JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There are more than 1 million veterans living in the state of Florida, but not all of them utilize the benefits for which they're entitled. On Oct. 12, American Legion Post 54 and Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc., are hosting the Nassau County Veteran Benefits and Resource Fest.
The event aims to help veterans and military family members understand the resources they are eligible for, as well as the VA process.
"You meet a lot of veterans," Junnie Watson said, "and I was one myself who'd say, oh, I only served four years. I'm not entitled to this."
Watson is a member of the First Coast Blue Star Mothers and Regional Advisor for the Florida Women's Advisory Council, and she's part of a group that will host the Nassau County Veteran Benefits and Resource Fest on Oct. 12 from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Post 54.
"We bring the resources to the rural areas so they can see their benefits, their entitlements," said Watson, who also served in the Army from 1987 to 1991.
The organization held a similar event in Baker County back in February that helped 180 veterans find the support they need.
"What a tremendous impact it had, huge turnout and we had massive support from the leadership of the county," said Sharleen Deary, who served in the Air Force from 2004 to 2007 and is the Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. "It just went to show the need in the rural community."
Navy Veteran Dawn Huffman said many veterans whom she encounters say they don't know what they're eligible for after they served.
"As a Navy veteran, it is my honor and my duty to have the backs of my fellow brothers and sister veterans," said Huffman, who is a member of American Legion Post 54 and served in the Navy from 1981 to 1996.
And even though these three women no longer wear the uniform of their branch of service, as veterans, they continue a calling to serve.
"What brings pride to me is knowing that I served our country and then being able to do what I do to assist the veterans who are out here in need," Watson said.
The Nassau County Veteran Benefits and Resource Fest will be held at American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. American Legion Post 54 is located at 626 S. 3rd St. in Fernandina Beach.
More information about the festival and ways to register can be found on their website.