Both Dorothy Cardiel and her husband, Andrew, are veterans. He served in Vietnam in the mid-1960s, and she in California in the mid-1970s. Cardiel knows first-hand some of the challenges of finding services veterans desperately need. She also knows that many -- most -- of the younger veterans are not involved with organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars and don't have access to the resources those groups can provide.
But it was an innocent comment that inspired Cardiel to create the first Family Freedom Fest, set for May 26 in downtown Springdale.
FAQ
Family Freedom Festival
WHEN — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 26
WHERE — Shiloh Square and Walter Turnbow Park in downtown Springdale
COST — Free; food will be for sale
INFO — Email dcardiel@gmail.com
"Someone said, 'I thought the VFW had folded,'" explains Cardiel, who is a member of Springdale's Post 2952 Auxiliary. "No. 1, people need to know we're still here. No. 2, we're here for all vets. And No. 3, we need to be visible to the community.
"This was sometime last fall -- last November, maybe -- and we started thinking about Memorial Day for some kind of an event," she continues. "When I was growing up, we always had a Memorial Day parade and picnic, and everything was patriotic downtown, and I thought I would like to do something patriotic -- but not a parade. Not this year."
Cardiel has rounded up funding and support that will bring military vehicles, a food truck, booths showcasing veterans' services, vendors and music to Shiloh Square and Walter Turnbow Park in downtown Springdale. There will also be a bicycle rodeo; speaker Aaron Mankin, a Marine veteran; and a chance to add veterans to an Honor Board. In addition, 7Hills Homeless Shelter will collect household necessities like deodorant, toothpaste, a can opener or a coffee cup for the "go buckets" the VFW Auxiliary creates for homeless veterans.
"Our goal for the day is to network for veterans, bring together families and the community for a fun event and increase the visibility of the needs of veterans," Cardiel says. "How it might evolve remains to be seen -- but I'd still like to have a Memorial Day parade!"
-- Becca Martin-Brown
bmartin@nwadg.com
NAN What's Up on 05/20/2018