By Eamon Baird

[email protected]

TROY — The 2024 Miami County Veterans Symposium, featuring a free concert from Lee Greenwood, is on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Hobart Arena and Troy City Park.

The event will also feature special guest speaker Jessica Lynch, a former Iraqi P.O.W. and U.S. Army Veteran.

Ceremonies will begin at 10:45 a.m., with information sessions discussing VA benefits and healthcare at the Hobart Arena Bravo Room from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

From noon to 3 p.m., there will be free family activities at Troy City Park including special games, fire trucks, military vehicles, and more.

Kyle Kuta, marketing service officer for the Miami County Veterans Services, recently retired from 25 years of duty, spoke to the Miami Valley Today about the event.

“The sheriff is going to be grilling hot dogs and there’s going to be outdoor activities for kids and families,” Kuta said.

The Miami County Job and Family Services and Public Health will also be providing their services for veterans and their families.

“The Miami County Recorder’s office is going to be on-site filing to assist veterans in filling out DD-214s and giving out FREE Ohio Veteran ID cards,” Kuta added.

Lynch will speak from 2 to 2:30 p.m., and there will be a special meet and greet with state and county government officials from 3 to 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m. the symposium will close for preparation for Lee Greenwood’s special concert.

Veterans who attend the symposium will receive free VIP seating and a free goodie bag provided they have their DD-214 card, state veteran ID card, retired card, or VA medical center card.

Veterans and VIP guests will begin seating for the concert at 4:45 p.m. and doors will open to the public at 5 p.m. The concert is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Kuta said he is looking forward to the symposium and hopes for a big turnout.

“I think this will be a great event and will provide a lot of information for veterans and their families,” he said.

For more information on the symposium visit www.facebook.com/MiamiCountyVets.