Loudoun Declares Sept. 20 as Military Appreciation Day

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has announced Sunday, September 20, 2015, as Military Appreciation Day in Loudoun County.

To honor veterans, Loudoun County Government and American Legion Post are co-sponsoring “Loudoun Salute to Military, Veterans & Families” at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn.

The event, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., is free for the community to attend and it will feature representatives of veteran service organizations, including the Veterans Administration, which will have a computer onsite to perform immediate checks on the status of existing claims. Additionally, volunteers from several patriotic organizations will be on hand to help veterans initiate new claims.

“As a former Air Force officer, I have seen first-hand the sacrifices our veterans make on a daily basis. Military Appreciation Day in Loudoun County is an excellent opportunity to help connect the men and women who serve our great country with needed services,” said Board Vice Chairman Ralph Buona, who is among the scheduled speakers at the event.

The Board also announced the approval of hiring of a part-time Veterans Coordinator as part of the Fiscal year 2016 budget process. The position, which is currently open, will be responsible for centralizing information, outreach, and referral services for veterans and establishing a collaborative network of partners who serve veterans in the county.

A website for veterans (www.loudoun.gov/veterans ) has also been created as a part of this effort. The website aims to help connect veterans with recourses by offering an extensive list of organizations that help veterans with employment and training assistance, mental health needs, family, housing, moral support, and any other resources they might need.

In the photo above, Broad Run District Supervisor Shawn Williams presents a resolution proclaiming September 20 as Military Appreciation Day to local veterans who have organized a “Loudoun Salute to Military, Veterans & Families” September 20, 2015, at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn. Photo courtesy of Loudoun County Board website.