KASSON, Minn.-Veterans in the community had a chance to access essential resources and get questions answered at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Mayo Southeast Unit 28 put together an appreciation event for veterans.

Resources like the veteran service officer, cell phone carriers, mental health and education were at the event to let veterans know that support is there.

DAV Auxiliary Mayo Southeast Unit 28 Commander Sandy Martin says, "It is so important to get them out and have that camaraderie with other veterans in the organization. You can save a life."

According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2021 there was an uptick in veteran suicides after the pandemic. The local DAV Auxiliary wants to put and end to veteran suicide and giving veterans a chance to be a part of the community and see it's support is important.

She says, "This is what I live for. I have a husband who's disabled. I know what people go through and I am here to be that voice for them."

In addition to accessing resources, veterans and their families also had a chance to eat together and speak with other veterans in the area.

Martin says the veterans "really appreciate us putting this on and they say thank you for doing this because it means a lot and having those resources in one building is something that you know if they can't get out and go to all these different businesses you know that have this information and a lot of them don't know about it and they're really thankful for it."

To contact the DAV Mayo Southeast Unit 28 head to their website here or email [email protected]. Contact the DAV Auxiliary Mayo Southeast Unit 28 here or email [email protected].

To find and contact your local veteran service officer head here.