Today is National Vietnam Veteran Day! Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

To celebrate we want to share a very heartwarming story with you all:

Navy Vet Jerome

Jerome hasn’t had the best last few months.

Sadly, the Navy veteran has dealt with a lot of problems in his personal life – and with no family living here in the state.

His case manager, April, and Property Manager, Will, have been doing a lot to take care of him. Jerome currently lives in Vet Villa – our Permanent Supportive Housing apartment units. April is doing all she can to help him with his legal issues, while Will has moved him to a unit close to the case managers’ offices.

“Will and I more or less ‘adopt’ these veterans with high needs and treat them like family,” April said.

A better day

“It felt really good giving back to one of my own brothers in the military.” -HVAF Outreach Coordinator & Navy vet Rodney

Recently – Jerome had a wonderful day! Our Outreach Coordinator, Rodney, met him and they had a great conversation. They shared their own experiences from their time in the military. Rodney always carries food, clothing, and hygiene items in his van, as he hands out essential items to Indy’s homeless camps. When Rodney found out Jerome served in the Vietnam War, he remember the jacket he had in his van.

The jacket fit him PERFECTLY!

“He was very excited about receiving it because he said he always wanted a jacket like that,” Rodney said. “It felt really good giving back to one of my own brothers in the military.”

April said receiving this special jacket was a very much needed highpoint for Jerome.

“He felt appreciation from companions and friends that day,” April said. “I was so grateful the honor was given to him by Rodney, who could not have known what Mr. Turner has been through lately.”

We are thankful for our in-kind donors – especially to whoever generously donated this jacket. After reading this heartwarming story, we hope you can see how these donations truly mean so much to our veterans!

We know many Vietnam veterans did not receive a warm welcome when returning from the war. This is why we are celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day each March 29th!

“To ensure the sacrifices of the 9 million heroes who served during this difficult chapter of our country’s history are remembered for generations to come, I signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Throughout this Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and every March 29 thereafter, we will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call to duty.” -(former) President Donald Trump

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