VFW Post 720 opens renovated space as veterans navigation center
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Summary
VFW Post 720 in Phoenix held a morning ribbon-cutting to open a renovated space intended as a navigation center to connect veterans with services, with local officials and community groups providing donations and support.
VFW Post 720 in Phoenix held a morning ribbon-cutting to open a renovated space the post will use as a navigation center to connect veterans with services, organizers said.
The center is intended to provide navigation to benefits and basic needs such as food, clothing and referrals to other services. "After that, everybody goes to work ... utilizing the space ... to take care of veterans and anybody else for that matter," said Commander Pat Romero.
The announcement drew remarks from Elected and nonprofit partners who described the renovation as a community effort. Councilwoman Fazor said navigation and connectivity to services are a top priority for veterans, saying, "Navigation services are the most important to veterans to connect." Tara Shad, founder and executive director of Home Copy Programs, urged veterans who need help to use the site: "You are not alone," she said.
Joe Dora, veteran service officer for Maricopa VFW Post 720, said the post has a long history of local service and thanked the city office of Councilwoman Laura Pastore for assistance. "This post has been continuously helping the communities for over a hundred and 3 years now," Dora said, and added that the post will "be open for business" after the ribbon-cutting.
Organizers listed a mix of individual and organizational donors who contributed to the renovation and supplies, including the Labor Community Service Agency, Rebecca Friend, Sam Mittelstad, Jennifer Radick, Laura Trujillo, Saks Tierney law firm, Marcia Lynn, Vet Link, Hocky Hunkapi Farms and Anne Radick. Pat Romero noted he is completing two consecutive years as commander and that Roger Verzone will assume command.
Speakers and organizers framed the space as a place where veterans can obtain help navigating federal and local benefits, and access immediate needs before connecting to longer-term supports. The ribbon-cutting concluded with the post declared open and staff and volunteers prepared to begin offering services to veterans, organizers said.