JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center will host Welcome Home 2011 for all returning veterans, active duty service members and their families aboard the USS Yorktown, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event features a job fair with more than 85 employers sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and the Charleston Defense Contractors Association. There will also be a health fair sponsored by the VA and onsite enrollment for VA healthcare and benefits. Other partners include the Vet Center's Mobile Outreach Unit, the 315th Airlift Wing's Mini C-17, the Charleston Rotary Club and the Riverdogs, who will give away tickets to their Military Appreciation Night.
"Our Welcome Home is an excellent opportunity for the VA and the community to thank all of our veterans for serving their country and to welcome home our returning service members," said Carolyn Adams, Ralph H. Johnson VAMC director.
Last year more than 600 veterans and their family members attended the event. At Welcome Home they found information and resources to assist them in transitioning back into the community following deployments. The event also included dozens of employers from throughout the Lowcountry, VA healthcare and benefits experts, area college representatives, the Small Business Administration and a VA health fair featuring screenings and information on topics such as post traumatic stress and women's health. Welcome Home 2011 also includes workshops on topics ranging from dressing for success too online college education opportunities.
Welcome Home 2011 is free to all veterans, active duty service members and their families who present a Veteran or military ID, or DD-214.