March 8, 2006

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits and Veterans Job Fair to be held May 12 - 13 in Oshkosh

(MADISON) -- Wisconsin veterans, their families, and the public are encouraged to attend a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits and Veterans Job Fair in Oshkosh, on Friday, May 12, 2006 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh. The event is hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and other federal, state, and local service agencies, veterans service organizations, and area county veterans service officers.

The Supermarket is a "one-stop shop" as part of the WDVA's "I Owe You" outreach campaign, where veterans and their families can apply for an array of federal and state benefits and receive information about veterans services and benefits, all in one convenient location. This event will also feature a veterans job fair, with numerous area employers present.

The event is also part of WDVA's "Mission: Welcome Home" program and the U.S. Department of Labor's "HireVetsFirst" program that matches Wisconsin veterans with employment opportunities, while "Mission: Welcome Home" assists newly returning veterans to bridge the transition to civilian life.

The Sunnyview Exposition Center is located at 500 East Sunnyview Road in Oshkosh. From U.S. Highway 41, exit at Highway 76 (Exit 124) to County Road Y (Sunnyview Road). Admission, parking, and refreshments are free. Veterans should bring their military separation document (DD-214), if available.

Employers wishing to participate should contact Gary Meyer, Local Veterans Employment Representative, at the Oshkosh Area Workforce Development Center, (920) 232-6272.

Additional information is available from WDVA on the Internet, at www.dva.state.wi.us or toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).