Turkey Time comes Early for Houston Veterans
By Maureen Dyman, Communications Director
More than 1,200 Houston-area Veterans received an early turkey dinner this week thanks to a special collaboration between the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, a group of area car dealerships and Combined Arms, a nonprofit that connects Veterans and their families with vital resources.
Hundreds of Veterans lined up on a cloudy Monday morning for a drive thru food distribution made possible by a generous donation from the Big Star Dealership Group and Texan Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. The air was filled with anticipation and gratitude as Veterans’ trunks were filled with holiday meals, complete with turkeys, sides and desserts.
Alicia, an Army Veteran from Tomball, Texas and a single mother of two, drove up with her small children, her heart heavy with worry. “I was down to just twenty-two dollars until my payday next Friday,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I didn’t know how I would provide a Thanksgiving meal for my kids. This turkey means the world to us.”
Shelita Magee, the Houston VA’s Chief of Civic Engagement, explained the significance of the donation and of supporting Veterans.
“When Big Star Dealership Group approached us with this amazing donation, we knew we had to make it happen,” she said. “Houston VA is committed to supporting our Veterans and doing whatever we can to fight food insecurity. It was amazing to see our community come together in such a profound way.”
In addition to the more than 25 Houston VA staff volunteering at the event, volunteers from numerous local Veterans organizations joined with employees from the Big Star Dealership group to ensure the large number of Veterans were served in an organized and timely manner. VA social workers went from car to car, handing out information about resources and connecting Veterans with benefits. As the line moved steadily through the event, Air Force Veteran Grant Omare got out of his car to shake the hands of every volunteer he could find as they put the meal in his trunk.
“When I got the email from the VA about this meal, I felt it was God’s answer to my prayer,” he said, with tears in his eyes. “Now I can invite my two sons over for Thanksgiving and express my thanks to the Lord for this support. I can’t thank you all enough.”
Combined Arms played a crucial role is making the event a success. John Smith, the Combined Arms Southeast Texas Regional Manager and a Marine Corps Veteran himself, jumped into action after hearing about the donation, organizing volunteers and securing a central location for the event.
“We have seen requests for food assistance surge 49 percent since the beginning of October while rent and mortgage aid requests are up 23 percent,” he said. “We are determined to support our Veterans and their families, especially over the holidays.”
The turkey giveaway not only provided meals but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among Veterans, reminding them that they are not alone. Army Veteran Michael Woodward summed up the sentiments of the day best as he drove off with a trunk full of turkey and sides.
“I just moved here last year from the east coast and I am so impressed with how the community here comes together to support Veterans,” he said. “Texas really knows how to treat us right.”