A Commitment to Our Veterans

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”- Abraham Lincoln

Across White County, there are hundreds of veterans who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Each has a story. Each carries experiences that shape not only their own lives, but the strength of our community as a whole.

At your Community Foundation of White County, honoring those stories begins with listening. Over the past year, we have spent time connecting with local veterans, hearing directly about their experiences, and learning more about both the challenges they face and the strengths they bring to our community.

In partnership with TPMA Consulting Group, this work included community listening sessions, conversations with local leaders, and a deeper look at available resources and gaps in support. The result was a comprehensive veteran report that is now helping guide individuals and organizations working to better serve those who have served us.

One thing became clear through this process. White County is home to a strong and deeply committed network of people who care about veterans. At the center of that work is our local Veteran Service Office. Their team continues to go above and beyond, walking alongside veterans and their families while helping connect them to the resources they need. Their leadership is not only making a difference locally but is also helping shape efforts across the state of Indiana.

This commitment is also reflected in the Foundation’s grantmaking. Over the years, we have supported projects that create spaces for connection, provide basic needs, and honor the service of local veterans. The Brookston American Legion has received multiple grants to improve its facilities, creating a safer and more welcoming space. In Reynolds, the local VFW has been working to reenergize its presence, including the addition of a new pavilion that brings families and community members together.

Other efforts have focused on reaching veterans who may be more isolated. Grants have supported food box programs for those who are homebound or facing food insecurity. We have also partnered with local schools to establish memorials that ensure the stories and sacrifices of veterans are remembered by the next generation.

This year, that commitment continues in a meaningful way. With the Foundation and its Women Giving Together fund bringing The Wall That Heals to White County, our community will have the opportunity to gather, reflect, and honor those whose names are etched in history.

For many, The Wall That Heals represents something deeply personal. It offers a space to remember, to grieve, and to find connection. For others, it is a moment to learn and to better understand the lasting impact of service and sacrifice.

We invite our community to experience The Wall That Heals here at home. The exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, bearing more than 58,000 names of those who never returned from the war. Alongside it, the Mobile Education Center offers deeper insight into the Vietnam War and honors those Vietnam veterans who have passed in the years since coming home. Whether you come to reflect, to learn, or to honor someone you love, this is a powerful opportunity to be part of something meaningful. If you feel called to get involved, there are many ways to do so. You can volunteer, become a sponsor, honor a veteran, participate in a guided tour, or help share this experience with others. We welcome you to reach out and join us in this important work.