Gwinnett County offers resource fair for veterans

And again today is Veterans Day and right now in Gwinnett County there's a resource fair going on. You know veterans certainly coming back from serving are looking for resources in our community and Gwinnett County is there to help. So let's get out to Maria Guzman right now who is live at the resource fair. Maria, wonderful to see you. Looks like a beautiful day out there. What's going on? Hey Paul, you know what's so special about this stand down, that's what it's being called, is that it's happening just right next to the ceremony so veterans can enjoy the ceremony and then come here and receive the help they need through the several resources here. But I want to go ahead and introduce you to Octavia. She is a U.S. Army veteran and has truly turned her experience in service into a purpose and into a service for other veterans. So Octavia, as you remember, You were mentioning to me your story. Talk to me about how long you served and where your years in the Army took you. Wow. Back in the 90s is what I'll say. I'm not gonna date myself, but I've been somewhere everywhere. I've been to Bosnia, Croatia, and other places around the world. And it has taken me very far and I'm here. I'm glad to be back. And you are using now your business called Living Well Home Services to help other veterans. What was it that you realized While you were in active and post-duty those invisible injuries. Yes, yes. So the things that happen we go through such a traumatic experience some of us most of us and you may be able to see some of the stars, but most of the stars are not visible post-traumatic stress syndrome. Those are things we don't see. So that's what we help our veterans with to deal with and get the services that they need for post-traumatic stress syndrome among other things. When you were walking in that journey yourself post-service, what were What were the gaps or maybe those gaps of understanding that you saw between you being a veteran and receiving care? Yeah, so it's a really difficult system, a choppy system, and so most veterans don't know how to access benefits. We here at Living Well Home Services not only provide in-home care, we actually help our veterans get the services that they deserve, and we also have a service that help our veterans get connected with the benefits, but also the compensation as well. How important is it to have an event like this called the Stand Down, where veterans can come, ask the questions they need, and receive help? Yes, this event is paramount. I think this happening, it shows that we're respected, that we're valued, and that they care for us, because for a very long time, veterans were like the forgotten-about stepchildren. So events like this bring honor to who we are as veterans, you know, we're proud. The services here, our veterans can get the services that they finally deserve and so continuing to have services like this around the country is important. And then if somebody wants to learn more about Living Well Home Services, if they're a veteran themselves or a family member, where can they go? Yes, so we're located in Alpharetta. We can be reached at 678-965-3009, or you can go to our website at www.livingwellhs.com. Awesome, thank you so much. So I'll go ahead and send things back to you guys from Lawrenceville at this Stand Down event here. Yeah, Maria, thank you. And by the way, we're hearing such a beautiful rendition of the national anthem behind you. That was nice to hear as a background there. So, Maria, good to see you, and thank you for that update. And, of course, our Veterans Day coverage will continue straight ahead.