Augusta Veterans Expo draws remarkable crowd
By Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs
As the first light of dawn spilled over the WT Johnson Community Center in downtown Augusta on Wednesday, the sense of anticipation was almost tangible, with a line of Veterans wrapping around the building.
By mid-afternoon, the historic venue buzzed with energy as over 700 Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families poured through its doors to attend the Augusta Veterans Expo, a benefits, healthcare, and hiring event hosted by VA’s Office of Transformation and Economic Development and VA Augusta Health Care System.
“We are immensely proud to support this event, which reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our Veterans,” said Oscar G. Rodriguez, Acting Executive Director/CEO of VA Augusta Health Care System. “Today’s strong turnout is a powerful reminder of the vital impact of our employees and the resources they provide in the lives of those we serve. Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism are the foundation of everything we do.”
The claims and benefits teams quickly became the heart of the expo as representatives from national and local VA programs set up several rows of tables, eager to connect Veterans with the services and benefits they’ve earned. The one-on-one support, especially for those working to push forward their VA disability claims, was transformational for many in attendance.
"This expo is not just about providing information,” said Robert Welton, an Army Veteran and VA Augusta Health Systems Specialist who supported the event. “It’s about empowering our Veterans with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in civilian life.”
Included among the sea of tables were VA and community agencies that offer a wide range of social services to Veterans. Among them were several employers, including corporate giants like Coca-Cola and Georgia Power, who have an eye for the skills and traits Veterans bring to the workforce.
“Spread the word if you know anyone needing work,” Tran’ce Lester told a Veteran stopping by his Georgia Department of Corrections table, handing him his business card. “We’re always looking for quality hires.”
As the day progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Augusta Veterans Expo was more than an event — it was a lifeline for many. The air buzzed with conversations ranging from benefit consultations to mental health discussions, and the Hiring Fair brimmed with eager candidates ready to chart new career paths.
The diverse range of resource tables, covering everything from financial literacy to suicide prevention, ensured that every facet of a Veteran's post-service life was addressed. And Veterans appreciated the personalized attention, expert advice, and the community spirit that permeated the event.
“Our goal is to provide holistic care, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of our Veterans,” said Mike Carey, an Army Veteran who leads VA Augusta’s outreach efforts. “The convenience of having all these services in one place cannot be overstated.”