Veterans and their families gathered in Denison on Saturday for Texoma Vet Fest, an event designed to consolidate various support services in a single location. The resource fair facilitated direct interactions between veterans and organizations serving the Texoma region, covering areas such as benefits assistance, housing, and mental health.
Sharon Luse, a peer service coordinator for the Military Veteran Peer Network through the Texoma Community Center, noted that bringing these services together simplifies a complex process. Luse, a Navy veteran, shared her own experience of homelessness approximately 12 years ago while raising three children.
She stated that although she knew housing programs existed, she struggled to understand how to access them and eventually gave up. Since volunteering with the network in 2017 and becoming an employee in 2022, Luse has focused on helping others navigate these systems. Her goal is for attendees to leave feeling more informed about available options.
MJ Sumrall, a veteran peer advocate with the same organization, observed that many veterans are unaware of the assistance available to them. Sumrall explained that the network works to match veterans with specific programs or community organizations that fit their individual needs. For some, this involves finding veteran-specific services, while for others, it means connecting with broader community resources.
Tanner Conticelli, an Air Force veteran, described how the initial connection with the Military Veteran Peer Network opened the door to a wider range of organizations. He is currently working with Soldiers Village, a group that provides transitional housing to help veterans stabilize their lives.
