As of September 2016, approximately 302,000 veterans were living in Kentucky. Of those: About 11,000 served during World War II. With so many veterans in Kentucky, the Bath County Extension Homemaker Association wanted to host a program that targets them in the Gateway Counties. Through her connections about her business, an Extension Homemaker Leader reached out to Veterans Resources United of Central/Southern Kentucky (VRUCK). VRUCK is a coalition of representatives from veterans' service and resource providers, advocates, and other organizations that support veterans and their families. There are similar organizations across the state - but none in the Gateway area. 

With the assistance of the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, the Bath County Extension Homemakers began planning to host this special day. Working with over 15 community partners, the Extension Office provided significant support for this beneficial program. Resources such as job training and recruitment, post-secondary schools, healthcare organizations, and more attended this fair for over six hours.

Volunteers organized donations from over 30 businesses in the area to provide door prizes for veterans. Also, volunteers solicited donations for the food provided for the event. After the event, the volunteers donated leftover supplies to local veterans' services to give to the homeless populations. Because of the effective marketing and promotion of the program, over 100 people attended this event. The director of VRUCK says this event was even more significant than events that are held in Lexington. The Bath County Homemakers spoke with many folks who attended the event. Some mentioned that they didn't know all of the resources available to them until this event. Others said not having a point of contact for necessary help. However, walking away from this event, many feel less alone and confused. While this is the first event, there is hope for more in the future.