Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties host the Mission: Possible veteran outreach symposium in Appleton, May 10, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From guests speakers and food trucks to kids activities and a college and career fair, an event for veterans and families taking place in the Fox Valley this weekend has something for everyone.
The inaugural Mission: Possible Symposium is being held Friday and Saturday in Appleton at the Fox Cities Exposition Center and adjacent Jones Park.
“Really, it’s about loving on our veterans. They have served our nation, so we’re here to serve them now,” said Kell Bales, deputy director of the Outagamie County Veterans Service Office.
The two-day event is a collaboration between the Veterans Service Offices from Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties.
There were some funds left over from COVID and we decided to pool our resources together to put together a large symposium, and that’s what we’ve done today,” said Bales. “We’ve also teamed with a lot of non-profits and other organizations, some local businesses that are very veteran-friendly, veteran-focused, veteran-supporting organizations.
Guests speakers from around the state and country are set to address attendees throughout the symposium. Among the speakers are:
- Keynote speaker Jessica Lynch, best known for being the first rescued female Prisoner of War since Vietnam, will talk about surviving traumatic experience while working through the loss of a close friend.
- Tom Farley, a New York Times bestselling author and brother of the late Chris Farley, will share his story of overcoming substance abuse.
- Harry Sydney, three-time Super Bowl champion and former Green Bay Packers running back coach, will discuss how he used football as an outlet to push through barriers and adversity.
Organizers say more than 150 organizations will occupy the Expo Center’s four floors, offering outreach and resources to local veterans and their family, friends and neighbors.
Additionally, there will be over 50 vendors and food trucks, a family zone, a “huge kids vs. aliens ‘deployment’ NERF obstacle course and Sparkles the miniature horse.
Other highlights include a mindfulness room, a college and career fair, a “living” Vietnam War museum and a Hmong Vietnam Veterans tribute.
Finally, a Veteran Tribute concert is scheduled to begin 5 p.m. Friday at the Jones Park Amphitheater. Along with different performances — including from Green Bay native and Purple Heart recipient JP Lane — there will a Color Guard, 21-gun salute and taps.
There is no admission fee and organizers say everyone is welcome. The symposium runs until 5 p.m. Saturday.
Bales said events like this help are important because they help make a difference for veterans.
“22 veteran suicides a day. That’s a very alarming number. Obviously, any suicide — one suicide — is too many in any community, but the veteran community specifically,” Bales said. “So we’re bringing resources together, showing that you can overcome. We can give you the tools and resources.”
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