people to attend.
The Cincinnati Veterans Administration will staff 11 to 12 information tables covering programs including veterans justice, military trauma and standard health benefits, according to WCPO. Acting public affairs chief Chris Klug said an enrollment specialist will be on site to check eligibility and sign veterans up without requiring a separate trip to the hospital.
"Some veterans may not want to enroll because they don't want to go down to the hospital, and we'll have an enrollment specialist on site that will be able to speak with those veterans, check their eligibility, and get them enrolled the same day," Klug said.
Jim Groen, a Sharonville-area veteran and former Marine Corps combat engineer who served four years, attended last year's event at Sawyer Point and connected with a commission service officer there. His VA disability claims had gone unresolved for roughly 15 years. One visit changed that. After connecting with the commission, Groen got his rating restored.
"I was very apprehensive getting into big crowds, but I went down there and signed up, and they got the ball rolling for me," Groen told WCPO.
Executive Director Glenn Welling said the event is about building connections among veterans and linking them to benefits they may not realize they've earned.
Organizers are asking attendees to RSVP through Eventbrite to ensure adequate food supply.
What to know before you go:
- What: Third annual Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day
- When: Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: TQL Stadium
- Cost: Free
- RSVP: Eventbrite
- On site: VA enrollment specialist, 11–12 information tables, service officers from the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission
