Jonesboro adds twist to Veterans Day tradition

In Georgia, people took time to remember the sacrifices and service of the men and women who serve our country. In Clayton County, organizers of the Veterans Day event in Jonesboro took the effort to help veterans up a notch.

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“I’m a 13-year U.S. Army Reserve veteran,” Deetra Poindexter said. She says going from soldier to civilian can be tough.

“The transition is not as easy as people think,” Poindexter said.

Many veterans experience the same.

“A lot of us are lacking in the resources we need to properly transition from military life to civilian life,” eight-year Navy veteran Chelsey Curney said.

But in her new role as a Jonesboro City Councilwoman, she helped organize a different way to honor veterans in Clayton County on Veterans Day.

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The event at Jonesboro City Center was designed to support and steer veterans toward resources that can help them succeed. Programs to help them start businesses, resume tips, professional headshots and more.

“Every city should do this to show our veterans are a priority,” Councilwoman Curney said.

Poindexter wishes this was around when she left the military. She says getting veterans plugged in to the programs and people in both the public and private sectors will lead to success.

“You say you’re here to help us and support us. But when we need you, we can’t get you. So, where are you? We need to see you in person — like today,” Poindexter said.

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