JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Alvin Brown kicked off the 2012 Veterans Summit in Jacksonville on Wednesday with a crowd of service providers, medical professionals and human resource leaders.
The goal of the summit was to address veterans' challenges and ensure every veteran is provided the services they need, the mayor's office said.
During the summit's breakout sessions, the topics discussed ranged from understanding the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, to issues affecting female veterans, to employment challenges.
"The Veterans Summit was held to build bridges of understanding and opportunity, so that we all may more effectively address the challenges facing veterans," Brown said. "Education, housing, quality medical care -- the needs are clear and my administration remains committed to developing cost-effective solutions."
Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet and General Mike Fleming (Ret.), Managing Partner, Deutsche Bank and Chair of the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition joined Brown to support the summit.
Following the summit, Brown will host the Veterans Job Fair on Friday. The Jobs Fair is another key event of the Week of Valor, and doors will open at 8:30 a.m. at the Prime Osborne Center. The Veterans Jobs Fair has already attracted more than 90 companies and is continuing to take registrants.
"The Week of Valor is about our deeds, not just our words. That's why it's such an honor to see business leaders and service providers come together to help," Brown said.
To register for the Jobs Fair, call 904-630-CITY or 904-620-5131 for further information.