Officials point to wide veteran services and partnerships in Wichita; county highlights providers coalition and programs

Multiple elected officials and community members used the tri‑government town hall to describe services and partnerships for veterans across Wichita and Sedgwick County.

Commissioners and city leaders noted an active Veterans Providers Coalition that convenes service agencies and providers monthly, and multiple outreach events such as a veterans appreciation lunch hosted by the Wichita Chamber. Officials described programs that connect veterans to employment, healthcare and social services and said a veteran‑preference policy exists in many local government hiring processes.

Speakers highlighted several community assets: a city program that allows veterans to ride Wichita transit free with appropriate identification, a county retail discount/photo ID card available through the register of deeds, and the prominence of JROTC programs in USD 259 schools with veteran instructors. Officials said Sedgwick County has designated itself a Purple Heart County and pointed to recent community‑level efforts to focus on veteran homelessness, including coordinated strategies with the coalition and service providers.

County and city leaders urged veterans and family members to connect with the Veterans Providers Coalition and noted recurring events — including a November veterans parade and a Veterans Day ceremony at WSU’s arena area — as entry points for services and volunteer opportunities.

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Officials encouraged veterans to contact county and city offices for program connections and recommended the Veterans Providers Coalition as a central local resource for services and employment information.