Veterans Affairs to Host 'Welcome Home' Event Published July 8, 2008 By Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System will host a "Welcome Home" event to honor all military service members, veterans and their families with a special tribute to those who have recently returned home from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. "Home, Not Forgotten... Saluting Our Nation's Heroes," will take place July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Rapid City, S.D. The event will include a special tribute to veterans from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., musical entertainment by Night Wing -- the Heartland of America Band from Offutt Air Force Base --, food vendors, activities for kids, information on veteran related benefits and a display of artwork created by local veterans. "VA Black Hills Health Care System, in conjunction with a host of community partners, is proud to host this 'welcome home' event," said Lori Vosika, OEF/OIF Program Manager for VA Black Hills Health Care System and committee chairperson for the event. "It is our hope that active duty military service members and veterans from all eras will join us and that the general public will join us as we recognize these true American Heroes." "Home, Not Forgotten....Saluting Our Nation's Heroes" is one event in a series of Thursday evening festivals planned this summer by the Rapid City Leadership Class of 2007 called "Summer Nights." All events will take place on 7th Street in Rapid City between Main Street and St. Joseph Street. The City View Trolley will be providing free transportation to and from the event, one half hour before and after the event. Please park at the Civic Center overflow parking lot on the corner of 5th and New York and the Trolley will pick you up. For more information on the event, please contact Lori Vosika at (605) 745-2000, Ext. 2176.