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September 14, 2026Engaging with Andrea: Witnessing the Wonder of First Milestones
Witnessing the Wonder of First Milestones
Through the Veteran Engagement Committee, I have been able to witness some amazing experiences for our veteran families. When an event is a first for one of the kids, their first trip to the zoo, first taste of an elephant ear, or first time hunting Easter eggs, the joy and excitement can be felt by everyone! Over the last few weeks, some of our kids reached meaningful first milestones. Here are Chemya’s, Legend’s, and Daniel’s!
Chemya: First Birthday Brigade and First Birthday Party!
Chemya turned two a few weeks ago! The Birthday Brigade arrived ready to celebrate, bringing a huge birthday balloon, a birthday girl sash and crown, a cake, and birthday gifts. Chemya marveled at the balloon, blew out her candle, and giggled with glee while we sang to her! Her laughter was infectious, and the pure joy she showed reminded me of the importance of having your special day celebrated. Thanks to the Birthday Brigade and the National Society of Colonial Dames in Indiana, we were able to provide Chemya with her first-ever Birthday Party!
Chemya’s grandmother, Valerie, is a veteran, and the family has lived in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSH) since 2019. Valerie is a wonderful support for her two daughters and six grandchildren, with one daughter and her four children still residing in the household. HVAF believes in Valerie’s valiant courage as she supports her family. We have stood beside her by providing housing, case management, and access to our food, clothing, and hygiene pantry for the last seven years.
In addition, both daughters and their children are active members of the Veteran Engagement Committee and attend our events. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, we have also adopted them for Christmas, providing gifts and holiday meals, as well as new shoes and school supplies! In turn, we have witnessed so many wonderful milestones within their family, including Chemya’s first-ever birthday party!
Legend: First Colts Game and Meeting a Player!
Thanks to our partnership with the Indianapolis Colts, we were able to provide one special family tickets and a unique on-the-field experience to meet the Colts’ long snapper, Luke Rhodes! Legend is a very sweet seven-year-old with dimples and a beautiful smile. He had never been to a Colts game, and his excitement could hardly be contained. Yet, the true wonder of this first milestone emerged when we stepped onto the field, and he looked up at the massive Lucas Oil Stadium.
It wasn’t long before we were standing in the end zone, celebrating pretend touchdowns with Luke! Legend received an autograph, a hat, photos, and memories for a lifetime. Luke was so genuine and kind, leaving this young man with an impression of his hero that will not be forgotten. While we were eating burgers and waiting for the game to start, I mentioned to Legend how much fun I was having. Legend replied emphatically, “Oh, you could never have more fun than I am having. This is the best day ever!”
Legend and his family are in our Transition in Place Housing Program (TIP). I first met Legend on his birthday, when all he asked for was a bear with a recording of his dad’s voice. His father had passed away, and he wanted a memory of him. I couldn’t give him his exact wish, but I did give him a bear and a T-shirt with a picture of his dad, thanks to funding provided through the Birthday Brigade. Legend’s first milestone of attending a Colts game and meeting a player brought joy to a child who has experienced tragic loss and many challenges within his family.
Daniel: First College Milestone and the Veteran Engagement Committee’s First High School Graduate Attending College
Daniel recently moved into his dorm at Butler University, a huge milestone for this eighteen-year-old. This opportunity, a full-ride scholarship to Butler’s music program awarded for his singing talent, is rare for someone who has come from his background and personal challenges. Daniel’s father is a veteran who struggles with mental health diagnoses, and his mom had a stroke five years ago, limiting her mobility. The family faced homelessness and food insecurity throughout much of his younger life.
However, for the last four and a half years, HVAF has supported this family of six with housing, case management, and access to food, clothing, and hygiene items through our Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSH). Daniel’s courage to overcome the obstacles he has faced and break the cycle of poverty is an example of why HVAF provides long-term supportive services for those families with on-going barriers.
The smile on Daniel’s face with his mom and sister shows how beautiful things can become when you reach out in someone’s darkest moment. Daniel and his family attend every Veteran Engagement Committee event, and I have witnessed so many special moments with Daniel. It is exciting to imagine Daniel’s future first milestones and where his voice will take him!
There are so many more first milestones that occur at HVAF! To learn more about our programs, the Veteran Engagement Committee, and how you can support or become involved, contact Andrea at acarlile@hvaf.org.