County to Hold First “Veterans Night Out” Event
October 28, 2011
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 843-8858
Gathering Will Connect Local Veterans to Services From Government, Community
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that the county will host its first “Veterans Night Out,” in November, an event that aims to connect more local veterans to the government and community services they can access after returning home from service. The event will take place at the Alliant Energy Center’s Exhibition Hall from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday, November 10th – the day before Veterans Day.
“Dane County’s veterans and their families deserve easy access to the assistance they are entitled to after their selfless service to our country,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Veterans Night Out is a great way for these men and women to get those services, learn more, or simply reconnect with the veterans community.”
The event will allow Dane County veterans to meet with Dane County Veterans Service office staff to learn more about, and sign up for, benefits they receive after their service. Veterans can also meet with representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, the Madison VA Hospital; educational institutions, community partners looking to hire veterans, as well as financial planning organizations and VA home mortgage lenders.
Newly appointed Veterans Service Officer, Sergeant BJ Ganem, noted that the event will also provide local veterans with an opportunity to continue to be a part of the military community after their service. “Some veterans can start to feel disconnected after the happiness of being home again passes. We want Dane County’s veterans to know that we’re here to help, whether for benefits, community resources, or just to connect with other veterans in the area.”
Community partners in the event include UW-Madison, UW-Baraboo, Madison College, Edgewood College, Cardinal Stritch University, Concordia University, Herzing College, River Valley Bank, Met Life Retirement, and Kraft Foods. If you would like to attend, or if you are an organization that serves veterans and would like to participate in the event, please contact VSO Ganem at Ganem.william@countyofdane.com or at 608-266-4158.
Dane County’s Office of Veterans Services is prepared to help the increasing numbers of veterans returning home, and already at home. Last week President Barack Obama announced an end to the Iraq War and the withdrawal of nearly 40,000 troops by the end of the year. From 2007 to 2010, nearly 43 percent of the veterans who signed up for services through the county are veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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