VA is Bringing a Benefits & Hiring Fair to Augusta
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host an in-person Benefits and Hiring fair in Augusta, Georgia. This event is for Veterans, service members, and their families.
Date: Wednesday, May 14th 2025
Time: 0830 – 1600 EDT (schedule of events below)
Location: W.T. Johnson Center 1610 Hunter St. Augusta, GA 30901
No DOD ID is required, and parking is FREE! Keep scrolling for more details and the opportunity to register for the event.
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VA Serves the Entire Military Community
All Are Welcome
VA is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. As such, our events are open to the entire military community- Veterans and transitioning Service members, their spouses, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
**No DOD ID is required for participation.**
Claims Clinic
WHAT IS A CLAIMS CLINIC?
The Claims Clinic provides an opportunity for Veterans and/or their dependents to engage with Regional Office staff to address questions regarding VA claims. For those with claims pending, the goal is to move the claim to the next stage of the claims processing cycle through engagement with VSRs or RVSRs as appropriate.
NOTE: you may be asked to bring documentation with you to your appointment.
Parking Map
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Parking for the Augusta Veterans Benefits & Hiring Fair is available in several locations on Hunter St. and Lee Beard Way. Download the map before you arrive to make finding parking easier.
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Schedule of Events
All times are Eastern TimeWednesday – May 14Augusta Veterans Benefits & Hiring Fair
08:30 – 08:35
Welcome and Housekeeping
MC, Ms. Shawnta Sampson, Supervisory Program Analyst, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development, Outreach Team 3
08:35 – 08:40
Opening Ceremonies
Colors will be presented by Westside High School JROTC cadets and the National Anthem will be sung by Mr. Fred Williams.
08:40 – 09:00
Town Hall: Keynote Speaker
Mr. Al Bocchicchio, Southeast District Director, Veterans Benefits Administration
09:00 – 09:30
Town Hall Panel
Panelists: • Angela Seelhammer, Acting Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Office; • Andrew M. Guadalupe, Director, South Carolina National Cemetery Complex; • Oscar Rodriguez, Acting Executive Director, Charlie Norwood VAMC; • Patricia “Trish” Ross, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Veterans Services
09:20 – 09:30
Panel Q&A
Time permitting, the floor will be opened for questions from the audience.
09:30 – 09:35
Closing Remarks
Ms. Jocelyn Moses, Executive Director, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (Acting)
09:30 – 16:00
Claims Clinic/MDEO
Make an appointment below- Atlanta Regional Office claims processors will assist Veterans and their families who have pre-scheduled an appointment for processing or checking on the status of a disability claim.
09:30 – 16:00
Benefits Fair
Up to 40 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers will be on hand to assist Veterans and their families with benefits from VA and other agencies.
09:30 – 16:00
Mobile Vet Center (MVC)
The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
09:30 – 16:00
Immunization Clinic
Charlie Norwood VAMC will be offering the Flu shot for Veterans*. *Participants must be enrolled in VHA healthcare.
10:00 – 16:00
Hiring Fair
Up to 20 Veteran-friendly employers will be in attendance ready to speak to job seekers about their open roles, company culture and application process.
10:00 – 10:55
Workshop: “Caregiver Support”
Presented by Brenda Hollis, Caregiver Support Program Manager, VA Augusta Healthcare System, VHA. The VA Augusta Health Care System Caregiver Support Program offers help for those caring for Veterans. They will be on site to explain two key programs: one that provides comprehensive assistance to family caregivers (PCAFC) and another that offers general support services (PGCSS). They will provide information, resources, and follow-up services to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers and their Veterans.
11:00 – 11:55
Workshop: “Fraud Prevention”
Presented by Dr. Eric Elbogen, Director, VA National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET). This workshop will address the financial well-being of Veterans and describe how to avoid scams and impulse spending. Other topics include strategies and tools for attendees to access financial resources, education, worksheets, and videos for Veterans and their families to earn more, save more, and protect their money.
12:00 – 12:55
Workshop: “Personalized Career Planning Guidance”
Presented by Dorian Jenkins, Chief, PCPG. This workshop is designed to empower Veterans with tailored strategies for career success. Our expert facilitators will provide personalized advice, resources, and actionable steps to help you navigate your professional journey and achieve your career goals. Don’t miss this chance to advance your career prospects and connect with valuable professional networks.
13:00 – 13:55
Workshop: “Trauma is NOT a Disorder, Trauma Can Heal”
Presented by Dr. Pamela Arnell, Executive Director, 22Zero Follow Me. A non-invasive, non-clinical, peer-to-peer, holistic intervention, is used to heal trauma and end suicide with the Trauma Resiliency Protocol and Emotions Management Process, across the U.S. The Trauma Resiliency-Protocol (TR-P) for PTSI and Emotions Management Process (EMP) for negative emotions such as fear, survival guilt, anger and shame, is a grass-roots effort to assist individuals with trauma, in a resiliency process using safe, visual, and guided imagery.
14:00 – 14:55
Workshop: “Overview: American Job Center”
Presented by Yanta Haynes, Consolidated Veteran, Employment & Outreach Programs Specialist. This workshop will help Veterans understand how to access intensive, one-on-one support through the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) to overcome employment barriers and land meaningful, long-term work. This workshop will also explore partnerships with local employers and community partners through the Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) role to open doors, create opportunities, and match vets with jobs that value their military experience.
