On Sunday November 9th, Gardner Elks Lodge #1426 hosted its’ now annual Veterans Day Ceremony, honoring those who have served within our community. This year, the featured speaker was Marine Corps veteran and MVOC Program Manger Garrett Foley, who delivered a powerful message about reaching out for help and lifting one another up through continued service.
Foley is a combat veteran who served honorably from June 2001-June 2005. Currently, he supports his fellow vets through his Program Manager role MVOC’s Unity House, which provides housing and supportive services to homeless and high risk veterans. Said Foley in his keynote, “Resilience isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting up, again and again, and reaching a hand to the next person while you do it. That’s what makes this community so powerful.” To support his message, additional MVOC staff and residents showed up to carry flags and witness the ceremony.
In his closing words he shared, “So today, on Veterans Day, I just want to say this: to every veteran here, thank you — not just for what you did in uniform, but for what you keep doing every day. Whether you’re helping your community, being a good parent, showing up for a friend, or simply pushing through a tough morning — that’s service too.”
MVOC wishes a happy Veteran’s Day to all our veterans, and as always a special Welcome Home to our Vietnam Veterans.
