NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, Ky (August 19, 2016) Veteran Benefit experts from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) will be available to answer questions and give advice to veterans and their families during the Kentucky State Fair, August 18-28.
“We are very glad to have a booth at the Fair again this year,” said KDVA Commissioner Norman E. Arflack. “It is a great way to reach out to veterans who may not know how much we can do to ensure they receive all the benefits and services they have earned.
“We hope every veteran who attends the fair will stop by the KDVA booth to meet us.”
The KDVA booth is located in the Main Street exhibitor area of South Wing B.
KDVA staff will also be participating in Military Sunday on August 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 pm. Admission is free until 5 p.m. and Midway wristbands are just $10 for veterans, service members and their families. Veterans please bring your Veteran Designation driver’s license, retired military ID, VA health care ID or DD-214 for identification. Before the Oak Ridge Boys concert 8 p.m. in Cardinal stadium at service members and veterans will be recognized.
KDVA and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will be giving away free gun locks to active-duty military service members and veterans on Sunday.
“We are happy to be able to provide these gun locks to veterans and military members,” said KDVA Deputy Commissioner Heather French Henry. “They know better than anyone the importance of gun safety. We are also passionate about decreasing the numbers of veterans who commit suicide each day and this is one way we can possibly help to do just that.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA), 22 U.S. veterans commit suicide every day, many by using a gun. The USDVA estimates that only five to seven of those 22 have received benefits or mental health services through USDVA.
KDVA asks veterans and military members to present identification for the gun locks: military ID, DD-214 or Veterans Designation driver’s license.