Fredericksburg, Virginia – The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program for Health Planning Region I is hosting the first annual Fredericksburg Area Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the National Guard Armory (1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg). It is a free informational fair for area veterans and their families.
Paul Galanti, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, a Vietnam Veteran and prisoner of war, will be the guest speaker. The day will include free food, children’s activities, and live entertainment. A silent auction will benefit the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (through the Veterans Services Foundation) and Operation First Response.
According to Camilla Schwoebel, Regional Coordinator, “The event will provide information on services available in our area for veterans, service members, and their families. We look forward to this becoming an annual event to recognize our military and their families for all that they do.”
Vendors and volunteer opportunities are available. With the exception of vendors, entrance to the event will be limited to those with military identification, DD214, or a photograph of themselves or their child in uniform.
For more information, please contact Camilla Schwoebel, Regional Coordinator, at 540-373-3223, ext. 3085. To learn more about the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program in our area, please visit www.nwvawoundedwarrior.org.
In 2009, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) received notice of a grant from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to provide services to veterans and their families. The services are intended to address any problems resulting from service in combat including combat stress and traumatic brain injury, both in terms of the direct psychological effects on the veteran and also the impact this has on family members. The grant award is part of $1.7 million in grants funded by the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program to coalitions of community programs. The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program was created by the 2008 General Assembly to ensure that services to veterans and their families are readily available in all areas of the state.
Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. RACSB operates six outpatient clinics which provide individual, group and family therapy; specialized counseling and case management services; psychological assessment; 24-hour crisis intervention; and medication management services. RACSB operates nine group homes for adults with intellectual disability providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support, residential services, and residential crisis stabilization at the The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides developmental, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.