The Veterans & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) recently hosted its third annual Veterans Ball at the Hall of Springs with over 300 attendees turning out in support of its mission to serve local veterans and their families with affordable housing and support services while they transition to independent living.
A memorable highlight of the evening was a special tribute to area World War II veterans who were each presented with quilts made by the Sunday Sewing Sisters. The list of Honored WWII veterans included:
Allan Atwell, U.S. Army 1943 to 1945; Edward F. Deyoe, U.S. Army 1943 to 1945; Charles “Chuck” Dunham, U.S. Navy 1943 to 1945; Samuel “Sid” Gordon, U.S. Army 1946 to 1948; John “Jack” Harrigan, U.S. Army 1943 to 1945; “EJ” Knapik, U.S. Navy 1945 to 1947; Cpl. Henry Rowland, U.S. Army 1944 to 1946, and Dennis Treanor, U.S. Army 1946-1947.
There was also a tribute to local veterans who served in different branches and conflicts. That list of honored veterans included: Gene Ratigliano, U.S. 1965-1991; Joe Pennell, U.S. Army 1982-1986; David Kieserman, U.S. Air Force 1960-1966; Dave Lockhart, U.S. Army 1981-1984; Bob Dyer, U.S. Army 1962-1968, and Heather Martin U.S. Air Force 2001-2005.
The evening also included a tribute to the Veterans Business Council for their continued service in helping the homeless veterans served at VCHC. A tribute was made by Veterans & Community Housing Coalition Executive Director Cheryl Hage-Perez to SSG Derek J. Farley, U.S. Army 2004-2010, as a Fallen Hero who died in combat in Western Afghanistan in 2010 at the age of 24.
The third annual Veterans Ball was sponsored by KCG Companies, Disabled American Veterans NY Chapter 158, Pompa Brothers, Inc., The NRP Group LLC and Vent Studio.
Silver Star Sponsors of the event included American Legion, Berkshire Bank, Ballston Spa National Bank, Curtis Lumber, David M. Cummings, Greater Capital Association of Realtors, Law Firm of Alex Dell PLLC, Ray and Mary O’Conor, RetinaLink, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC, Saratoga County American Legion, Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co., SEFCU, Stewart’s Shops, the Richer Team at Hanna Commercial Real Estate, Veterans Business Council and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Media sponsors included Magic 590am/100.5fm, Saratoga Business Journal, Saratoga Today, The Daily Gazette and The Saratogian.
“We are very grateful for another successful event to honor our Veterans and support the programs that serve homeless Veterans,” said Hage-Perez. “Our success is largely dependent on the support of this community. They never let us down. Each year I am awed by the appreciation shown and the outpouring of support for our Veterans. We will use the proceeds from the third annual Veterans Ball to help overcome the two biggest obstacles our veterans face – housing and transportation.”
The programs of the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition provide a resource for homeless Veterans in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie and Schenectady counties. Through their housing and support services programs, transitional and permanent housing is provided to over 200 veterans a year.
VCHC staff and partnering agencies provide services to help veterans develop skills, and secure employment or benefits to transition to independent living. VCHC partners with the Stratton VA to ensure that the medical, mental health, and addiction needs of each veteran are met. For more information, contact Hage-Perez at 518-885-0091 or go to info@vchcny.org.