Branson Veterans of America 913 is hosting a Veteran Appreciation Day event at the Branson Event Center in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, according to people from the organization.
Dick Burkhalter and Davod Orchard from the Branson Veterans of America 913 appeared on KRZK's "The Up Side" to discuss the Sept. 21 event. It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free admission and open-to-the-public veteran-focused day is packed with a car show, food trucks and fun activities for kids. Veterans are in for a treat in the form of free barbeque.
Veterans can enjoy food catered by Famous Dave's free of charge. That free lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Burkhalter said this is the event's third year.
It was conceived from a desire to connect veterans. Burkhalter said many of them in the area are not. People he spoke with experienced the same thing he did after active duty service. There's a struggle to transition.
One example of that struggle comes in the shape of Veteran Affairs registration. It was a long time before Burkhalter registered with them.
Part of that comes from a lack of information. So, Burkhalter and the group want to empower veterans who aren't aware of what they can participate in and benefit from. More was discussed on the broadcast.