Military service is considered our nation's highest form of citizenship and has been freely accepted by millions of men and women throughout U.S. history. There are an estimated 23.5 million living American veterans, and 13 percent of Tri-State residents, as many as 12,000, are military service veterans.

Because of their selfless commitment to our country, U.S. veterans are eligible for a variety of services, both federal and state, to assist them and their families. Veterans administration benefits include: Compensation / pension, healthcare, pharmacy, education, home loans, life insurance, vocational training and rehabilitation, burial and survivors' benefits. Such services can prove essential to helping vets recover from wartime injuries, readjust to civilian life, build a career and raise their families.

The Need
Military service changes lives. Common are the stories of men and women who enter the military without direction or purpose in life, and return home stronger, more focused individuals. Unfortunately, many of those who experienced combat were also damaged physically and emotionally - scars that often last a lifetime. Even those not directly impacted by battle are entitled to treatment befitting our most respected citizens.

Many veterans, however, are unaware of the full scope of services available to them or are unsure of how to access services to which they are entitled. Additionally, some may not seek services or information due to fear of the stigma attached to those reaching out for help.

Tri-State Veterans' Conference Goals
The first All The Way Home Conference in Dubuque was held Saturday, May 17, 2008. More than 1,600 people attended the day's events, visiting more than 97 veteran-related exhibits with more than 100 healthcare-related applications filed with the V.A.

The 2nd All The Way Home Conference in Dubuque is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010, with the goal of:

- Providing a forum for veterans and their families to access services available in Dubuque and the surrounding areas.
- Making these services available in one place. By doing so, the conference will empower veterans to seek and receive services intended for them and their families.
- Providing an appropriate forum for the Dubuque community to thank veterans for their service.

All The Way Home - The Tri-State Veterans' Conference II will again offer services and information in a family-friendly and fun atmosphere, reaching those veterans who normally would not seek services due to fear of stigma, as well as those who do not know where to turn.