Veteran Home Guardians October Update: Supporting Our Heroes Through Winter Challenges
- Travis Vought
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
As the leaves change color and the air gets chilly, we at Veteran Home Guardians (VHG) gear up for the months ahead. October 21st marks our 100-day milestone since launching this initiative, and what a journey it has been! Balancing a full-time job, organizing VHG, and raising four kids has been a whirlwind, but I'm committed to creating a better balance as we move forward. The arrival of winter poses unique challenges for our veterans, and we are determined to face them head-on.
In this update, we’ll share inspiring stories, outline our ongoing efforts, and illustrate how you can contribute to our mission.
Celebrating Our Veterans
This month, we extend a heartfelt birthday greeting to Virgil Sheppard Jr., who turns 76 on October 24th. Virgil is a Vietnam veteran who bravely served in the U.S. Army. We have been honored to help him prepare his property for the winter, including clearing leaves and ensuring he has enough firewood stocked. Each step we take with veterans like Virgil is a reflection of their dedication and resilience.
Reflecting on Virgil's journey reminds us of the countless sacrifices made by veterans. For example, over 40% of veterans reported difficulty accessing essential services in a recent survey. This statistic highlights the pressing need for programs and support tailored to their unique situations.
Hard Work and Dedication
Our team has put in a significant amount of effort recently. A standout volunteer, Army Veteran Josh, has dedicated himself to cutting firewood and helping with tree projects essential for winter preparation. One of our goals is to support Josh and his loyal dog, Loki, as they seek a stable living environment.
To achieve this, we are in the process of setting up RV hookup sites on my property. This initiative aims to provide veterans with a safe and welcoming space while they work toward finding permanent housing. By offering shelter and stability, we strive to have a direct impact on their lives. In fact, studies show that veterans who receive stable housing experience a 60% reduction in emergency healthcare usage.
Weekly Nursing Home Visits
Our commitment extends to veterans who find themselves isolated. Each week, we conduct nursing home visits to check in on veterans who may need assistance. During these visits, we track which veterans are receiving the benefits they've earned and identify those requiring further help.
Recently, several female veterans have reached out for our support and advocacy. Many of these brave women have faced challenges and have often been overlooked. Statistics indicate that 10% of women veterans report having experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. It is our mission to ensure they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
Upcoming Fundraiser: Bourbon Raffle
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Bourbon Raffle! In collaboration with the Live. Stay. Project and the Bourbon Real Talk Community, we are planning this significant fundraiser. I’m excited to contribute some unique bottles to this event, and more details will follow soon.
This fundraiser is not just about raising money; it’s about fostering a community of support for our veterans. Every dollar raised will directly help with housing, advocacy, and essential services. For instance, our past fundraising efforts enabled us to provide assistance to over 50 veterans last year alone.
How You Can Help
We continuously look for partners, sponsors, and donations to sustain our efforts. Whether through financial support or volunteering, every bit helps us serve our veterans.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please connect with us. Together, we can help transform the lives of those who have given so much for our country.
Looking Ahead
As winter approaches, the challenges our veterans face will increase. Your support is key to continuing our assistance.
Thank you for being a part of our journey over the past 100 days. The future holds promise, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you. Let’s keep standing up for our heroes and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: every act of kindness counts. Together, we can create a positive impact in our community.
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