The Veterans in Need Project (VINP) emerged from the vision of a group of high school students that saw a need in their local veteran community—veterans who were struggling with the transition back to civilian life. With a mission slated to make immediate and tangible differences, VINP offers micro-grant assistance, quickly sending vital resources to those in critical situations. These micro-grants are designed to aid with essential day to day needs, such as fuel for work commutes, diapers and formula, and to help cover utility bills. Everyone at VINP believes that no veteran should have to worry about the struggles of meeting their daily essential needs.
What/who inspired you to serve?
I am a child of the 80’s. I am pretty sure that G.I. Joe had me convinced to enlist by the time I was either 4 or 5 years old. I never really wavered from what I wanted to do.
When did you conceive of/start the Veterans in Need project and what inspired you?
I have to give all the credit to my son Grayson. The Veterans In Need Project started as a high school group project that he was a member of. The group identified the need in the community for veteran support and came up with the idea. They made enough of an impression at school that they received funds to implement their plan. They had an event at a local barbershop to pay for haircuts for veterans. At the end of the day the barber would not take their money and they ended up receiving even more donations. This all happened during COVID, and the group was meeting via Zoom to contemplate their next steps. I asked them if they wanted the project to end or if they wanted it to continue, and two members wanted to keep going, including my son. That is where it started to grow and I helped them file with the Corporation Commision as a non-profit. As time went on we got our 501c3 as well. We added a few more veteran board members along the way. We humbly started with $50 in the Spring of 2021 and grew that number to over $11,000 in grants in 2024.
How did your military experience influence the work you’re doing?
I am a proud veteran and look at my service time fondly. I have always wanted to serve, and this is my way to continue to serve those who either served before me, with me, or after me. We always try to have each other’s backs.
What has been your favorite experience in helping out someone since you’ve started?
Every time I pay a bill or support a veteran, I know deep down how much we are doing. We know that the veteran population commits suicide at a very high rate, I would like to think that we are helping to lower that number every time we can step in and help in any given situation.
What impact do you think/hope your work will generate?
I think we have a growing impact on the life of veterans, many find themselves in a tough spot for a short period of time and we can be there to help them out. As we grow we will be able to assist more veterans and increase the size of our grants, as well making a bigger difference in our community, state and country as a whole.
What inspires you to continue?
My sons and all of the veterans across the country. Grayson has a heart to serve, but an unfortunate medical condition has kept him from military service. My older son James serves as a Blackhawk Repairer/Aircrew member with the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, NY.
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