Thanks for helping VA's Fall Fest

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center held its first Fall Festival in partnership with the Downtown Poplar Bluff Iron Horse Festival on Sept. 29 and I am pleased to report the event was a huge success!

We had bands playing live music for over 900 guests in the VA area that day. Over 60 vehicles entered in the car/motorcycle show and 20 awards were presented. Five hundred hot dogs and hamburgers were enjoyed by our Veterans and their families. Mark Littel, former Cardinal's pitcher was in the area giving free autographs and taking pictures with fans. And a multitude of community partners were on site to provide information about programs available to both Veterans and non-Veterans.

It was such a pleasure being out in the community to join in celebration with you and partnering with the Iron Horse Festival. I would like to take this time to thank everyone who planned, worked, supported, volunteered, and partnered with us to make this event possible. Generous organizations, businesses, and individuals such as:

American Legion Color Guard, AMVETS Post 29, Bluff Area Transit System, Colton's Steakhouse, Disabled American Veterans, Downtown Poplar Bluff and Jerrica Fox, Family Counseling Center of Poplar Bluff, Fowler's Bakery, John Sumrall Construction, Anytime Fitness, Cape Arrowhead, South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Just E Nuff, Kemosabe, MERS Goodwill, Missouri Department of Children's Services, Missouri Department of Health & Senor Services, Valerie Guffey, Brandy Holshouser, Missouri Division of Youth Services, W.E. SEARS Youth Center, Missouri National Guard, HHC 205th MP Battalion, Pepsi Mid-America, Poplar Bluff High School, JROTC, Swamp Whiskey, The Home Depot, Vet Center Van, Memphis VA, VFW Post 6477, The Wake Foundation and Robert Wake.

I'd also like to thank the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center teams from Facilities Management, Education, Outreach, and Voluntary Services. Special recognition goes out to Lisa Mullin, my partner in planning this event.

Once again, thanks to these organizations, and to our community for your participation and willingness to go the extra mile in reaching Veterans in our community. I look forward to building on what we started this year when seeing what the next year holds for our partnership!

-- John Cornelius

VA Fall Festival

Planning Lead