LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Food, fun and valuable information came together at the Allen County Veterans Family Picnic.
This year marked the fourth annual event hosted by the Allen County Veterans Service Commission. Approximately 300 veterans and their families received free meals and participated in raffles and other activities.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were also on hand to educate veterans about their benefits.
Various veterans organizations attended the picnic to help connect individuals with programs and services available in the county. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were also on hand to educate veterans about their benefits. Procter & Gamble donated a variety of items to be given away to those who attended. The picnic was created not only to thank Allen County veterans, but also to help them build connections—with services and with one another.
“I think veterans sometimes feel disconnected and they feel like they're sometimes by themselves. We want to let them know that we at the Allen County Veterans Service Commission, appreciate our veterans, and we want to give our veterans something to do and not feel like they're by themselves. Let them know that they can come out and fellowship with other veterans, they can find out information, and they can just enjoy themselves. It's just a day to relax, and everything's on us, and they don't have to do anything," said Tamara Wilson, executive director of the Allen County Veterans Service Commission.
Wilson added that with the support of the Volunteer Corp, the annual picnic continues to grow each year. Those interested in joining the Volunteer Corp to support local veterans can visit the Veterans Services Commission office at the Allen County Courthouse, 301 N. Main St., Room 113, to learn more.
