July 2022 Newsletter
Welcome to the first Salutes for Veterans
newsletter written by me (Kevin). It was about 5 years ago that I first met
Toni and Ben, who founded this organization. I remember asking
Toni if she was crazy when she described what she wanted to do in
founding Salutes. I had taken care of my 100%
disabled father for the last few years of his life and it was a sacrifice
that I do not regret. I was just trying to make sure she was serious. She
said she really had a calling to do this so I told her we were on board!
Salutes For Veterans is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
Fast forward a year or two and Salutes was born from this vision. Fast forward to January of 2021 and The Battery Station moved into the same building and began more serious help with the shelter. Now in the spring of 2022, we are stepping up to try and fill the shoes of Ben and Toni and continue to build this needed enterprise. I make no issue of believing that God has been in this since day one. We are supposed to be here and do our best to bless others as the Lord has blessed us.
Veterans are still first priority for Salutes. We value everyone the same but this was founded as a homeless Veterans shelter. As there have been fewer local veterans here, we have opened up the shelter to assist those from other programs as space and resources permit. I describe us as steps 7, 8, and 9 of a ten step process to achieve one’s goal, whatever they may be. When you hit 10, you win. You have your own place, job, or other goal. We are not in the position to deal with fresh addictions/alcohol issues, etc. I call those steps 1, 2, 3, etc.
Our new board consists of people from various fields including medical, law enforcement, ministry, business, and military. We hope to continue to have Toni help us as we move forward and continue to grow what she started for the good of the community. We are excited about the future and all the ideas we would like to make reality. We want to add more activities and ways for people staying here to get a GED or take a college course. We do not want to simply be a roof over their head. We want to help them achieve goals that better them as people so they can then also help others.
Our needs continue to be financial (as always for utilities, repairs and general bills), non-perishable foods, and your continued prayers. If anyone has any questions about Salutes, please direct any questions to me. We are continuing to help anyone we can. Thank you for your support as we press onward.
Our family here has a heart to help others. We cannot take any material thing with us when we die. What matters is how we impact the lives of others during our time here. I consider the people who stay here my extended family and care about them. Please keep us all in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Kevin B Falkner CEO/Chairman