U.S. Vets: Serving The Community

For the last 15 years, a team of volunteers from Canyon Ridge has partnered together to serve meals to U.S. Veterans in Las Vegas. Right before the pandemic hit, Anthony was approached with the opportunity to lead the team. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into—I just knew I was a vet, so I wanted an opportunity to serve other Vets.” Anthony has valued investing in this community, and getting to know the diverse group gathered to serve: some vets, some the children of Vets, and some who simply want to help those who have served our country.

MEET THE TEAM

Mariz’s “heart is always for the vets.” Her daughter served in the military for eight years, and her husband served for 20 years. Having moved around so often, Mariz found it difficult to be a part of something consistently. When her husband retired in 2021, she fully stepped into being a part of the local church and community. After she heard about the U.S. Vets group, she immediately started volunteering. “I told myself, ‘This is what my calling is, and I want to serve the vets and bring more people with me.’” At Mariz’s invitation, her women’s group is now committed to serving with her!

Blessing is one of those who came with Mariz! She first encountered the women’s group thanks to Maria, before making her way to serve the U.S. Vets. “When I first came here, I was 20-years-old with a two-year-old, completely alone." After connecting with Mariz, a new partnership formed with a common purpose. Ever since then, she’s been volunteering and cultivating meaningful friendships! Ever since then, she’s been volunteering and cultivating meaningful friendships! As someone who is currently on active duty and has family members who have served, she says, “U.S. Vets is really important to me... giving back is the least I can do.”

Bill and Joyce Hawkins have been serving U.S. Vets for years. “I’ve been feeding the vets down here for about 15 years or so with a bunch of different people. They come, and they go—[both] the veterans and volunteers. And we enjoy doing it; that’s why we’re back.” Although Bill and Joyce have never served in the military, this is the way they give back, and they truly enjoy doing it alongside others. They are witness to the many stories that have emerged simply because of their faithfulness to the group.

The hours spent praying, preparing, serving, and sharing meals with vets help create a space for meaningful connection. As Anthony puts it: “We might be the only Jesus they see.”