Robert D. Janson Chairman, Board of Directors
Looking into 2012 I have to take a moment and reflect back on the past few years and recognize the significant challenges that VOC has faced. Ten years of war have created an ever-increasing demand for our services at the same time that America faces economic and financial constraints. The dedication to our mission and recognition of the value of the work we do has made it possible for VOC to stand fast in support of our community and our fellow veterans for an incredible 38 years. For that we are deeply thankful.
We know that our mission is long from over and that greater challenges still lie ahead. But the strength of VOC is found in the men, women and families we serve. It’s in the partnerships we form with employers to place skilled veterans in jobs. It’s in every warm bed our homeless veterans find on cold nights. Our strength is in every handshake shared, every smile given, every success our staff celebrates with veterans who trust us in their time of need.
As you will see in the following pages, there are more services available to our veteran community through this agency than ever before. This growth is measurable in the number of men and women we see walk through our doors. What you won’t see is the generosity shown through giving to our organization this year, the gifts that have truly touched the lives of our veterans: new beds for our residential facility, a kiln for our Creative Arts Therapy program, holiday gifts for 21 veteran families, 75 Thanksgiving baskets, thousands of volunteer hours, all just a few instances of what you have done for us. Of course, maybe you ran (or walked) our 5k/10K in October. Maybe you distributed flags on Flag Day, made a donation in memory of a loved veteran, or gave to the Annual Campaign. Or maybe you kept it simple and just said…’thank you for your service.’ However- whatever- whenever you gave, your gift made a real impact on the life of a veteran, and we’re proud to count you among our friends.
In the coming year, I hope you will continue to salute our veterans. Show your pride and your appreciation for their service by becoming a part of VOC. Share your strength with us, so that those we serve may find theirs.
