BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO) — VFW Post 2306 was rocking Saturday afternoon as several veterans, families and friends joined together at Rock County’s first all-veterans reunion.
Marine Corps veteran Tom West said the idea came to be over a couple of beers in the Beloit VFW basement as a way to connect with fellow vets.
“All veterans, we all need somebody to talk to. And this is… I see it happening already,” said Veterans Reunion Organizer Tom West. “People here are talking and they’re getting to know each other, guys that were in a conflict or whatever, not even knowing the guy they’re talking to now was even there. And it’s bringing people together. And that’s what we want to do.”
In addition to the music and refreshments, veterans’ services like VetCenter and Marine Corps League were on site to provide counseling guidance and support. Rock County Veteran Service Officer Paul Crawford said combining services with a fun environment is the best of both worlds.
“The beauty of it is we do have some outreach tables where people can still get their questions answered. But the beauty of it is, that they can just unwind for maybe some time for the first time in a long time,” said Crawford. “When you’re in the military, you’re taught to kind of hold everything tight. And this is a way that where they can get things out. It’s a way where they can share their experiences. It’s a way where they can enjoy their time, and it’s a way that they can celebrate their time in the military.”