SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College was host to the Veterans Resources Fair and Stand Down on Wednesday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. Approximately 120 veterans attended the event, which was open to veterans in the college's service area of Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties.

Veterans were provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual situations. In the military, Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health, and overall sense of well-being. The Veterans Resource Fair afforded the same opportunity to both homeless and non-homeless veterans.

A variety of service providers and employers were on hand to meet with veterans during the event. Approximately 20 individuals received dental services.

Timothy K. Peedin, CCCC Veterans Upward Bound Director, said there was great representation from all local partners and local veterans resources. Peedin, who offered his thanks to those attending and to those participating in the event, said among those included a 92-year-old World War II veteran. "He left with a smile on his face and a thank you to us from his heart," said Peedin.

"I don't think veterans know everything that is available to them," said Larry A. Lingenfelter, Veteran Representative at the Sanford NCWorks Career Center. "If we can get a large group of providers in one spot, then the veterans can see for themselves what's available and they can get business done one on one."

Among the service providers at the event was the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Warrior Care Policy. "This is a wonderful event today, especially for the older veterans who got left behind," said Max Dolan, PEER Support Coordinator, Region 9. "I am just proud and honored to be able to be a part of this."

Linda Daney is a veteran who was representing the American Red Cross. "I think it's important that we're giving back and helping them because so many of the veterans have been lost and we need to help them find their way back," said Daney. "I think it's an awesome thing to be here."

CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant offered welcoming remarks at the beginning of the event. "We at Central Carolina Community College are very proud of the part we play in helping to educate our veterans," said Dr. Marchant. "We understand the sacrifice that veterans have made for their country and we want to help them achieve as much success in their post-military as they have had in their military career."

Also offering welcome remarks was State Representative Brad Salmon and Chris deLambert, who represented State Senator Ronald Rabin.

Sponsors of the event included Piggly Wiggly, Bay Breeze Seafood, Food Lion (Store 78), Golden Corral, Great Clips, Highway 55 Diner, Kaplan University, Lowes, Pinehurst Donuts, Smithfield BBQ, and Walmart.

The Veterans Resources Fair and Stand Down was sponsored by Central Carolina Community College, NCWorks Career Center, Veterans Upward Bound, Triangle South Workforce Development Board, Campbell University, St. Joseph of the Pines, Volunteers of America Carolinas, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Those who would like to take part in next year's event or who would like more information can contact Timothy K. Peedin, CCCC Veterans Upward Bound Director, at 919-718-7539 or by email at tpeedin@cccc.edu.