Salute will provide info on services to local veterans

WESLACO — Veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan will be recognized during an event Saturday offering live music and information on veterans benefits and educational and employment opportunities.

The second annual "Veterans Salute: Honoring All Who Served" is open to all veterans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Texas Army National Guard Armory, 1100 Vo Tech Drive, Weslaco.

Several thousand veterans and their family members are expected to attend, said Jennifer Wood, a psychologist with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. Veterans of all ages will be recognized at the event.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be available to help veterans enroll in benefits programs, and various employers will share information on employment opportunities. Other services for veterans also will be available.

The event also is set to include live music, door prizes, children's games and a free barbecue lunch.

"Many veterans don't know about what benefits they're entitled to," said Felix Rodriguez, a commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars district. "It's a salute to their service to let them know we're here to help."