EL DORADO, Kan. (KAKE) - This weekend hosts a local tradition dating back to the 80s at El Dorado Lake, the Kansas Veterans Festival. But that’s not all that’s going on. Saturday was also the 80-year anniversary for the G.I. Bill.

 

“I look out there and I see veterans that really don’t associate well with the outside world and they make friends and they become a part of the outside world. That’s what it’s always meant to us,” said Michael Walker. 

Vietnam veteran Michael Walker and his buddies started the Kansas Veterans Festival originally as a veteran reunion in 1988.

“And now 36 years later we’re still going,” said Walker. 

Walker used a G.I. Bill to get his bachelor's degree. G.I. Bills allow service members, veterans, and their children to get education assistance and other benefits. 

“One of my daughters took advantage of it. Tt helps you get through school,” said Jerry Smith, a Vietnam veteran. 

Smith didn’t get to personally use his G.I. Bill, but he was grateful for the chance to pass along the benefit to his children.

Smith is one of 2-4 thousand people who come to the Veteran Festival each year.

“I can come and be around fellow veterans and relax. You know, I don’t have to be constantly looking over my shoulder,” said Smith. 

The festival features live entertainment, vendors, an auction featuring all donated items to raise money for veterans, a car show, the largest in the events history with 70 cars, and plenty of nonprofits.

 

“Basically any resource that a veteran or their family member might need, we have right here,” said Michael Kasselman, event organizer. 

All the money raised at the festival goes towards next year’s event and community service projects.

Ronald Purdie is a veteran helping other veterans get their Honor Flights. He also used a G.I. Bill when he went back to school at 45 and said it was very impactful.

The festival continues through Sunday.