Looking Back, Leaning Forward: A Thank You from Eric

As I write this, I’m just thinking about all of you. Really. I’m thinking about the noise and the laughter at the American Dream Mall on Veterans Day. I’m picturing the kids at our VR Fairy Tale event, completely lit up with wonder. And I can still feel the shared buzz in the theater when we saw Stranger Things on Broadway together.

Those moments are everything. They’re why we do this

This year, because of your incredible support, we got to be a part of some real, life changing stories. We helped a fellow veteran get new dentures, and I wish you could have seen his smile.

We walked alongside a Marine family during an unthinkably tough time after a loss. We helped multiple veterans and their families find the keys to a stable home. And just before Christmas, we filled a van with toys for an amazing chaplain in Union City, a man who spends every day making sure no veteran goes hungry.

How Your Support Helped

Health Restored

450 Veterans received critical medical care

Stability Found

51 Veterans found stable housing

Joy Delivered

4,000+ Veterans & family members attended free events

Donor Support

$550K+ In free events for veterans & families

Mobility Granted

Launched Van Force One™ for dignified transport

Trusted Navigator

188 Critical resource referrals & guidance sessions

These aren’t just items on a list. They are people. Our neighbors. Our friends.

It reminds me of a conversation I had on a podcast recently. We talked about how helping with a crisis is one thing, but healing… healing often happens somewhere else. It happens in the joy. It happens when a kid looks at their mom or dad during a fun day out and remembers, “My parent is my hero.” It happens when a veteran who’s been feeling alone walks into a room and instantly knows, “I belong here.”

That’s the heart of it. We handle the urgent needs, absolutely. But we also build the connections that make life worth living again.

So, what’s next?

In 2026, we want to create more of those connections. Our big goal is simple: more free events, all across New Jersey. We’ve seen how powerful a single day of joy can be, and we want to bring that to more families in more towns.

We can only do this with you. If these stories from the past year mean something to you, I invite you to help us write the next chapter.

Will you help us bring more joy and connection to New Jersey veterans and their families in 2026?

Every single gift helps us plan another event, reach another family, and create another memory that heals.

Donate Today

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of our family. I am so grateful for this community.

With sincere gratitude,