Dozens of agencies, vendors and support groups took to the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds last weekend for the second annual Freedom Festival.
A central component of the festival was a “low-stress” job fair that festival founder Rick Eckert hoped would help veterans transition smoothly into civilian life.
“I know a lot of people get stressed out about job fairs and job interviews,” Eckert said. “I wanted to create low-stress job interviews.”
In addition to job possibilities, the fair featured groups like geriatric psychiatry services and suicide prevention agencies that aim to help veterans and emergency responders cope with heavy emotional issues they may face.
“If our veterans or first responders have a particular need, then we have resources inside to help address those needs,” Eckert said.
Festival organizers also brought in several vehicles used by law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, so that younger people could see how those careers operate.
For example, Virginia State Police demonstrated the use of stretchers for rescue operations with the help of a VSP helicopter. A fire engine and a military vehicle were also on the premises.
There was even a hearse that residents could examine.
“Most people have never had the opportunity to see inside of one,” Eckert explained. “Unfortunately, when it’s your turn, you still don’t know what it looks like.”
