Gerard Raymond

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2021

Remembering Gerard Raymond, a U.S. Army Veteran that served during WWII from March 11, 1943 to March 16, 1946. Gerard fought in England, France, Holland, Germany and Austria. He also fought at the Battle of the Bulges!Gerard was a Tanker in the 8th Armored Division, 88th Recon Company, E Troop. He was in an M8 tank firing 75 Howitzers. Gerard has trouble hearing most conversations due to the loud nature of firing/ operating a tank and requires hearing aids. Although he could tell you what he had for lunch every day, one of his most vivid memories is going to Hitler's eagle nest after the war ended. He remembers his building in the Austrian mountains, having an elevator to his bedroom. He recounts seeing a rug on Hitler's bedroom floor that had apparently been chewed by Hitler after his suspected loss of mental faculties.

Brandon Tinkham

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2020

Brandin is a 173rd Airborne Army Veteran. He served in Afghanistan in the Korangal Valley From '08-'12

Paul Felice

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2020

Paul is a Navy Veteran. He served in the Small Crafts Provisions From '76-80'

THE ORTEGA FAMILY

Richard and Angelina Ortega from Ortega's Blueberries in Frutiport, MI. Thank you for your service Richard!Richard was born in Texas and came to Michigan with his family in 1946. He became interested in farming because of the family apple business and became interested in growing blueberries because of that. Richard began farming in 1990 with 18 acres and now currently farms 56 acres and leases 11 acres. After discharging from the Army in 1967, Richard became interested in architectural engineering. He began his working career as a draftsman for American Seating Company and was the Assistant Project Engineer at the time of his departure 13 years later. From there, he began his career with Meijer, Inc., where he retired after ten years as the Project Coordinator for New Store Conceptual.Richard and his wife Angelina have five children and have lived in Grand Rapids since 1967. Richard tries to make the best out of any situation. He believes everyone must work with what they have, go forth from there and make it the best they can.

Nate Witkowski

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2021

Nate is an Army Veteran. Nate deployed twice to Afghanistan while serving from '09-16'

Chris Aldrich

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2022

Chris served in the military, US ARMY, for 10.5 years. He served during Iraqi Freedom, was in many other units, then ended with unit 1-2 ATTACK. He was wounded in combat and fought for his disability. He has four children, three of which lost their disabled army veteran mother to cancer. Now they are in need of housing and food.

Brent Hazen

Recipient of Our Verterands Outreach Program 2022

Brent served for 20 years as a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force.He owned a tuxedo business for 36 years until his back surgery caused him to move on from his business. Brent likes to give back in all ways possible like allowing over 20 Foreign exchange students to live with throughout the years so they could get to experience our country. Even post back surgery, Brent continues to go out of his way to help others.