Veterans Are Being Offered A Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Grace Palo
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Thanksgiving is a day to pause and give thanks for what we have and appreciate those in our lives. That’s why the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Veterans Forever Soldiers are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for our community’s veterans.

Veterans who find themselves homeless, at-risk for homelessness, underemployed, hungry or just in need of friends and fellowship are welcome to attend this event. This is a way that the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Veterans Forever Soldiers are trying to promote the resources that are available to veterans who may be in need of a little extra support, while also fostering both friendship and creating a happy, family holiday atmosphere.

The organizations are hoping to reach more veterans this year than in their previous years, expanding both the network of veterans within themselves as well as helping more. Last year, there were about 76 veterans and their families that attended the event and this year they are hoping to increase that number significantly.

Veterans Forever Soldiers offers this meal as “one way of saying thanks to Veterans who otherwise would not have a meal and comrades to share it with,” said Judith Smith, President and CEO.

The Thanksgiving meal will take place at the VA Community Resource and Referral Center, 1500 Franklin Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. between 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The honor, respect and care for Veterans in transition continue beyond Thanksgiving Day. The VA Community Resource and Referral Center is a 24/7 hub to combat homelessness among Veterans by offering health care, housing and employment counseling, laundry and shower facilities as well resources and social services.