Seeing the Impact

Photos help to tell a story. They don’t always tell the whole story, but they can give you a window to the heart of a story.

DVNF participated, hosted, or supported in dozens of events in 2017 through our programs, and through other activities to reach out and touch the lives of the veterans we served. Here are some of our favorite photos from 2017.

Detroit Hiring Fair

This Detroit veteran’s smile says a whole lot. Through our Boots to Suits program, DVNF provided veterans on the job hunt with a brand new suit and new business attire – for free. It’s amazing how dressing well boosts confidence.

Albany, NY – Veterans Miracle Center

DVNF sent a Health & Comfort shipment to Albany to help the Veterans Miracle Center restock their free “store” for veterans. Not only did the shipment help veterans recently displaced by a fire, but it also put a smile on this veteran’s face (pictured on the right) when he received a new blanket.

Scottsbluff, NE Stand Down

This is the face of just one of the veterans DVNF’s Health & Comfort program supported. Nebraska loves its veterans, and we were proud to help them show that love.

Vaughn Respite Care – Michigan Stand Down

A new pair of shoes can mean so much to a veteran in need.

Johnston Rhode Island Stand Down

For some veterans, a pair of socks can mean more than you might realize.

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

DVNF sent a suit shipment to Camp Lejeune to help recently separated Marines as they finished their job certification programs with Onward to Opportunity. As one of those Marines told us, “This is the first suit I’ve ever had.” Of course, for many like the gentleman above, it still needs to come with the wife’s approval …

Warrior Week – Virginia Beach, VA

DVNF’s CEO, Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt. Maj. Ret.), presents this Sailor with a gift card as a small token of our appreciation.

Bay Pines, FL Stand Down

The strength of a warrior never fades, and neither does his patriotism.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games  – Cincinnati, OH

A veteran may be in a wheelchair, but their competitive spirit knows no bounds. This event is one of the most inspiring that we attend.

Greendale, WI – VIPER Ride

There’s just something about being on the open road is truly liberating, and for these visually impaired veterans, they got to feel the rush on the 2017 VIPER Ride.

Princeton, WV Stand Down

When you join the military, you enlist your entire family. It can be tough, but nothing is more important than family. Despite the cool weather, this family came to participate in this incredible stand down event.

Newark, NJ Stand Down

Every now and then, someone’s facial expression can tell you more than words ever could. That was the case here.

2017 DVNF Veterans Resource Fair

This young Marine (left) was overwhelmed when he received a new suit from DVNF at the Resource Fair. When we also gave him a gift card to cover the cost of any alterations, he was so overwhelmed that he began to tear up, and said “Thank you. You don’t know how much this helps.” Moments like that are why we do what we do.