VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM THIS WEEKEND

The U.S. Naval Reserve Center of Cape Girardeau plans to offer some payback this weekend to area veterans.

The first annual Cape Area Veterans Stand Down and Outreach, to be held Saturday, March 3 at the reserve center on Maria Louise Ln., will feature free supplies and information for veterans of all service branches.

While medical care, food, clothing, and haircuts will be distributed at the event, Lieutenant Commander Mervin Dial said the most important resource offered will be registration for federal and state Veterans Administration services.

"We think a lot of veterans here are not in the system," said Dial.

The Cape reserve center decided to host their own program this year after personnel assisted the Eastern St. Louis Veterans Stand Down last year. About 500 veterans attended that event, said Dial.

"These folks gave us their time and service," said Dial. "This is the least we could do."

Schnucks and the Continental Baking Company have agreed to provide food for the event, the naval reserve reported.

The naval reserve center asks that all veterans bring their DD214 or WD-AGO discharge papers.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: First Annual Cape Area Veterans Stand Down and Outreach

WHEN: Saturday, Marc 3

WHERE: Naval Reserve Center, 2530 Maria Louise Lane (next to Arnea Park)

TIME: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.