Veterans of Foreign Wars, Salvation Army Tout 3rd Annual Vets Expo in Indio

Military veterans of all ages from across Southern California are invited to the 3rd Annual Veterans Expo this Saturday in Indio, hosted in part by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Desert Edge Post 233 in Beaumont and the Salvation Army Cathedral City Corps.

The event is scheduled 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday Oct. 27 at Fullenwider Auditorium, Riverside County Fairgrounds, on Arabia Street just south of Highway 111.

"This is a one of a kind veterans event that has something for the whole family," Bill Young of the Salvation Army said. "If you like patriotic programs, be there at 9 a.m. for music by the Marine Brass Quintet from San Diego, the honoring of two active duty Marines from Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Base and two local veterans."

Retired Major General Peter Gravett of the California State Secretary for Veterans Affairs will also be on hand, Young said.

"If you like old restored WWII vehicles, there will be 10-12  plus a WWII Halftrack from the Patton Museum," Young said.

"If you need assistance in any area of military benefits, there will be 64+ exhibitors and 7 mobile vans there to assist you and answer your questions," Young said.

"Best of all, everything is free including lunch, served by two local Rotary Clubs, and activities for the kids," Young said. "Look for the giant American flag in the event parking area when you get close to the Fairgrounds on Hwy 111."

Ernie Hernandez of Veterans of Foreign Wars Desert Edge Post 233 in Beaumont said he is looking forward to the event.

"It will be fun and a chance to meet new people and greet old friends," Hernandez said. "I grew up in the Coachella Valley so I look forward to seeing family and friends."

Hernandez said he expects veterans from the San Gorgonio Pass will be there, as well as vets from Hemet, San Jacinto, Perris, Anza, Temecula, Sun City, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Calimesa and the Inland Empire.

"Our own VFW Post 233 and Ladies Auxiliary will have members going including myself," Hernandez said.

For more information, contact Young at (760) 861-0037 or Hernandez at (951) 845-7807.

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