Twin Ports Veteran and Military Expo helping Vets in the community
People throughout the nation are thanking veterans today for their service. Over at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, after a long hiatus the Twin Ports Veteran and Military Expo returned. The expo helped veterans and their families can learn more about the resources available for them in the Northland.
Carissa Skifstad, the Veterans case manager with Douglas county, said the last Twin Ports Veteran and Military Expo was back in 2019 before the Pandemic. She said what better way to help Veterans than to bring back the event happen on Veterans Day.
“We have expanded it. In the past it was Veteran Resources,” Skifstad said. “This year we’ve expanded it so it’s better resources, but also veteran owned businesses and veterans or businesses that offer veteran discounts.”
Skifstad said there several non-profit organizations in the Northland are dedicated to helping men and women in the military and their families.
“It shows that there’s a community supporting behind them,” Skifstad said. “But then also it also shows that there’s different areas of how there is military and veterans just in their everyday life. I’m a civilian. I didn’t serve, but I can help give back, and so other people can do the same way.”
Dan Welsand, a veteran from the US Navy, said organizations like the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota, help vets have an easier time traveling throughout the state.
“We run a free transportation program to rehab medical appointments. And we do that through volunteer drivers,” Wesland said. “So we’re here today. I’m all looking for volunteer drivers and also promote the program to the veterans to and from the VA approved appointments.”
Wesland also said some of the best way veterans can help other veterans is through volunteering opportunities.
“For me volunteering, this is the best thing. Donations are excellent too, because it helps put together our programs,” Wesland said. “The volunteers are the ones that make it go around. So the best thing I could say is volunteerism.”
Here are several organizations who are helping & honoring veterans in the Northland:
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
Wounded Warriors United-Minnesota
Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota
Also for other stories about Veterans you can read more here.