Orange County hosting veterans picnic and resource fair

GOSHEN – Veterans, active duty military, members of the Guard and Reserves and their families are invited to the annual Orange County Veterans Spring Picnic and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 11. The picnic, hosted by the County Executive’s Office, Orange County Veterans Service Agency, and the Orange County Veterans Coalition, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Route 416, Hamptonburgh, in the day camp pavilion.

“Our county is home to more than 27,000 veterans,” said County Executive Edward Diana. “We are extremely grateful for their service and the many sacrifices they and their families have made in order to preserve our freedom. This picnic is one way we’re able to express our thanks and appreciation each year,” added Diana.

“Orange County’s veterans are comprised of 9,000 Vietnam vets, 4,000 Iraqi and Afghanistan vets, 7,000 peace-time vets, and the remaining 7,000 veterans are from other periods of war,” said Anthony Zippo, director of Orange County Veterans Service Agency. “The fastest growing segment of veterans in Orange County is those from Iraq and Afghanistan. These tend to be young men and women who have children. The picnic gives them the opportunity to relax, unwind, and spend time together. For the older veterans it’s a chance to get out of the house, socialize, and see friends. Regardless of age, everyone has a great time.”

All veterans and their families are invited to relax and enjoy the free picnic-style family barbecue and take advantage of information on a wide variety of veteran benefits and concerns from participating government agencies and support groups. New to this year’s picnic is the ShopRite job fair for those veterans and their family members seeking employment.

For more information about the 2013 Veterans Spring Picnic and Resource Fair, call 291-2465.