Release: Top Cincinnati leaders to participate in panel discussion about issues facing returning veterans at April 7 event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CINCINNATI –­ Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio will host After the Uniform: Serving the Veterans Who Served Us, a panel discussion focusing on current issues facing today's returning servicemen and women that will be held on Thursday, April 7, at the Cincinnati Art Museum's Fath Auditorium.

This free event is open to the public. Registration and networking begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the panel discussion and Q&A session from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The event is being sponsored by Cintas Corporation.

The panel discussion will feature an exclusive look at the latest trends and urgent issues facing today's veterans, including policy, jobs, housing, and healing the wounds of military life. This event will give the public -- and those interested in helping local veterans -- an opportunity to ask questions and get real answers from some of the region's top community leaders.

"Veterans, while uniquely skilled for their work in the military, are faced with tremendous challenges upon returning home to civilian life," said Dennis Kresak, President & CEO of Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio. "It is important that the community of nonprofits, government, and the private sector rally around veterans to provide a solid foundation and array of services to meet their housing, employment, mental health, and treatment needs. We have an obligation to bridge any and all gaps that returning servicemen and women experience after coming home."

Speakers will participate in an in-depth discussion about how local decision-makers are tackling these issues and focusing on how government, nonprofits, and corporations can work together to help all veterans successfully return to civilian life. Panelists include:

  • U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH 2nd District), who serves on the House Armed Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
  • Judge Melissa Powers, who serves as a judge for the Hamilton County Municipal Court District 7 and the Veterans Court.
  • Matt Disher, a marine veteran and Military Recruiting Program Manager for Cintas.
  • Jon Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for Military Communities and Chief Medical Officer for Volunteers of America.

"Some of the greatest employees you could ever hope to hire are men and women who have served in our military," said Congressman Brad Wenstrup. "I'm excited to take part in this discussion to help our nation's heroes re-enter the workforce and reacclimate to civilian society."

Learn more about the event at www.voago.org/AfterTheUniform.

UPDATE: See photos from the event on our Facebook page.