TEMPLE -- "It's important to know, first of all as a veteran, what services you earned by serving your country," Jana O'Leary, Women Veterans Program Manager said.

Tables lined the outside of the VA in Temple as about 500 veterans and their families made a day out ensuring their health was in order.

"That's what the military is about, that's what the VA's about, taking care of the troops, making sure they're okay, making sure their health is in order," Veteran Dion Fredrick said.

From blood sugar testing, to blood pressure checks, vets were offered free services throughout the fair.

But along with free medical checks, veterans could also learn about different programs their service earned them.

"I got all good information and I'm going to utilize that information," Veteran Phyllis Blackwell said.

Like the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program, which is designed to help veterans meet their health goals.

"Nationally the VA is committed to improving the health of our veterans. And we know that if we can prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, it's way more cost effective than treating the chronic disease," Health Promotion, Disease Prevention Manager, Rebecca Campbell said.

As well as the new Medical Foster Home for veterans.

"This is an alternative to nursing home. Very similar to the adopt a child program. We're looking for caregivers that want to adopt our veterans and have them in their home, and really let them become part of their family," Tiffany Love, Medical Foster Home coordinator said.

To learn more about the local VA and its free programs for veterans, visit www.centraltexas.va.gov or visit any of your local VA hospitals for brochures.