Veterans Expo honors and helps our country’s heroes
The third annual Veterans Expo in Indio showcased some of the Coachella Valley’s bravest men and women, honored for what they did and still do for our country.
“We had the Depression, the KKK, the Italians, the Russians, and the Depression. But we had the ability to stick together,” World War 2 Buffalo soldier George Edwards said.
Veterans and current military alike were recognized, each branch getting a special moment.
The Veterans Easy Access program organized this event, to honor veterans, and make sure they know everything available to them. After the ceremony, veterans walked to 60 different booths, to get information about veteran programs and services in Riverside County, including right here in the Coachella Valley.
From medical education to jobs to legal help and more, these booths covered it all. Anita Worthen’s Vietnam veteran husband has passed away, and she is still learning about military life.
“A lot of people, even family and friends, do not know the benefits that they can use and have earned. This is a good way for people to talk to people and they get the information out,” Worthen said.
The booths hand out information, and the older veterans hand out advice to the younger generations.
“Train them and show the respect, instead of what we’re doing now where there is such a division between the old people and the young people,” Edwards said.