20th annual Stand Down event held at Rochester Public Market

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The 20th annual Stand Down event was held at the Rochester Public Market to help connect veterans with jobs and other services.

There were more than 40 service providers and about a dozen employers ready to take resumes and talk about job opportunities.

Vets and their families could also get the COVID-19 vaccine on site.

There are just under 40,000 veterans living in Monroe County.

"I think they really love it, not only is it an opportunity to find out about things that they didn’t necessarily know existed and ways they can get support — less than 1% of our country serves in uniform these days and so the opportunity for them to be with one another, even if it’s just for a few hours and to feel that sense of comradery is a very very welcoming feeling." Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director Laura Stradley said.

Stand Down is put on in partnership with several local veterans groups.