Willie Steele, left, and Richard Winegarden with Vet 2 Vet standing alongside the survival packs put together for the 2024 Wounded Warrior Hunt.
Submitted photo
North Vernon Vet 2 Vet is an organization that works to help veterans and their families live better lives through their initivatives year-round.
As Veterans Day approaches, so does the Warrior Blessing, a Veterans Day event in tandem with Thanksgiving, and Vet 2 Vet still needs donations to fund their efforts.
The Warrior Blessing starts Veterans Day, where turkey and ham dinners are distributed to veterans and their families. Since it takes a turkey about a week to thaw, this gives it time to be ready to cook before Thanksgiving.
Instead of delivering premade dinners, Vet 2 Vet gives these families all the supplies they need to make a meal themselves.
Willie Steele with Vet 2 Vet says they do this to inspire veterans to get up and cook alongside their loved ones.
For many veterans, the Seymour man said it can be hard to leave the house, so giving veterans the supplies they need is one step towards the necessary motivation.
“We have veterans who reside in those homes, but don’t live in those homes,” Steele said.
Their goal this year is 200 dinners, which they are currently behind on. A lot of work goes into the dinners besides the turkey or ham — vegetables, stuffing, dessert and more. To get enough bought for Veterans Day, Vet 2 Vet’s deadline for donations is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
To donate and learn more, visit northvernonvet2vet.org. Monetary donations are also accepted at any Old National Bank. Vet 2 Vet donations also are considered a tax write-off, since they are a 501(c)(3) organization.
Donations of side dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread, gravy and vegetables can be dropped off at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, 311 S. Jackson Park Drive.
If you would like to volunteer, are a veteran or know a veteran who would like to be considered for this event and future ones, contact Bob Staats at 812-521-4685, Willie Steele at 812-292-0008 or Larry Butler at 812-519-3510.
Those interested in being a future Wounded Warrior Hunt participant can visit the Camp Atterbury Sportsman Club website and let them know North Vernon Vet 2 Vet lead you there.