The third annual We CARE Veterans Fair is set to return to Rome, offering a wide array of crucial resources and support for veterans and their families across Northwest Georgia. The free event, designed to provide vital assistance and foster community connection, will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forum River Center, located at 301 Tribune St.

The fair is a collaborative effort, organized in conjunction with United Military Care, the City of Rome, and AdventHealth Redmond. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to serving those who have dedicated their lives to national service.

“We are so grateful for the city of Rome and all of our partners in Northwest Georgia,” said Kim Scofi, President of United Military Care Inc. “It truly takes a village to take care of those who served.”

Attendees can access a broad spectrum of services tailored specifically for veterans. Resources on offer include assistance with enrolling in VA healthcare, obtaining a VA identification card, and vital legal aid. Beyond benefits and administrative support, the fair addresses holistic well-being with on-site wellness resources such as counseling, employment assistance, free haircuts, and professional headshots. AdventHealth Redmond will also be providing health screenings, including AngioScreens, emphasizing the focus on comprehensive physical and mental health.

Scofi highlighted the dual objectives of the event. “First being that we address the needs of everyone in the Northwest Georgia community that we serve by educating them on what’s out there and available to them and helping them enroll in that,” she explained. The second goal aims to strengthen the community by bringing together nonprofits and other organizations, allowing them to learn about additional assets and potential partnerships that can further address the needs of veterans and their families.

One of the fair’s key benefits, according to Scofi, is the personalized, one-on-one assistance and conversations with veteran service officers. This direct support is crucial for overcoming technological hurdles often encountered during the application process for benefits. “Our mission is simple,” Scofi stated. “We serve those who serve, and the We CARE Vet Fair brings that mission to life.”

The event extends a warm welcome to family members and caregivers, recognizing their essential role in veterans’ lives. Scofi noted it’s an excellent opportunity for adult children to learn about benefits and resources available to their aging veteran parents.

Admission and parking for the We CARE Veterans Fair are free, and no pre-registration is required. Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.

Locals interested in volunteering to support the fair can sign up at WeCareVetFair.com. For more information about the event, the public can call 770-973-0014.

“We believe one day can change a life,” Scofi concluded, emphasizing the profound impact the fair aims to have on the veteran community.