The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host an in-person Outreach event titled “Richmond Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair” in Richmond, Virginia. This event is for Veterans, service members and their families.
- Date: Thursday, August 21st, 2025
- Time: 0800 – 1600 EDT (schedule of events below)
- Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Special thanks to our sponsor:
Schedule of Events
All times are Eastern TimeThursday – Aug 21Richmond Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair
08:00 – 08:05
Welcome and Housekeeping
MC, David Matthews; Pledge of Allegiance
08:05 – 08:15
Opening Remarks
Veterans Benefits Administration- Britton, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Field Operations and Acting Executive Director, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development
08:15 – 08:30
Keynote Speaker
Commissioner Chuck Zingler, Virginia Department of Veterans Services
08:30 – 08:35
Townhall Presentations
Veterans Benefits Administration – Bill Barksdale, Acting Director, Roanoke Regional Office
08:35 – 08:40
Townhall Presentations: VHA
Veterans Health Administration – J. Ronald Johnson, Executive Director, Central Virginia VA Health Care System
08:40 – 08:45
Townhall Presentations: NCA
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)– Larry Provost, Outreach Officer, National Cemetery Administration
08:45 – 08:50
Townhall Presentations: VVSF
Virginia Veterans Service Foundation (VVSF) – Joel Griffin, Chairman
08:50 – 08:55
Townhall Wrap-up
Veterans Benefits Administration- Kevin McAllister, Assistant Director, Outreach, Transition and Economic Development
09:00 – 16:00
Benefits and Resource Fair
Tradeshow-style fair with more than 50 community resource and service providers.
09:00 – 16:00
Mobile Vet Center
The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a nonmedical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
09:00 – 16:00
Benefits Counseling Services
Claims Counseling and Assistance
09:00 – 16:00
Employment Opportunities
Up to 50 V3 certified employers will be on hand to present meaningful employment opportunities.
09:00 – 16:00
Resume Review Assistance
Assistance provided by OTED’s Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), and Hire Heroes USA
09:00 – 09:50
Workshop: Getting the Requirements Right
Joshua Atkinson, Chief Strategy Officer, PM-ProLearn
10:00 – 10:50
Workshop: Building Wealth Through Saving and Investing
A roadmap to build wealth over time through saving and investing, including tax-advantaged building blocks like 401(k)s and IRAs; steps to take to protect investments from scams and considerations regarding investing apps and crypto assets. Presented by Tom Manganello, Senior Counsel, Securities and Exchange Commission
11:00 – 11:50
Workshop: Resilient Warriors: A Path to Healing
The Vet Center offers confidential counseling and a safe space for Veterans, service members, and their families to navigate life’s challenges. Through compassionate care, peer connection, and community support, we walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and resilience. Presented by Juanita Cook, Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Roanoke Vet Center
13:00 – 13:50
Workshop: Empowering Veterans to Take Charge of Their Financial Health
This workshop will summarize Veterans’ financial well-being, describe the link between financial health and mental health, and provide actionable strategies and resources for Veterans to earn more, save more, and protect their money. Presented by Dr. Eric Elbogen, Program Director, FINVET
14:00 – 14:50
Women Veteran Insights: Building a Better Transition
Roundtable facilitated by Patrice Jones, Director, Veteran Education, Transition and Employment Services
About Benefits Counseling Services
Benefits Counseling Services 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 the Public Contact Team as appropriate.
NOTE: you may be asked to bring documentation with you to your appointment.
The Benefits Counseling Service Appointment Scheduler is now closed.
Note: Limited walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are not able to schedule a 1-on-1 appointment, please join us at the Benefits & Resource Fair where you can speak with more than 50 resource providers and employers. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about various VA benefits and other resources available for Veterans and their families.
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.**
Parking Map
Download the
Parking for the Richmond Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair is available in several locations. Non-metered parking is available on 1st Street, 2nd Street, Clay Street, and Marshall Street, as well as throughout Jackson Ward. These areas are excellent for visitors looking for free parking options within a convenient walking distance of the convention center.
*Free parking at the Convention Center is available for those who register for a Benefits Counseling Services Appointment.
Floor Plans
3D representation of the Richmond Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair layout. Labeled areas include: 1. Benefits Fair, 2. Hiring Fair, 3. Presentation Area, 4. Benefits Counseling /Toxic Exposure, 5. Registration, 6. 1:1 Resume Reviews
Greater Richmond Convention Center
3D representation of the Richmond Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair layout. Labeled areas include: 1. Benefits Fair, 2. Hiring Fair, 3. Presentation Area, 4. Benefits Counseling /Toxic Exposure, 5. Registration, 6. 1:1 Resume Reviews
