NASHVILLE— Veterans and community supporters have come together to host a “Welcome Home” parade and job fair on June 14th, 2014 to thank and benefit Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. The parade is open to veterans and civilians alike, and it will be our state’s first official event thanking Tennessee’s most recent veterans and formally welcoming them back home to civilian life.
Former United States Marine Sergeant Stephen Cochran, who describes himself as “a singer/songwriter that was once a Marine singing country music, and now is a country music singer that was a Marine,” will serve as the “Grand Marshall” of the Welcome Home parade. Sgt. Cochran – who served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and suffered severe injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down – epitomizes the heroism and dedication of our extraordinary service members. Upon returning home, Sgt. Cochran adapted his guitar playing to overcome the fact that he can play with only three fingers, and he is currently pursuing a promising country music career.
The parade will be followed by a ceremony on War Memorial Plaza that will feature keynote addresses from both U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper and Tennessee State Senator and WWII veteran Douglas Henry, as well as a Flag Day proclamation from TDVA Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder. Additional speakers include Sgt. Cochran, Judge Seth Norman, Operation Stand Down Nashville President Bob Tuke, and Operation Stand Down Nashville Executive Director Bill Burleigh.
Following the ceremony will be a veterans job fair hosted by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), the event’s main sponsor. Participating organizations include HCA, Walgreens, IBEW Local #429, G4S, UPS, Lowe’s, Dollar General and many others. The goal of the job fair is to ensure that as many veterans as possible are hired. Said event organizer Daniel Horwitz: “No veteran who has fought for this country overseas should ever have to fight for a job after returning home. This event aims to honor Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans for their extraordinary service to this nation, and to ensure that they get the jobs that they need and deserve.” Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and Operation Stand Down Nashville (the event’s VSO partner) will participate as well.
Those interested in participating in this event are strongly encouraged to visit the event’s facebook page.
Individuals or groups interested in marching in the parade should contact Ms. Brandi Majerus at bmajerus@ymail.com.
Businesses or organizations interested in participating in the job fair should fill out the event’s employer participation form and contact Daniel Horwitz at daniel.a.horwitz@gmail.com. Participating businesses should bring their own tables and chairs and set up by 12:00PM.
WHO: Veterans, civilians, businesses and organizations interested in thanking Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans for their service and welcoming them home to civilian life. ***The first 1000 people to arrive will receive a free ceremonial American Flag.***
WHAT: Parade, ceremony and job fair to welcome home Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. Dress is casual. Veterans interested in the job fair should bring a resume and DD-214.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14th, 2014 (Flag Day)
-10:00AM: Parade and crowd lineup begins on 12th Ave. N. and Church St. (NES parking lot). The parade will begin promptly at 10:30AM.
-12:00PM: “Welcome Home” ceremony on War Memorial Plaza
-1:00PM-4:00PM: Veterans job fair on War Memorial Plaza
WHERE:
-Parade: 12th Ave. N. and Church St. (NES parking lot)
-Ceremony/Job Fair: 301 6th Ave N. Nashville, TN 37243 (War Memorial Plaza)
Parking will be available in all of the state parking lots off Charlotte Avenue (located on Charlotte Ave. and 10th Circle North). Additionally, free rides up to $20 will be available to and from the event via Uber using the promo code: WELCOMEHOME
WHY: To thank and benefit Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans.
CONTACT:
-Brandi Majerus (Parade): bmajerus@ymail.com
-Daniel Horwitz (Ceremony/Job Fair): daniel.a.horwitz@gmail.com
For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleWelcomeHomeParade
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