The Hungarian Hall, 1300 Stewart St., Northampton, was the location of a May 2 veterans outreach day, hosted by the Northampton Joint Veterans organization.

The event, sponsored by the Valley Health Partners veterans health program, drew a large number of veterans and vendor displays that filled the hall.

Distinguished local veteran organization leaders, Larry Schlittler, commander of the Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, and Bruce Shellock, commander of the Catholic War Veterans Post 454, were on hand for the event. Their teams of veteran volunteers welcomed attendees as they entered the hall.

Members of the Northampton American Legion Post 353 were also present. These three groups are the Northampton Joint Veterans consortium.

Kelly Bauer, of Valley Health Partners, was one of the event’s organizers and was all smiles seeing the veterans and vendors. Numerous organizations were present to offer services and assistance to veterans and their families. Services ranged from opportunities to learn about housing, retirement options, day-to-day assistance and navigating the Veterans Affairs benefits process.

Groups present included Keystone Military Families, Lehigh Valley Fleet Reserve Association Branch 115, Heartfire Psychology, Care Patrol, the VA Vet Center, Disabled American Veterans, the Blue Star Mothers of America-Lehigh Valley Chapter, Carrier Link, AARP, Lehigh Valley Health Network, VA Health of Wilkes-Barre and U.S. Family Health Plan.

Department of Veterans Affairs representatives from both Lehigh and Northampton counties greeted attendees and answered questions.

Veterans and attendees enjoyed a brunch with coffee, doughnuts and refreshments, which allowed them to socialize and share their service experiences.

Tables and chairs filled the hall to facilitate social interaction and offer an opportunity for veterans to speak with organizations in a casual setting.

Vietnam veteran Jerry Bundra, of Walnutport and formerly of Coplay, sat with a veteran resource representative who answered questions he had about his VA benefits.

The event was filled with camaraderie and allowed veterans to reconnect and share their unique stories of their service for the cause of freedom for the nation.