Veterans Expo helps link services to Vets

The 5th Annual Veterans Expo drew hundreds of service men and women to the Coachella Valley Saturday.

Area Veterans were not only honored for their heroism and sacrifices, but also connected with organizations aimed at ensuring they get the benefits they’ve earned in service to our country.

The Indio Fair Grounds resembled a Bob Hope style USO show while Veterans talked with organizations who specialize in serving them.

“You don’t have to drive around the whole state trying to find help, it’s all in one area to help veterans out,” said local veteran Greg Fredericksen.

Over seventy exhibitors provided information on everything from help with housing, education, job training, even free flu shots for those who’ve served our country.

“Unfortunately Hemet is a small town. We don’t have a whole lot of services so I am just seeing what they have out here see if it can help me and see if it can help some of the vets I know too,” said Fredericksen.

Army Veteran Greg Fredericksen is used to waiting and knows how hard it is to find the right help.

“It’s a small town, the Veterans Office handles way too many Veterans so they are swamped all the time and only one office and so we have to go to either Loma Linda or Temecula, Murrieta, San Diego, Los Angeles,” said Fredericksen. “Being in the military you learn how to deal with stuff. Overall it’s frustrating, but the VA and everybody is trying to do their best.”

This Expo along with Veterans Resource Guides that map out all agencies and local organizations available to veterans, give service men and women a place to start.

“I see a lot of Veterans past and present. This is great, it is really good to see that somebody does care,” said Fredericksen.

For a complete list of local Veteran services click here.