Six months in
We’ve been a 501(c)3 organization for six whirlwind months now. Figuring out where we fit among other entities, and in our community, has been challenging, exciting, and often enlightening. We continue to focus on filling gaps in support, and identifying those is a full time process.
That process was how Mountain Valor Fest came to be. Our group was adamant we needed a commemoration for 9/11. We realized that if we had a large group of vets together, it would be a great opportunity to gather the resources who want to support those vets. Since almost all of us have children and understand how critical that is to determining how we spend our weekends,, we wanted the event to not just be family-tolerant but family-welcoming. Next thing we knew, the event was upon us and the months of planning were all worth it. We surpassed our goals with more than 700 folks attending, and 130 veterans able to bring their concerns directly to a range folks there solely to help our veteran community. This included two different outreach teams from Veteran Affairs, three departments from Virginia Veterans Services, and numerous local, regional and national organizations to provide specific services to our veteran community or their families.
For our guests, we had three amazing food trucks, a bounce house obstacle course, a small petting zoo, live music and crafts. On the military side of things, we are grateful for the military units who sent a C-47 Chinook, LMTV and Humvee.
We have the numbers to say this was a success – 1,572 new website views, 18 new local cases where our organization will work with veterans to get them where they are trying to go. What we think is more impactful are the stories we heard. One veteran who has been struggling with PTSD for decades ran into his old unit at the event, as they were one of the units who volunteered to bring equipment to Mountain Valor Fest. That veteran lit up after being able to chat with the Soldiers, and was absolutely thrilled that they wanted to hear his stories as much as he wanted to hear theirs. His wife stated she had never seen him so animated while talking, and at peace with his past. Another veteran was quite clear that he’d been asking for help with paperwork that just kept getting lost or kicked back for more than a decade from Veteran Affairs. One of our resources called the correct supervisor and this issue with his health care was solved on the spot. He ended up leaving early with his wife, as they were both in tears that he will finally get the care he needs.
We also had an hour visit from U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, and both of our U.S. Senators sent their district managers to hear directly from our veterans. All three offices immediately volunteered to attend next year as well, when we will again invite all elected officials from the county level to Congressional.
We’re so incredibly grateful to all those who supported us, from the local small businesses who donated to the silent auction, to the large corporations who stepped in to ensure this event would be free for all. We can’t wait to let you all know about our next event as we continue to help our local veterans.