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Black Hawk County starting 'Adopt A Vet' holiday program

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier - 10/24/2016

Oct. 24--WATERLOO -- Ursula Holmes was a U.S. Navy 1991 Persian Gulf War veteran. She was a single mom. She suffered from post-traumatic stress and other disabilities. And she was alone.

"It's been up and down," she said. "Being a veteran, you expect you're going to get the help you need, being a victim of trauma. I was proud to serve my country, but the experience wasn't what I expected."

Things did get better. She received a degree from Upper Iowa University, thanks to the GI Bill. And she married a fellow veteran. She still has her struggles. But it helps when someone shows they care. And that's why she supports a new program by the Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission to show support for veterans over the holidays.

The Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission is instituting is first-ever "Adopt a Veteran" Christmas event. It's designed to help veterans and veteran families with economic or personal difficulties, or veterans spending the holidays alone

The commission is taking applications from veterans and veteran families as well as seeking donations.

Commission executive director Kevin Dill said, "We're trying to get the public involved, if they want to bring a gift down for a veteran and his (or her) family," Dill said. "Right now, we have a list of about 70 veterans and their families that need assistance."

That list is anticipated to grow. "We haven't even put the word out yet and we're at 70," Dill noted. "The nursing homes are getting involved. They're providing a list of veterans or widows who are alone, that we can maybe give them a gift. And we're trying to put together a list of veterans who are struggling so the public can get involved.

"And it's nothing big," Dill said. "Even gift cards are okay. It's just to let them know, 'Hey we're thinking of you. Merry Christmas. Here's a gift for you. Thank you for your service.' It's something to bring more awareness of veterans issues and that we care about veterans."

It includes veteran widows and widowers as well as veterans themselves, Dill said. "It's just to let them have a Christmas basically," he said. "If folks ask, 'What should we get?' Well, whatever you buy your grandma or grandpa, or aunt or uncle, because it's mostly older veterans."

But it includes veteran families too, including those with children at home. "The kids can range anywhere from 3 years old up to 16 years old. So, a gift card would be nice for the teenage kids.

Holmes sees benefits from the program.

"It's just knowing someone cares, other than your own family," she said. She encouraged veterans to sign up and people to contribute. "I can't be a voice for someone else -- if you're willing to give to another veteran -- veterans that are going through challenges right now. You can just show how you appreciate the service we have done, in whatever form."

Veterans and veteran families wishing to be considered for the "Adopt a Veteran" program should call the Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission at 291-2512 prior to Nov. 30. People or organizations wishing to adopt a veteran or veteran family may call the same number.

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(c)2016 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)

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