Veterans Bonanza planned in La Crosse to help vets find assistance on a wide range of needs

Veterans in the La Crosse area will have a chance next month to learn about services available to them, by attending a one-day event at the La Crosse Center.

The Veterans Bonanza happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 4, where experts will provide information about medical treatment, retirement planning, housing and recreation for vets.

Robert Thoen, a veterans service officer for Houston County, joined La Crosse Talk on Wednesday to discuss the event. He finds that many vets who go to the yearly Bonanza event are seeking information about veteran services for the first time.

“We continually see people who have never engaged with the VA, never looked into anything,” Thoen said. “This presents that opportunity for them to finally come in, and in a kind of relaxed, casual environment, ask those questions and get some answers.”

Thoen added that relatives of vets often attend the bonanza when a vet might be reluctant to search for assistance on their own.

About 90 vendors were featured at a recent Veterans Bonanza in La Crosse.

More information is available from the La Crosse County veterans service office, or at VeteransBonanzaLax.com.