FLORENCE, Ky. — The City of Florence hosted its first-ever Veterans Resource Fair, offering economic and mental health services to veterans in need.

Robert "Bob" Casher shared his story of struggle as he adjusted to life after the military. A retired Army veteran, Casher has made it his mission to help others facing the same challenges he once did.

"There's a huge barrier between the way a veteran or someone in the service sees things ... and does things, versus in some ways of the civilians,” Casher said.

Last year, a film, "Here Is Better," would change his perspective. It was featured at the fair and shares real-life stories of veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Watching the movie, I actually had to get up and walk out a couple of times because I could relate to some of the things those veterans were going through,” he said.

Through all his work, Casher's wife, Jane, is there to support him and help other veterans. She said she understands the toll PTSD can take on a family.

“PTSD was something that I had to overcome, too, because I couldn’t fix it for him," Jane Casher said. "It was something he had to learn to fix himself." 

The Cashers now travel around the state, working with the Disabled American Veterans organization and serving as ambassadors to Roco Films to provide preventive resources to veterans and their families. Their mission aligns with the goals of the fair, which was to connect veterans with necessary support to transition to civilian life. 

“It’s up to the community to help them and make sure they can transition back to being healthy and productive members of society,” said Greg Clift, liaison for the Florence Veterans Commission. 

Robert Casher said he has a simple message for veterans in need.

“Get help because it’s going to make your life so much easier," he said. "But it'll also help your friends and family understand what you cope with and understand how to help you.”