Daemen University’s Veteran Services hosted its annual Veteran Expo—a free event for veterans and their families—on Saturday, May 9 in the Yurtchuk Student Center.
The Expo welcomed over 200 veterans, families, and patrons, as well as 54 community veteran service organizations, including the Buffalo VA Medical Center, NYS Department of Veteran Services, Veterans Defense Program, Wings Flights of Hope, and Wounded Warrior Project, among others.
Daemen Visual and Performing Arts student Marie Sanchez shared her artwork with her father, a veteran, for the first time during the event. “My experience at the Veteran’s Expo was very healing,” said Sanchez. “I’ve learned a lot from my dad, and from the veterans who attended who shared their stories with me. It was truly inspirational, and it reminds me why I’m an artist.”
“Veterans transitioning from service to civilian life are struggling in many areas of their lives. Finding where you fit in requires vulnerability and bravery,” said Robyn Swan, director of Veteran Services.
Nationally, approximately 33,000 veterans experience homelessness every night and one in five experience food insecurity. 
“Having easy access to critical resources is essential,” Swan added. “Daemen’s commitment to veterans and their families is simply unmatched. It’s an absolute honor and privilege to host Daemen’s Veteran Expo and I’m humbled by the unwavering support from the President, Provost, Cabinet and Daemen community at large.”