As the world returns to a semblance of normalcy, we were thrilled to host our VFW and Auxiliary Department Junior Vice Orientation event in person this year. This is the first time we’ve held this event in person since the Spring of 2019! National Jr. Vice Commander Duane Sarmiento and National Jr. Vice President Carla Martinez joined Department Jr. Vice Commanders and Presidents from around the country in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to spend a few days at the National Home. The goal was for these leaders to take their newly gained knowledge back to their Departments and raise awareness and funds for our military and veteran family-focused program.
Michigan spring was in full bloom, the scent of cherry and apple blossoms, lilacs, and fresh-cut grass filling the air as the guests toured the facility. Every corner of our campus was visited as the group listened to staff presentations. In the afternoon, they heard directly from National Home residents and alumni who shared the program’s impact on their lives.
“This is the real deal,” said VFW Department of Louisiana Jr. Vice Commander Ron Delaney. “And you can hear that when you listen to the alumni who come back and talk about how it changed their lives.”
“We talk about honoring the dead by serving the living,” said alumnus Matt Lightner. “This is it. I’m the product of that.”
Though the pasta bar was delicious, the highlight of the Friday night dinner was keynote speaker Brian Daniels, who told the group that living at the Home as a young boy transformed his childhood and instilled in him the desire to serve his country.
“Before we came here, we were staying in hotels, in a van, or at my mom’s friend’s houses.” Explained Brian. “The stability that the National Home brought to my family and to me was life-changing, life-saving, and it’s why I try to help any time they ask me to.”
He told the group about his experiences serving in the United States Army, the sacrifices made, and how they shaped him into the person he is today.
It’s hard to say which was more entertaining on Saturday, the National Home piano students’ performance or the Trustees who danced their way to the podium to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”.
District 4 Trustee Sandi Kriebel spoke alongside District 8 Trustee Jerry Blake about the National Home’s upcoming 100th Anniversary in 2025, while District 3 Trustee Jodie Hollinger inspired the group when she spoke about her experience as a guest at the 2019 Jr. Vice Orientation, which ultimately led her to run for the National Home Board of Trustees.
“Of course, you can see, we are veteran driven,” said Executive Director Mike Wilson as he debuted the National Home’s Strategic Plan.
“We want to do the best we can to take care of our veterans, and that includes creating positions like our Veteran and Family Resource Manager, Brian Lorente, who’s connecting the Home with resources all around the United States for our veterans and their families, as well as becoming an accredited Veteran Service Officer.”
The day wrapped up with leisure time for the group to explore our community, including touring unoccupied homes, visiting our museum, and shopping at the Welcome Center.
As they prepared to leave, Mary Jean Mastridge, Jr. Vice President for the Department of Pennsylvania Auxiliary, remarked, “I learned so much! Now I can bring new enthusiasm and information to the Auxiliary!”
To see photos of this event check us out on Flickr.
