Free veterans barbecue coming up at Eldridge Park

ELMIRA, N.Y. ( WETM ) — Veterans, active service members, and their families will be able to enjoy a barbecue lunch while learning about support resources soon.

The Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross of Western New York is hosting its annual Military and Veteran Resource BBQ event on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Eldridge Park. Veterans and their families can start arriving at the large shelter next to the carousel at 11 a.m., and the event will start at noon.

Eventgoers will get to enjoy a barbecue meal that is being donated and prepared by the Elmira Elks Lodge. Retired and active service members will also be connected with regional providers that have supportive programs and services available to members of the military and get to learn about the Red Cross’s programs.

Tom Tait, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force and is currently the vice president of the Twin Tiers Honor Flight, will be the afternoon’s keynote speaker. Tait spent 21 years in the military and traveled to more than 25 countries while serving. He joined the Twin Tiers Honor Flight as a guardian and became the organization’s vice president in 2020.

Seating for this event is limited, so those interested in attending need to RSVP by Monday, Aug. 5. RSVPs should be directed to Lisa Taibi by calling 716-387-9135 or emailing lisa.taibi@redcross.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.