As many readers of my column may know, I am the daughter of a disabled Navy veteran who was gravely injured during the WWII in the Philippines and died of his injuries when I was ten years old. It broke the hearts of my family members forever, and we honor our father and all veterans who sacrificed so much for our Country. 

There is a wonderful event coming up next weekend on Saturday, September 27 from 11am-3pm and it is a veterans festival sponsored by the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition called “Veterans Festival and Stand Down.” According to the Project Manager of Vet Fest and veteran Dr. Lauren Roman MD, it will be a day made for celebration and a day to learn about what veteran’s resources are available and how to access them. The event is open to all veterans and members of the non-veteran communities are welcome to attend. 

The event brings veterans together with their families and friends, as well as local organizations for a day of support, gratitude, and connections. This year marks the fourth year of the Veterans Festival but the first year at the new venue The Paul Gerry Fieldhouse located at 112 College Road, Loch Sheldrake, on the SUNY Campus. 

The festival highlights will include a flag raising ceremony (10:45am outside) with the Liberty Fire Department’s ladder trucks followed by the National Anthem performed by Lou Setrin who will be a guest appearing for the singing of God Bless America. The first event in the Gerry Fieldhouse will be a benediction by Chaplain Jim Kaufman. 

Then the good stuff starts with free military surplus gear for veterans (proof of service is required). There will be veterans’ resource, information, and support services organizations onsite with staff to assist and answer questions.

There will be health and wellness staff available and healing art activities, military art, and employment and job training information and local work opportunities. 

The event will have a Kids Corner with patriotic themed craft activities, and free food and desserts provided for the event attendees by the Tri-Valley Little League and ShopRite Market in Liberty. There will also be live music by musician and retired Green Beret veteran Derek Stoner and Musician Jesse Noren who will feature not only his original music but popular cover songs. As a community we need to support events like Vet Fest and the importance of maintaining veterans’ services and recognize veterans’ unique needs such as access to affordable housing, healthcare and mental health services and ensuring all veterans are supported in their return to civilian life.

Dr. Lauren Roman said that “the event is special to me as both a Veteran and as the project manager of the Planning Committee for the event. It is not only a chance to honor service but also to provide veterans with tangible support and connection in an uplifting environment.”

For more information you can email Dr. Roman at romanlauren@yahoo.com or check out the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition on Facebook.