Can you believe Home of the Brave is celebrating its 10 year anniversary? Thanks to our corporate sponsors, we were able to support veterans in 131 VA Hospitals across 46 states, plus Washington D.C.! From Hawaii to Alaska to Florida and the states in between, we are so proud of the Veterans Day support.

Soldiers’ Angels Home of the Brave campaign works directly with the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) and corporate partners to provide employees and employers the opportunity to show their gratitude for veterans on or around Veterans Day. This year’s efforts included handing out cinch bags with swag and much-needed supplies, such as hygiene kits, special events, coffee and donuts, luncheons, and other exciting ways to show appreciation for veterans. Here are some highlights.

Celebration in San Antonio

Peraton employees in San Antonio hosted a walk-up event for Veterans/Inpatients at the VA Hospital. They handed out box lunches, cinch bags, and other goodies and had live music for guests to enjoy. It was a great day!

Sweet Treats in Michigan

Veterans at the Battle Creek VA Hospital were treated to dessert and warm smiles from employees of Bristol Myers Squibb. The ice cream social was well received!

Goodie Bags in Chicago

Volunteers from Republic Services held a Packing Party, packing 250 cinch bags for the Jesse Brown VAMC in Chicago, Illinois. The bags contained hygiene kits, no-sew blankets, and snacks. Volunteers from their team helped make the blankets, some created them at home beforehand and some were put together at the Packing Party event.

“I wish you all could see the smiles on the Veterans’ faces when we give them these care packages!” – Don Jackson (Jesse Brown VAMC)

Pizza Party in Seattle

In Seattle, Washington, volunteers from Bristol Myers Squibb collaborated with Soldiers’ Angels representatives and VA Puget Sound Health Care System to create a special day for veterans at the VA. The team gathered t-shirts, baseball caps, Home of the Brave recognition cards, and printed cinch bags, and distributed these gifts throughout the hospital.

“When Soldiers’ Angels representative Sharon Chafin presented some of the Home of the Brave appreciation gifts to Army Veteran Busi Seba, he accepted the items and quietly said, ‘I received a care package from Soldiers’ Angels when I was serving in Iraq. They also connected me to a pen pal. Thank you.’

Dinner Delivery in Chillicothe

Meanwhile, in Chillicothe, Ohio, volunteers passed out cinch bags full of goodies, paracord bracelets, and No Sew Blankets to the inpatients at the Chillicothe VA. They had pizza and ice cream sundaes delivered to the units for dinner!

In-person Visits in Temple

Volunteers had a great time supporting Veterans in Temple, Texas, bringing them lunch and thank you gifts.

“We enjoyed our HOTB event! We passed out our cinch bags in an assembly line style along with lunch from Jason’s Deli! The Veterans were very grateful that we were there! Soldiers’ Angels were the first volunteers since Covid that were allowed in the patient’s rooms! The Veterans were so thankful for the blankets we made for them and for the interaction with Soldiers’ Angels! What a blessing it is to give back to our Veterans!” – Tasha Scantling, Central Texas VA Health Care System

Room Service with a Smile in Omaha

In Omaha, Nebraska, volunteers from Bristol Myers Squibb spent the day going floor to floor delivering goodies and thanking Veterans at the Omaha VA Hospital.

“Many commented we brightened their day with the t-shirts, popcorn, and cookies. It was a memorable day and to be able to give back a little bit to those who gave so much for us and our country was incredibly meaningful. Already looking forward to next year’s Home of the Brave events.” – Melanie Moore

Party in Tuscaloosa

Volunteers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama threw a Veteran appreciation event and pulled out all the stops with food, games, and goodie bags.

“We filled the cinch bags with snacks, playing cards, and bandanas and they were a huge hit! Seven volunteers from our Cardiovascular Sales District traveled from all parts of Alabama to attend this event. We served the residents cupcakes and refreshments and had tables for the hygiene kits, cinch bags, tshirts, and hats. We also played games with the residents. We had so much fun conducting a cakewalk at our festivals –the smiles and laughter were priceless! We played corn hole, threw footballs and putted on the putting green. We were fortunate to engage with the attendees and that was the greatest gift to the volunteers. We were called a breath of fresh air! The event lasted two hours and it was over in a blink-we plan to hold the event for longer hours next year-but since this was our first event, we were unsure. The event unquestionably was a major success and we cannot wait to participate next year!!!!! This is a gift to the volunteers as much it was for the residents and attendees.” – Kimberly

Patient support in Palo Alto

Volunteers from Xerox and Bristol Myers Squibb in Palo Alto, California spread cheer to patients at Palo Alto VA.

“We had employees from Bristol Myers Squibb and Xerox both attending the volunteer day. We filled cinch bags with t-shirts, caps, hygiene kits, stress balls, and water bowls for pets. We were able to talk to outpatient Veterans as they were coming in. It was an amazing experience.” – Azita Taylor, Bristol Myers Squibb

This is just a smattering of events that happened across the country in honor of Veterans Day. Check out our Facebook album for more. Thanks again to this year’s sponsors!

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