Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center - Richmond, VA

The Iraq and Afghanistan Outreach Team OEF/OIF/OND from McGuire Veterans Medical Center participated in the annual Welcome Home Event.  This year the team partnered with multiple community agencies and The Welcome Home Foundation which included a Welcome Home Parade, and a Veteran’s Resource Village.

The Veteran’s Resource Village provide an opportunity for Veterans of all era’s to find information regarding VA benefits as well as health, legal and job resources.  It was estimated that approximately 10,000 people took part in the daylong event.

This event gave the community a chance to welcome home our post 9-11 service members, Veteran’s and family members.  The parade’s Grand Marshall was retired Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient Wesley Fox.  Dignitaries included Mr. Charles E. Sepich, Director of McGuire Veterans Medical Center, Richmond’s Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Congressman Bobby Scott and Congressman Eric Cantor.

Thousands lined the streets carrying signs which simply read Thank You and Welcome Home!  The parade marched down the Boulevard then into Byrd Park where a free outdoor concert were held.

One parade spectator shared how important it was for her family to be there and noted there were moments in the parade when she choked up with tears realizing the sacrifices these Veterans and their families have made.  Other parade participants shared how honored they felt seeing the community come out to say thank you and Welcome Home.