By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Are you a veteran seeking support, resources, or answers?
You are invited to the Military/Veteran Support Services EXPO, hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion Metropolitan Branch 594 (5030 Howard Ave) on August 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is an opportunity to connect with numerous organizations—all in one place—dedicated to assisting veterans and military personnel. If you want to discover what resources are available, this is the event to attend.
“The event is designed to assist veterans and military personnel in any way possible,” said Dave Woodman, Veterans Service Officer, Branch 594. “A big problem is that military people don’t always know where to turn for answers or that resources are available… things like housing, food, medical care—even counselling for marital issues.”
This comprehensive event brings together a wide range of support service providers, making it easier for veterans and military personnel to access information and assistance. Organizations and units that support the military community are invited to participate as exhibitors, offering a unique chance to showcase the services available to those who have served.
“Sometimes, it’s hard for veterans to ask for help… but here, you are surrounded by other veterans and support systems,” Woodman added. “We’re seeing veterans gather for coffee, socialize, and share life experiences.”
Attendees will include Veterans Affairs Canada, HMCS Hunter, Military Family Resource Centre, Royal Canadian Naval Association, Wounded Warriors Canada, and members of Federal and Provincial Parliaments. Exhibitors will provide informational materials, distribute promotional items, and offer in-depth explanations of their services.
“The veterans’ service officer from the London Bureau travels to our area every six months to assist with veterans’ affairs claims. We coordinated with the Bureau to hold an information session while veterans wait for their appointments,” explained Woodman.
Branch 594 held a successful similar event earlier this year, and the upcoming EXPO is scheduled to coincide with a visit from the London Service Bureau, which helps with Veterans Affairs claims. Reserve units are also encouraged to use this event as a recruiting opportunity.
John Nayduk, a local reservist who began his service in 1980 and served three overseas tours—including one in Afghanistan—attended the first expo earlier this year.
“An expo like this is a wonderful thing. Veterans Affairs isn’t always easy to navigate, so this definitely helps,” said Nayduk. “Looking around the room, you see centuries of service here, and sometimes we fall through the cracks like any bureaucracy. Fortunately, the Legion is here to help. Unfortunately, they shouldn’t have to.”
Kim Jones, a representative of the Southwestern Ontario Family Military Resource Centre, was one of many members of the organization who attended the earlier expo.
“We support veterans and their families by offering a number of services, such as deployment counselling and morale packages. We talk about the separation between veterans and their families, and what it’s like when veterans return home,” she explained. “We assist in integrating veterans back into society and help with that transition.”
Whether you’re transitioning out of service, seeking community, or simply need a little extra support, the answers and connections you need are here, ready to help you move forward.
“Essentially, we’ve created a supportive hub for veterans,” Woodman concluded.
For more information, contact Royal Canadian Legion Metropolitan Branch 594.