Royse City Legion hosts first Tri-County Veterans Resources Fair

Travis Hairgrove, Rockwall County Herald-Banner, Greenville, Texas
·2 min read

Aug. 11—Royse City's American Legion Post 100 hosted its first-ever Tri-County Military and First Responders Benefits and Resources Fair at Royse City High School Saturday.

Bringing together 25 Rockwall, Hunt and Collin County organizations that offer services to veterans, the event drew a modest-but-appreciative crowd of about 75 people throughout the day.

"There was so much good conversation and networking going on, even though turnout wasn't quite what we had hoped," said Hayde Spencer of the Royse City American Legion post. "I think that with COVID keeping everyone apart, the veterans appreciated getting out and talking to each other at an event like this."

Featuring a variety of organizations, including those who help veterans with their VA claims as well as groups who make pet therapy visits, and even motorcycle clubs, the event was organized through a collaboration between Legion Post 100 and the Texas Veterans Land Board.

"I saw that the Texas Veterans Land Board had done a similar event in Dallas, so I reached out to them and they said they could do one east of Dallas," Spencer said.

Organizations at the event included the following:

— Hunt County Disabled American Veterans — Supports veterans who are in the process of filing disability claims with the VA.

— Veterans Outpost — A 50-acre veterans' retreat east of Greenville that offers a relaxing place for veterans and first responders to camp, fish, ride horses, and enjoy other outdoor recreation.

— Twin Rotors Mission — Supports veterans by connecting them with organizations in Hunt County that can best help them.

— Marriage Management — Offers support and positive encouragement to military and veteran couples.

— Higher Hopes Counseling — A Christian faith-based counseling service based out of Royse City.

— Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association — A group for veteran motorcycle enthusiasts that focuses on providing assistance to individual veterans, veteran care facilities and other veteran-related charities.

— Family First Home Health Hospice — Provides home healthcare and is based out of Greenville.

— Enduring Families — Offers free telemental health counseling via teleconferencing to Texas veterans and their families.

— Cow Town Warriors — Organizes fundraising events to help wounded and disabled veterans with mobility and medical expenses.

— Carry the Load — Actively works to spread community awareness of the sacrifices made by veterans and first responders.

— Texas Veterans Commission — Assists veterans in several ways, including help with disability claims, education benefits and finding employment.

— First Baptist Church Fate's Veterans Small Group — A Christian spiritual support group for veterans.

— Texas Veterans Network — Helps connect veterans with community support organizations.

— Helping Hands — Helps Rockwall County residents who are in financial crisis by providing assistance with utilities, shelter, food, clothing, furniture and household items.

— Love on a Leash — Brings certified therapy animals to various nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, libraries, hospices, day care centers and hospitals to lift peoples' spirits.