Thomas Gasta, Author at HVAF

November 19, 2013

IndyCar community helps renovate veteran home

A downstairs half bathroom and new flooring were welcome additions to Jackson House, which provides supportive housing for U.S. Armed Forces veterans. A pool table in the living room of the downtown Indianapolis residence was an unexpected gift. So were tickets to the Indiana Pacers […]

November 19, 2013

Formerly homeless veteran helps other veterans

After leaving the Air Force in 1981, James M., 53, was doing pretty well. “I was living a pretty successful life. If there was unemployment, I was able to navigate that. Unfortunately, I became addicted to drugs. It started out as recreational and seemed fun, […]

December 30, 2013

College Park to serve meals to homeless vets

When David W., 67, an Army veteran, returned from military service he felt relieved. But, as he tried to move forward after serving in the Army, difficulties confronted him. “My life was chaotic before coming to HVAF,” David says. “I was renting an apartment downtown […]

December 30, 2013

A homeless vet dishes up warm meals

Reggie O., 57, entered the Marines with a passion for cooking and a long resume working at restaurants. When he finished his military service in 1975, Reggie came home, married in Nashville, Tennessee, had one child, bought a house and, and as he says, started […]

December 30, 2013

A meal makes a difference

For a third year, the Ernie Pyle VFW Post 1120 in Indianapolis served a big Thanksgiving meal for veterans at HVAF. “We are honored to continue this tradition during the holidays,” says Cloyce Cornett, Post Commander. “It makes me feel glad to see the VFW […]

January 14, 2014

HVAF partners with Midwest Food Bank

Oftentimes, veterans come to HVAF with nothing but the clothes on their back and entering a new year is no different. To help, Midwest Food Bank is partnering with HVAF for the first time to supply over 4000 pounds of food and hygiene items once […]

January 20, 2014

Living the MLK legacy with service to homeless veterans

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” Students representing the IUPUI Black Student Union with other volunteers from the university’s Black Faculty and Staff Council will answer that question on the 13th Annual […]

January 27, 2014

Easier job access for veterans

While the country is climbing out of recession, there are a disproportionate number of military veterans still looking for jobs. HVAF has partnered with GTECH Indiana to give formally homeless veterans new and powerful tools as they seek new jobs and opportunities to return to […]

January 27, 2014

A new smile through new dental partnership

Leah T. is anxious to look into the mirror and see a smile full of healthy teeth for the first time in years. Leah T. This month, Leah will sit in a chair at the IU School of Dentistry, where she will get a dental […]