Valdosta Veterans 1^st would like to invite all veterans, their spouses and dependents to a Veterans Education and Benefits Fair.  Representatives from local colleges, the Georgia Department of Labor, the Veterans Administration, and other veterans’ service organization will be present to offer education, training, and employment options.  The event will be held on July 24, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Valdosta Campus in Brooks Hall.

The event will provide veterans and their families with information on the new Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) that began on July 1, as well as other veterans education benefits aimed at getting veterans back to work. The VRAP program is a first-come, first serve retraining assistance programs for veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 who are unemployed at the time of the application. Veterans who are currently receiving unemployment benefits or are enrolled in a federal or state job training program do not qualify. Veterans who do qualify can receive up to 12 months of education assistance in high demand areas. Staff from the Department of Labor and the Veterans Administration will be on hand to answer questions and walk veterans through the online application for VRAP.  They will also be available to work with veterans and their families on other programs such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Employment Assistance.

In addition, local colleges including Wiregrass, Embry Riddle, Park University, Valdosta State University, Thomas University and others will be available to talk with attendees about programs and financial aid options.  Area organizations that provide assistance to veterans including the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Brain Injury Advocates Services, Goodwill, Fatherhood, and the American Legion will also be represented. The event is free to the public. For more information, please contact Tim Oliver, Lt. Col. USAF Retired, at 229-561-5251.