Veterans' Expo set for Nov. 1 at Chambersburg Mall

Chambersburg Public Opinion

CHAMBERSBURG -- The 4th Annual Veterans’ Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the Chambersburg Mall.

A Veterans Memorial is located off Route 16 at Red Run Park, Waynesboro.

More than 60 vendors, including representatives from Martinsburg VA Hospital and the VA regional office in Philadelphia, will attend and assist veterans. A light breakfast and full lunch will be provided. The CASHS Choristers are scheduled to perform at lunch.

“This is a great event and we encourage all Franklin County veterans and their families to attend,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Craig Hoffman, left, brought his therapy dog to the Push-Up Challenge to support veterans Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Chambersburg Mall. The event is designed to bring awareness to the increase in suicides among members of the military. Capt. Hoffman's dog is a part of the Operation Save-a-Vet Save-a-Pet program.

Those attending can learn more about two new programs offered by the Franklin County Department of Veteran Affairs:

Relief for Emergency Assistance through Community Help (REACH) serves veterans who are struggling with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders by offering treatment, housing support/assistance, emergency services (food, clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.), transportation, child care, and legal assistance. Operation REACH is offered through a partnership between Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol, Franklin County Veterans Affairs Office and Franklin/Fulton Mental Health/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention. The program focuses on a holistic approach to meet veterans' needs.
Focus Photography gives veterans the opportunity to learn the basics of photography as a form of self-expression. Photography can help decrease anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. Cameras and equipment are provided. Four participant spots are available.

For more information on programs, services and events, please contact John at the Franklin County Department of Veteran Affairs at (717) 263-4326 or jpmcpaul@franklincountypa.gov.