Networking among organizations aims to help veterans in need

BLOOMINGTON ( 25News Now ) - The Central Illinois Veteran Warriors uses sports therapy to improve the mental and physical well-being of military veterans, but this weekend, the organization broadened its scope to networking.

The group hosted the third annual Veterans Fair at the Interstate Center in Bloomington, enabling veterans to develop connections throughout the military community.

This is the first time the event took place over two days.

It aims to help area veterans connect with organizations and resources that can help them. It is also a networking opportunity for the groups themselves.

"A few years ago, a gentleman reached out to the Central Illinois Veteran Warriors really desperate, and we were able to work with our VA partners to get him an appointment the next day, and even transportation to the appointment. That means a lot to them," said Patrick Schmid, treasurer for Central Illinois Veteran Warriors.

The event's strategy is to leave no one out.

Organizations at this weekend's fair included everything from a music therapy group to those looking to hire veterans.

The Veteran Warriors want to add five to ten more organizations for next year's fair.