Reichert Hails Third Veterans' Resource Fair

Reichert Chosen for Pilot Program Employing Wounded Warriors in Congressional Offices

Mercer Island, WA - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) hosted his third successful Veterans' Resource Fair on Saturday in Renton, with over 300 veterans attending and almost 60 veterans' service providers participating.

"I love the fact that Congressman Reichert took the time to talk to me and all of the veterans who showed up," said Joe Ingram, Executive Director of Vets Edge, a service organization for homeless and transitional veterans looking to restore themselves back into society. "You can tell he really cares about veterans. I brought a vet with me from Tent City and because of the Vets' Fair he has gotten the process started to receive a pension. Thank you, Congressman Reichert."

"Bringing Washington State veterans together with the organizations that can help them get the services and benefits they deserve makes these resource fairs worthwhile," said Reichert.  "I'm pleased that nearly one thousand veterans have attended these three fairs across the Eighth District, and I am proud to continue working to make a difference in the lives of these courageous men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom."

Reichert continued, "I am equally pleased to announce that my office is one of only a dozen in Congress that will help establish a program creating congressional job opportunities for wounded warriors.  Having a veteran working in my congressional office will give a voice to so many veterans in shaping the policies that need their input. Our veterans are some of the hardest-working, most honorable citizens in this country, and I am excited to be a part of this ground-breaking program and provide opportunities to veterans who deserve it."

Background on Reichert Veterans' Resource Fairs

The Veterans' Fair is conducted to enroll more Washington State veterans in the VA healthcare system and to acquaint them with other benefits and services available to them. After several months of planning and the combined efforts of many, more than 350 veterans came together with more than 100 service providers representing 47 organizations in Bellevue on March 31, 2007, with a similar turnout for the second Veterans' Resource Fair in Auburn in September 2007. Because of those resounding successes, Reichert again brought organizations together to benefit veterans living in and around the Renton area.

New to this third Veterans' Resource Fair was the announcement regarding the Congressional Wounded Warrior Program. As recognition of his leadership on veterans' issues, Reichert was one of only a dozen bipartisan Members chosen to help implement this exciting fellowship program that will provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans in the offices of Members of the House of Representatives. 

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