Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC) Sponsoring a Veterans ‘Get Together’

The East Providence Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC) is sponsoring a veterans ‘Get Together’ on March 28th 2024 6-8pm at Skeff’s 507 N. Broadway, East Providence, RI 02914. The East Providence VAC is charged with advocating for and honoring Veterans, active duty, and military families. The EP VAC consists of five appointed Veterans, members of the City Council, a member of the Mayor's Office and partner groups. East Providence is home to many Veterans and their families. “We have a rich tradition of honoring our Veterans with the various events and locations dedicated to and honoring Veterans including: the Memorial Day Parade, Veterans Memorial Park (home to the Garden of Flags) and the Honor Flight path, and numerous monuments throughout East Providence. Veterans Memorial Park is also home to the City's annual Veterans Day Celebration,” said Ward Four City Councilman Rick Lawson.

Lawson, who is also a United States Air Force veteran, with unanimous support from the full City Council, sponsored the effort to create the newly comprised VAC. “One goal of the VAC is to help Veterans navigate the VA benefit system, by providing access to resources and guidance on how to apply for said benefits. To that end, we will be hosting coffee hours and various Veteran gatherings such as the one on March 28th. All Veterans, active duty, and military families are welcome to join us,” added Lawson.

The VAC was also created to advise on matters that include promoting Veterans rights, arranging for appropriate ceremonies honoring Veterans on holidays or otherwise, helping unify Veterans groups, keeping the City Council informed of problems and/or issues affecting Veterans, and supporting the needs of Veterans. Appointed community members of the Veterans Advisory Committee are: Anthony Ballirano, Henry Caparco, Richard A Ferreira, William E McMahon and Brian Pearson.