News
News Release
BBQ & Celebration for Military Families
HARRISBURG, August 1, 2006 — Veterans Resource Central (VRC) hosted a BBQ & Celebration for deployed families at the Naval Support Activity, in Mechanicsburg. The event was held Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 12:00 – 4:30 pm and included welcoming remarks, a BBQ, a variety of games and prizes for adults and children.
The afternoon BBQ brought together 40 people including families from various military branches to provide the spouses with an opportunity for community. “The BBQ & Celebration lifted up and provided support to families as well as recognized and honored our local military families for their sacrifices. Deployments cause emotional strain on families and we wanted them to come and enjoy this event” says Frank Piacine, VRC FamilyCenter Committee Chair. “We are grateful for the continuing support from the Hemlock Girl Scout Council, Mechanicsburg Vietnam Veterans, and all of the VRC's volunteers. We also wish to give many thanks to Karns for underwriting the event and to Commerce Bank, Duquesne University, Hampton Township Recreation, Halo Hair Design, Hecht’s Dept Store (Harrisburg Mall), Inspired Nutrition, Juice and Java, Sass Salon, WRVV and WRBT radio stations who provided giveaway items for the families.”
The VRC holds periodic events to show appreciation to families and children for their sacrifices by providing them with unique experiences, benefits and other positive outcomes. Often overlooked, the families of deployed service men and women are coping with unique challenges and significant changes at home. The long and stressful deployments are similar to running a marathon…over time the families wear down or care providers become exhausted. VRC encourages more civic organizations to support the needs of these families. Our FamilyCenter services include support resources such as childcare, legal and financial services to name a few.
According to John Carrigan, VRC president, “Our primary mission is to help returning veterans by providing career counseling and job placement assistance.” The organization’s kickoff event was held in October 2005. The VRC partnered with an Eagle scout to collect and assemble donations for 330 individual boxes sent to the 101st Airborne in Iraq. Additional events included Harrisburg’s Holiday Parade, a VFW Christmas party, an Easter celebration and Summer Movie nights. For information on the VRC FamilyCenter, contact Frank Piacine at 717-991-3984.
About Veterans Resource CentralVeterans Resource Central (VRC) is the leading organization for family support, career counseling, job placement assistance and business networking for returning veterans in Pennsylvania. VRC is a Harrisburg-based, non-profit group whose primary mission is to provide career counseling and job placement assistance to returning veterans as well assistance to deployed families. The organization strives to serve Pennsylvania veterans from all military branches. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the VRC call (717) 221- 1360 or visit www.veteransresourcecentral.org
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Contact: Jeanne LowingBeneVis Marketing
717-939-0214
jlowing@benevismarketing.com