Freedom is the epitome of earthly salvation in a world of ever-growing tyranny. Those who protect our American freedoms, namely, people in the United States military, experience various difficulties after their dedicated service. Luckily, members of the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, committed their lives to protect our veterans.
Founded in 1980, the VMC was established to address the multiple needs of Vietnam Veterans. During the Vietnam War, The United States (U.S.) military used chemicals, called rainbow herbicides, on its opponents; this was what the U.S. had called Operation Ranchhand, aiming to destroy the South-Vietnamese countryside (“History”). This tactic, however, backfired. Over 2.5 million veterans returning from Vietnam started to report cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, and skin diseses in increasing numbers (“Veterans”). As one of the first veteran service providers in the eastern U.S., the VMC cared for these veterans and supported their every need.
More recently, the VMC expanded their support for veterans by establishing a permanent home for them. Ryan Sager, the Service Coordinator at the new veteran facility, stated the significance of this acquisition: “In the Vietnam War era, Edison High School, located in Philadelphia, had 64 students who went to Vietnam and 64 who did not return, a loss of more students to Vietnam casualties than any other school in America.” In honor of their service, the VMC established the Edison-64 Veteran Community to house, care for, and provide meal services for veterans.
The VMC still serves veterans from Vietnam, as well as those from service in Iran, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, and others who need assistance of any kind. Today, as described by Jaclynn Ries, the Director of Client Services, the VMC is considered a “one-stop-shop for veteran services” due to the expansiveness of their services: they have the Veterans Administration (VA) colocated on their second floor, provide housing services, provide meals and clothing, and offer benefits counseling. In addition, they help with substance abuse, mental health issues, and vocational training.
Along with providing meals and other basic needs to local veterans, the VMC offers an environment where veterans can retreat to and not feel isolated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a place where veterans can interact with one another and participate in activities to stabilize any mental health issues they may be facing. The COVID-19 pandemic has created isolation for everyone, but veterans, especially, have faced detrimental effects. They need comradery with one another; without it, increased risks of mental health issues can become triggering for many, which may result in severe depression. Providing a short-term home for veterans is therefore crucial for interaction among them to maintain mental health.
The pandemic has not only affected veterans but also the entire VMC community. According to Joe Brooks, the Executive Director of the VMC, it has affected the amount that corporations can give and the number of resources available to help other veterans. They need dedicated citizens to make a difference in the lives of the most disadvantaged veterans. If you visit https://vmcenter.org, you can take action in the form of a donation, volunteering, or buying supplies needed on the front lines of COVID. You can make a difference in the lives of veterans throughout the entire tri-state area!
And so, because our freedom was never free, we reflect on how we can show our support. The VMC exists solely to “serve those who served” this great nation, our veterans (“VMC”). The VMC has always provided services, programs, opportunities, and advancements to veterans of the U.S. military and their families and will continue to do so for centuries to come. Therefore, the freedom to enjoy our time as we please and engage in a democracy would not be possible without our veterans and the nonprofit that sustains those in need: the VMC.
