This month, HVAF and Group Mission Trips partnered together to further help Hoosier Veterans. Group Mission Trips (GMT) is a nonprofit faith-based organization that offers service experiences that further build a person’s relationship with a higher faith. For four days, a group of 25 teenagers from Clemmons, North Carolina gave back to HVAF and its veterans.
One volunteer, Victoria Lopez, was very excited to be part of this mission trip. Not only was this her first travel mission trip, but it also fell on her 17th birthday. “Everyone in my group was super excited to be assigned HVAF,” said Lopez. “Because we all know a veteran in some way, and wanted to give back to them.”
Lopez’s grandpa served in Vietnam, and her step-father assisted with clean up after Pearl Harbor. When asked why volunteering is important to her, Lopez said, “It sets an example to others of how we should be, and to show your community that you care without getting anything in return.”
Her favorite experience at the time of the interview, was cleaning up the kitchen in one of HVAF’s transitional houses. “It’s exciting knowing that veterans have a fresh and updated space to use now,” said Lopez. We at HVAF of Indiana are grateful for people like Lopez and organizations like GMT. Their dedication and passion are great reminders of how we can always help others.
