My name is Andrea Carlile and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator at HVAF. I connect community organizations, corporations, and individuals, striving to develop partnerships and continued support. I also raise awareness about the needs veterans face and how HVAF provides programs and services to alleviate these. I speak publicly on behalf of the organization, attend events, and connect with organizations across the state. Often, we do not realize the opportunities we are given every day to impact the life of another. I am learning multiple ways on how I can make a difference!

When speaking at local VFW’s or American Legions, I meet veterans and their families and enjoy hearing old stories, learning about their service, and being able to show respect for their sacrifice. I am still amazed how often I can share stories of places I have lived, like Germany, and someone in the room has been where I have been! There is always nostalgia of driving on the autobahn, visiting a castle, or experiencing life on a military base in a foreign country.

Personally, I have been married 21 years to an Army/Air Force veteran who suffers from PTSD /TBI. I have walked a personal journey alongside my husband and faced many of the same challenges as the veterans we serve. Yet, we did not have the support HVAF offers. I often felt completely alone and lost on what to do next. Because of this, I have a passion to ensure the community is aware of the services and programs we provide and that there is funding and support to continue assisting veterans in need!

While I share information about how to help veterans in our community, I realize there is often a connection with the person I am sharing with. Just a few weeks ago, I had the chance to meet with someone who had served in Iraq and I was really moved by the journey he has taken and how he has battled PTSD. I was able to speak from the viewpoint of the spouse and how PTSD affects the family. He, like me, is now giving back to help others. His story was inspirational and made a huge impact on me. Hopefully, I was able to encourage him as well! I am very thankful for this opportunity to connect in this way and for being a part of the advancement team.

I would love the opportunity to connect with you! If you would like me to come to your event, discuss various partnership options, or share about what we do and how we can connect, I can be reached at 765-425-3366 or acarlile@hvaf.org. Whether it is your time, talent, or treasure, there is a way you can support and ensure no veteran is left behind!