Hamilton County veterans who have put off signing up for VA health care can walk into TQL Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, and walk out enrolled the same day.

The Cincinnati Veterans Administration will staff 11 to 12 resource tables at the third annual Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Event, with enrollment specialists ready to check eligibility and sign veterans up for health benefits, military trauma programs and veterans justice services on site. No appointment is needed. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chris Klug, acting public affairs chief for the Cincinnati VA, told WCPO that an enrollment specialist will be on site to speak with veterans, check their eligibility and get them enrolled the same day. "They can kind of get all their services or get all their questions answered here," Klug said.

The event is open to all Hamilton County veterans, including those living in Anderson Township, Mariemont, Newtown and Terrace Park.

Expected crowd: 5,000

Organizers expect up to 5,000 attendees Saturday, according to Hoodline. That's a sharp climb from roughly 3,000 at last year's event at Sawyer Point and more than 2,000 at the inaugural 2024 gathering at Great American Ball Park.

More than 100 nonprofits, government agencies and community vendors will staff resource tables offering help with housing, legal services, employment and mental health. The 2026 edition carries an America 250 theme tied to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.

Executive director Glenn Welling of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission, which organizes the event, said the day is built around connecting veterans with benefits they may not know they've earned.

One veteran's story

Jim Groen, a Marine Corps combat engineer, tried to get his VA claims connected 15 years ago and failed. He let them go until a friend encouraged him to attend last year's event at Sawyer Point.

"I was very apprehensive getting into big crowds, but I went down there and signed up, and they got the ball rolling for me," Groen told WCPO.

Through the Veterans Service Commission, Groen was assigned a service officer who helped him secure disability benefits and get his rating back up.

Record county investment

The growth tracks new county investment. Hamilton County commissioners approved a record $3.2 million operating budget for the Veterans Service Commission in 2026, the largest annual allocation for veteran services in county history. In 2025, the commission provided more than $236,000 in emergency financial aid to over 500 local veterans and their families for rent, food, utilities and medical care.

Veterans who cannot attend Saturday's event can access year-round services at the commission's new office at 1701 Patricia McCollum Way in Bond Hill, where it relocated in February.

What to know

  • What: 3rd Annual Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Event
  • When: Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
  • Cost: Free

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