Veterans Appreciation Day draws nearly 6,000 to TQL Stadium

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CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Organizers are still tallying final numbers from the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day held Aug. 15 at TQL Stadium, but early figures show turnout exceeded expectations.

There are roughly 37,000 veterans in Hamilton County. Organizers had hoped for 5,000 visitors this year. Glenn Welling, executive director for the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission, told FOX19 NOW the event drew close to 3,000 veterans, plus family members, for a total close to 6,000 attendees.

“It’s something that you never get tired of,” said veteran Roger Mullikin, who has attended all three Veterans Appreciation Day celebrations. “And I come down here to share with the other veterans. It’s so special. It’s so meaningful.”

Booths offered services, jobs

The Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission set up booths along the periphery inside TQL Stadium’s concourse, with free food and drinks. Employers were also on site looking to hire veterans.

“We have jobs, like you say, Amazon, we have jobs here for veterans. Veterans might have unemployment, got jobs,” said veteran Lincoln Ware. “If you’re behind on your rent, the Veterans Service Commission will help you with that if you qualify, if you’re behind on your mortgage, getting ready to lose your home, we can help with that.”

“And the Disabled American Veterans has a booth here too, always helping people get their disability claims through, which can be an arduous process,” said veteran and Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “And that’s why we have groups like the DAV and the American Legion and the Veterans Service Commission here to help get through all that red tape.”

Pillich said every branch is united when it comes to helping each other.

“So I was Air Force, Lincoln was a Marine,” Pillich said. “And neither of us hold that against each other. We get along just fine. Our uniforms were different colors, but we’re all on the same team.”

First-time attendees impressed

William Dillard, who joined the Navy in 1989 and retired in 2012, attended the celebration for the first time this year.

“If you have a question, they have the answer. If they don’t have the answer, we can find it for you,” Dillard said.

Veteran David Burt said it’s important to check in with your Veterans Service Officer, as well as with fellow veterans.

“Well, it’s very important that you go and check and see what’s available for your hospital needs, your transportation,” Burt said. “It’s very important that veterans check on veterans and veteran helping veterans.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece said the event reflects a shift from words to action.

“We always say thank you for your service, but now it’s time for us to provide the services that you fought for and that you deserve,” Reece said.

Mullikin said veterans hope the county continues the tradition.

“We hope they keep it up. We just want the county to know that we don’t take it for granted. We appreciate what they’re doing for the veterans,” Mullikin said.

Welling said social media response from veterans and vendors has continued since the event. Organizers are already planning a fourth celebration for next year.

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