By Alaina Denean Deshazo
The Selma Times-Journal

The city of Selma, the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Congressional Office of Terri Sewell, held a veterans community connection day at the Selma Convention Center Friday to offer veterans in Selma and the surrounding areas an opportunity to learn more about their benefits and ask questions to a panel of various veteran organizations.

“This is an attempt to get the word out to veterans, honoring them, showing that we love them, appreciate them because they made our lives what they are today,” said Selma Mayor George Evans. “This is a year long work in progress, actually giving tribute to veterans, especially the Vietnam veterans.”

John Westley Hall Jr., a Vietnam Army veteran, was in attendance to see what all the different organizations had to offer and to find out information about various benefits that he can receive.

“You get to find out a lot of benefits and what’s available for veterans, and stuff that you can do with the help of the VA,” Hall said. “I thank God for this service that they are offering. It’s a big help for veterans, especially myself and other vets.”

After a “town hall” panel, veterans and their families were able to walk around to different tables and talk with the organizations about what they offer to veterans.

“Veterans sometimes are forgotten. You look at the Vietnam [veterans], … when they came back there was a lot of homelessness, sick issues, health issues, … and I think we just need to support our veterans,” said Kimesha Alvarado, who served active duty Navy and Air National Guard.

“It’s very important that we support them and encourage them and let them know that we do appreciate their service.”

Around 100 veterans showed up to the first time event, and Evans said he was happy to be able to host something that benefits the people who served the nation.

“I’m proud of the ones that showed up,” Evans said. “There were some empty chairs, but I’m proud and pleased of the turnout and the success of it.”