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Orientation

Thursday, July 02, 2009 12:12 | Deleted user

Like others in Vancouver, I learned about the Center by reading the article in my Columbian newspaper, actually, my wife saw it first and pointed it out to me saying, "Why don't you go down there and see what it is all about?  You've been looking for somewhere to volunteer."  So I did and met Al, Fran and Matt.  After a short talk with Al, I registered and committed myself to this program.  Al did the majority of the orientation that day, but I didn't get to sign the Articles until last Saturday.  Even so, I was hooked.

My wife and I decided that we wanted a more "personal" experience to our giving several years ago.  At that time, we each chose a charity to concentrate our giving on, I picked the VA and she picked Safe Choice, a shelter for battered women.  Since then, we have donated money, time and often things that were needed to these two organizations.  We will continue to do this even though the SWVBRC is now a focus of my activity.  Currently, I spend two days a week down here, holding down the fort, making sure that I can offer a cup of coffee to any visitors and answering questions for Vets that stop in or call. 

I quickly realized how little I knew about veteran issues in this community, but I am learning.  I have been blessed many times in my life and so, I haven't had to suffer many of the pains that other Vets have had to go through.  Sure, I've had some bad times, but I found out that my bad times are often better than the good times some of my brothers and sisters have lived through.  I guess we are all tested in some way or another.

So far, I have met some great people here and I'm looking forward to meeting more veterans and those that support them in the coming months. 

Tim

 

Comments

  • Thursday, July 02, 2009 12:08 | Eleanor Tobias
    Tim, I can't tell you how happy I am that you havc joined this organization. Whether your experiences have matched any other veterans, been better or worse, you show a kindness, compassion and understanding that will benefit all. A great and necessary contribution. Thank you for all you have done and what you offer in the future.
    Bless you and your lovely wife, Sharon! Fran
    Link  •  Reply
    • Friday, July 03, 2009 15:08 | Deleted user
      Fran,

      I am humbled by your kind words, especially when I compare what I do to the commitment that you have made. It is a pleasure to work with you and to get to know your kind heart.

      Thanks so much,

      Tim
      Link  •  Reply
  • Sunday, July 05, 2009 14:59 | Deleted user
    Dear Tim,
    Welcome fellow Navy Veteran. I hope you find SWVBRC to be very interesting and helpful to you. And of course that your wisdom might provide help and incentive to other Veterans. As the saying goes, Together we stand, divided we fall. I believe we should never fall or fail in our endeavors to always help others. The 20 years I spent in the Navy Nurse Corps were the best 20 years of my life.
    So I give you my best wishes.
    Anchors Aweigh. Carol
    Link  •  Reply
    • Monday, July 06, 2009 07:44 | Deleted user
      Carol,

      Thank you for the warm welcome! I am hopeful that I can contribute to this organization and to other local Vets. My six years in the Navy provided some of the best and some of the worst times of my life, but I wouldn't trade those days for those of my high school buddies that didn't serve. In general life gives back in the same proportion as to what you put into it. It's been a blast so far.

      Thanks for your kind words,

      Tim
      Link  •  Reply
  • Tuesday, July 28, 2009 17:30 | Jeff Bier
    Wow, a month into it and we already have lots of blog followers each. Hope that this 100 degree weather isn't stopping anyone from stopping by our center.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, August 20, 2009 09:16 | Deleted user
      Jeff,

      We are just starting out and we will build our center as time goes by. I wish that we could get a few more volunteers to help cover the office each week and more veterans to register and become Learners. Oh well, it will happen.

      Tim
      Link  •  Reply
  • Monday, November 30, 2009 12:23 | Chip Dykes
    Tim,

    My apologies for not commenting on your blog sooner. Since joining the team a couple of months ago, I have been running like a madman to take care of the 100 things Al would like to happen yesterday:) In my capacity as VP of Business Development, I need Veterans like you to get the word out about what we are trying to accomplish! I have faith in this program and believe in the vision!

    Semper Fi
    Chip
    Link  •  Reply
  • Sunday, January 24, 2010 06:46 | Jami Price
    Hello! I think it's great that you are able to volunteer at various places! I was able to spend half of my time volunteering up until a few years ago. My new job wanted us to volunteer, but getting the time off to to it was another issue of itself! I have volunteered for my Husband's unit as a Key Volunteer, at the VA as a Mental Health Consumer Council member, and at my children's schools and with their sports teams. I miss it, but now I have embarked on a new journey in my life and am looking forward to start volunteering again!
    Jami
    Link  •  Reply

DOD Welcome home-small.jpg A welcoming home for our Troops.

Welcoming home our men and women doesn't end after the crowd disperses, it MUST continue on for the life of the Veteran! They've served us, now we will serve them with programs that work so they reintegrate into society.

We are a national public benefit nonprofit organization that educates American Communities about best practices to serve Veterans.  We honor their service by empowering Veterans to apply their training and skills to successfully transition to productive careers and enterprises.

We provide free vocational training 24/7 to all of our members through our website, in addition to local events.  We believe the tenet that American Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries when Veterans claim their benefits and invest in productive endeavors.

The SWVBRC enlists the support of members of local Communities like you to increase Veteran awareness of the value of obtaining a VA card and receiving earned benefits.

Sponsorships, donations, volunteers and support from communities like yours enable us to reach out to Veterans and empower them to transition back into successful, productive enterprises that ultimately benefit all Americans and support future generations.

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