HOWELL, Mich. — Those who choose to serve our country often are left with questions and needs when their service is done.
However, many veterans typically don't seek out assistance.
On Saturday a Livingston County event hoped to change that.
This is the second year of the Livingston County Vet Fest. Last year it was one of the largest veteran events in the state of Michigan.
One of the organizers, Joe Riker tells Fox 47 he wants to help as many veterans as he can.
Last year Riker and Joshua Parish, two Iraq combat veterans brought the idea of Vet Fest to a non-profit veteran organization and it took off from there.
"We just really wanted a way to get to all veterans, not just one specific age group of veteran," said Riker.
This year the festival was held at Cleary University.
"We at Cleary University are veteran friendly," said Susan Dunn Richards the external relations specialist at Cleary University.
"Having this opportunity to work with Joe Riker and Josh Parish has been a real honor," said Dunn Richards.
They had over 70 resource tables featured to help veterans.
"We can actually let the veterans know what services are available for them in a community and we're here letting them know about the service dogs we can train for them," said Kirk Lanam, executive director for Veteran Service Dogs.
Fox 47 talked to a 92-year-old WWII veteran and says he really enjoyed the event.
"This is beautiful this is a really nice, it's a good recognition for all the veterans and their spouses," said Robert Cruse, WWII Veteran.
The festival was filled with all kinds of activities and free giveaways thanks to their sponsors.
Riker tells us they had bounce houses for the kids, horses to pet, live bands and free raffles for veterans.
If you missed the 2019 Vet Fest event the organizer says they plan to bring it back next year.
For more information and how you can get involved with the Livingston County Vet Fest head to their Facebook Page, HERE.
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