Over 200 Veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and members of the National Guard along with their family members and friends enjoyed a day devoted to networking, friendship and community resource connecting at the Second Annual Vet Fest. 

Held at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds, the event on Saturday, August 5, was sponsored by the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program at Action Toward Independence (ATI), Vet 2 Vet of Sullivan County (V2V), and the Sullivan Count Veterans Coalition.

Vendors and community resources included Catskill Veterinary Services, which provided free vaccinations to service dogs, ClearPath for Veterans, the Ramapo Catskill Library System, Sullivan County Public Health, Helmets to Hardhats, Fidelis Healthcare, Military & Veterans in Recovery, the NYS DEP Police, Grain to Glory, Catskill Woodworks, Brian Harnett Designs, Girl Scout Troop 674, Catholic Charities, Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup, the Middletown Vet Center, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, and many more.

Monticello resident Lori James started the day with a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and entertainment was provided throughout the day by U.S. Army Green Beret Veteran Derek Stoner and local Neversink resident Jesse Noren. Food was served by the Grahamsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Tri-Valley Little League and others. 

Plans are already underway for Vet Fest 3, but in the meantime, if you’re a Veteran in need of benefits or services, please call Action Toward Independence and Vet 2 Vet of Sullivan County at 845-794-4228 and ask to speak with a Veteran Peer Advocate.