VAN BUREN, Ark. — On Veterans Day, many businesses and Arkansans showed their thanks to veterans by giving away free food or by offering discounts or free services but one River Valley business offered free dental services.
Van Buren Family Dentistry hosted a free dentistry day for veterans on Nov. 11 and offered one free extraction, filling, or cleaning.
“I was in the Marine Corps. E3 Lance Corporal Armor their battalion second Baton," said Christian Alfonso.
Christian is a New York native who served four years in the U.S Marine Corp and a couple of years in the New York National Guard as a combat engineer. Alfonso now lives in Fayetteville and made the hour drive to Van Buren for the free dental work.
“Came down here as soon as I got off work and they banged it out," Alfonso said. "They’re pretty good everybody in there is friendly and professional. I think what they do is a good thing for all veterans it’s pretty cool, I do appreciate it.”
He says he’s been dealing with a tooth that’s been giving him pain for months and appreciates this annual event.
“It’s not as easy as people would think to just get care at the VA," Alfonso said.
Alfonso says while he is thankful for all the free things today, services like this are the most needed, and he's glad something like this was offered.
Alfonso was also sent home with over-the-counter medicine to treat tooth pain. Van Buren Family Dentistry offers veterans free dental work every Veterans Day.