The Veterans of the Glen kicked off its new season with its traditional October Meet and Greet. This year’s gathering was held in The Nest dining room where members and their guests were served subway sandwiches prepared by the restaurant.
While they enjoyed their meal, VOG President Bruce Johnson introduced Jonette Kessack, a representative from and co-founder of Holidays for Heroes. Founded 19 years ago, this organization saw a need for servicemen and women who spent Christmas alone. They began preparing gift boxes for them. The need stretched beyond Christmas, so the program grew. Now these volunteers fill and mail 200 boxes a month.
Holidays for Heroes also found ways to serve military veterans here at home. The organization provides homeless vets with backpacks filled with personal items including toiletries and even a blanket during cold weather. Needy children in military families are remembered by granting them their Christmas gift wish.
Fulfilling these ambitious goals of this organization of generous volunteers is expensive. Holidays for Heroes depend on donations so Kessack was grateful to receive a gift from the Veterans of the Glen.
It is the mission of the VOG to help support area agencies and organizations that serve veterans. Even though the group did not meet in the summer, members were hard at work preparing for their major fundraisers: the Veterans Day Dinner Dance and the December 13 Christmas Dinner Dance.
Before adjournment, President Johnson took a moment to point out that the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines all celebrate their 250th anniversary this year. The Army Air Corps became the Air Force in 1940, and the Space Force was established in 2019.
The Veterans of the Glen welcomes all residents who served in the military, regardless of the branch. There is an associate membership available for nonveterans. The VOG meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month.
