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Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center hosts 3rd annual welcome home celebration

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Coatesville, Penn. --  Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center will host the 3rd Annual Welcome Home Celebration to honor Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The festivities for veterans and their families will take place Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coatesville VA Medical Center's picnic pavilion/ball field area.

"When a Soldier returns home from war, it is a very happy, very emotional time for them and their families. We are hosting this celebration to show, in some small way, our thanks to veterans for the many sacrifices they've made, sacrifices many of us cannot imagine," said Gary W. Devansky, medical center director. "We hope that everyone enjoys the day and learns more about the benefits available through VA."

The event will feature live entertainment by local oldies band, Threshold. There will be plenty of activities for children and adults alike - pony rides by Pleasant Valley Ranch, a hot air balloon experience by Aapex Sunrides, a magic show by local magician, Kevin Joyce, moon bounce, face-painting, swimming and more. Additionally, an Iraq War veteran will address the crowd as part of a special program that will begin at 11 a.m. A traditional picnic lunch - complete with hamburgers and hot dogs - will be served starting around 11:30 a.m.

At the event, there will be an abundance of information available regarding veterans' eligibility and enrollment in programs and benefits, employment opportunities, Veterans Service Organizations, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, other mental health issues, women's programs, education opportunities, and much more.

Additionally, the Coatesville Chapter of Team River Runner will hold a special kayaking demonstration in the pool. Team River Runner is a volunteer-led initiative that was started by kayakers in the Washington D.C. area in 2004 and has found its way to many VA medical centers around the country, including Coatesville. The program provides Veterans with PTSD, TBI and other mental conditions or physical injuries with a recreational complement - kayaking - to their therapeutic treatment. The program at Coatesville is in its early stages and is expected to positively impact many patients at the medical center in the future. Information will be available to all veterans who are interested in participating in this program.

Any veteran or family member wishing to attend the 3rd Annual Welcome Home Celebration is encouraged to register ahead of time by calling (610) 384-7711, extension 5160. Any questions about the event can be answered by calling this number.

In the event of inclement weather, the 3rd Annual Welcome Home Celebration will be held in the Great Hall, located in Building 5. The medical center is located at 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville, Penn. Attendees should follow signs for parking; a shuttle will operate through the day. 

--Courtesy of the Coatesville VA Medical Center