Thanksgiving feast held for veterans

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - Serving those who serve--that was the theme of a free Thanksgiving feast held for veterans and their family members in Cedar Park Sunday night.

More than 50 people turned out to have dinner at the Heroes Night Out Green Zone Resource Center.

"We want them to feel like it is home," said Jarod Myers, an organizer and Army Veteran.

This is the second year volunteers have held a Thanksgiving feast.

Last year, more than 60 people were fed.

"There are some veterans, they don't get the opportunity, ever to eat out.   And, so, we know with the unemployment rate and we also know with the population of homeless that is going on,it is extremely important [to have dinners like this]," Myers explained.

With President Obama pledging to bring troops home from Iraq, Central Texas should see an influx of returning troops with Ft. Hood, Camp Mabry and Camp Swift nearby.

Volunteers at the resource center told KXAN the theme of serving those who serve lends itself to other areas, specifically employers giving veterans jobs.

"I am for anything that can help veterans," said Capt. Mitchell Fuller, an Army veteran who currently serves as a Cedar Park city council member.

Fuller said he is excited to learn the House recently passed a bill that would give tax credits to businesses that hire veterans.

Myers, who works with troop outreach, did not want to talk too much about politics.

"So many organizations are involved in politics and then nothing gets done.  We are going to continue to help veterans locally," he said.

The dinner lasted until 7 p.m. and there was also live music.

Both Myers and Fuller urged community members to come out an volunteer--the center is run by volunteers and more are needed to assist veterans with housing, writing resumes, etc.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, call 512.466.6001 .