A large number of veterans and vendors filled the Hungarian Hall, 1300 Stewart St., Northampton, May 3 for Veterans Outreach Day, sponsored by Northampton Joint Veterans Association and the Valley Health Partners Veteran Health Program.

A variety of organizations attended to offer services and assistance to veterans and their families. There were opportunities to learn about the several groups in the Lehigh Valley helping veterans with housing, retirement information, day-to-day assistance and how to navigate the Veterans Affairs.

Some of the groups present included Battle Borne, Care Patrol, VA Vet Center, Tails of Valor, Blue Star Mothers of America-Lehigh Valley chapter, Victory House of Lehigh Valley, AARP, Horses Healing Heroes of the Lehigh Valley, Valor Clinic Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network and U.S. Family Health Plan.

Both Lehigh and Northampton counties’ Departments of Veteran Affairs were also present to greet attendees and answer questions.

Larry Schlittler, commander of Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, was there to support the event. Bruce Shellock, commander of Catholic War Veterans Post 454, Northampton, and his team welcomed and helped attendees as they entered the hall. Members of Northampton American Legion Post 353 were also present. These three groups comprise the Joint Veterans Association.

Veterans and attendees enjoyed a brunch with coffee, doughnuts and refreshments. The food and refreshments opened the door for vets to socialize in fellowship, with a number talking about their service experience.

The event offered a valuable opportunity for area veterans to have their questions answered and to learn about the wide range of resources available to those who served the nation. Of additional importance, the event allowed veterans to reconnect and share unique stories of their service to the cause of freedom and the nation.