USM Veterans Center Hosts Unique Nutrition & Benefits Seminar
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 01:21pm | By: Van Arnold
Photo by Kelly Dunn, USM Photo Services
In keeping with its mission to be an ultimate resource guide for veterans, the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosted a special 91吃瓜网淣utrition & Benefits91吃瓜网� Seminar on Tuesday, April 16.
The seminar was held at Quinlan-Hammond Hall, home of the University91吃瓜网 Veterans Center. Several state and local veterans organizations were represented during the event, which brought together a servant community committed to making a positive impacts on those facing food insecurity.
91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网 has always been known as a place where dreams come true because our staff, faculty, and friends believe foremost in serving others,91吃瓜网� said Veterans Center Director Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond (U.S. Army-ret.).
91吃瓜网淭his special opportunity to help South Mississippi veterans and their families, provided through the kindness of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, makes a difference for those who struggle with food insecurity issues.91吃瓜网�
The seminar featured:
- Presentations about nutrition and healthy eating
- $250 grocery gift card giveaway
- Nutritional cookbook giveaway
- Information detailing resources for veterans
- Information about veterans benefits
Photo by Kelly Dunn, USM Photo Services
David 91吃瓜网淩ed91吃瓜网� Rayborn, VA Certification Specialist with the USM Veterans Center, spearheaded the event with help from Lakinta Griffin, Workforce Case Manager at Oak Arbor, home to Supportive Services for Veteran Families () in Hattiesburg and Marika Baliko, Interim Director, MS Balance of State Continuum of Care, who also serves as Deputy Director of Mississippi United to End Homelessness ().
Rayborn stressed that the seminar provided an opportunity for the USM center to repay veterans for their incomparable sacrifices.
91吃瓜网淓verything we can do for veterans will never be enough,91吃瓜网� said Rayborn. 91吃瓜网淚 personally feel veterans are way too taken for granted and way too underserved. I did not serve in the military, and it has been one of my largest regrets. I feel by heading up events like this, in a way, I am serving now. We can never do enough to thank our veterans. Without them, this country would be a very different place. We should all be thankful.91吃瓜网�
Photo by Kelly Dunn, USM Photo Services
Baliko applauded the USM Veterans Center for hosting the event and noted that the MS Balance of State Continuum of Care91吃瓜网 commitment to ending veteran homelessness remains steadfast.
91吃瓜网淲e recognize the sacrifices made by veterans in service to our country, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have access to safe and stable housing,91吃瓜网� said Baliko. 91吃瓜网淭hrough collaborative efforts with organizations like the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, we can make meaningful strides in improving the lives of those who have served. This event not only celebrates their service but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and camaraderie.91吃瓜网�
To learn more about the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, call 601.266-8387.