For nearly two decades, the Service Guild has made it a tradition to honor the veterans who are part of the Ohio Valley Goodwill family with a home-cooked meal and heartfelt appreciation.
The annual Veterans Day Luncheon began in 2008 when a former Service Guild member recognized an opportunity to do something special for the veterans living in Ohio Valley Goodwill’s on-site, 15-bed veterans dorm for those experiencing homelessness. Her idea was simple: prepare a home-cooked meal to show these veterans how much they are appreciated. That thoughtful gesture has grown into one of our most cherished annual traditions.
Each year, the Service Guild ladies go all out, preparing a feast complete with homemade rolls, ham, delicious sides and homemade cookies. The luncheon brings together current residents of the veterans dorm and Ohio Valley Goodwill employees who have served in the military for an afternoon of good food, fellowship and recognition during the week of Veterans Day.
Led by President Sue Burreson, the Service Guild continues to make this special gathering possible year after year. Their generosity and dedication ensure our veterans feel celebrated, appreciated and never forgotten.
An especially meaningful part of the luncheon is the presentation of the annual Ohio Valley Goodwill Veteran of the Year Award, which recognizes a veteran not only for their military service, but also for their resilience, personal growth, perseverance and positive impact on the dorm community.
This year’s recipient was Donald Elliott, a current resident of the veteran’s dorm. Tabetha Brown, manager of the veteran’s dorm, presented Donald with the award and recognized the example he sets through his attitude, actions and commitment to himself and those around him. Along with the recognition, Donald received a $100 check from the Service Guild.
As Tabetha shared during the presentation, strength isn’t always about having everything figured out. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, trying again, supporting those around you and refusing to give up on yourself. Donald embodies that spirit, and we are proud to celebrate how far he has come and the person he continues to become.
We are incredibly grateful to Sue Burreson and the entire Service Guild for keeping this tradition alive since 2008. Their kindness, countless hours in the kitchen and commitment to our veterans make this luncheon so much more than a meal. It’s a reminder that our veterans are valued members of the Ohio Valley Goodwill family.
Thank you to the Service Guild for making this special day possible and for reminding our veterans just how much they mean to us.