“Years
ago, [we] saw a need to help the homeless veterans, and we wanted to share the
wealth and help them. We knew we could not help them every day but around holidays
when life may get lonely,” said Mary Aurtrey. Mary is the Network Director of NAFE/
Women in Networking (WIN) and she strives to make sure her organization is
philanthropic. Veteran organizations, like HVAF, are highly regarded to the
organization she says. Mary, herself, served in the US Army from 1969-1991.
NAFE/WIN has provided meals by Cracker Barrel and served them to HVAF veterans
around Easter and Thanksgiving time. They have also participated in clothing
drives. NAFE/ WIN believes the benefits of helping veterans are seeing those
same veterans eventually help themselves. The organization likes to see the
results of what the veterans do with their lives after they leave HVAF. Sharing
stories is a way of changing a person’s life. “HVAF has been dear to my heart.
Not only because I’m a veteran, but because I enjoy helping others who cannot
help themselves. My goals are to prevent homelessness and hunger,” said Mary.
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