Employee spotlight

Rex Miller is one of our Transportation Specialists, and he’s been doing his job to the fullest for almost 2 years. Rex began at HVAF while we were in the midst of growth. He enjoys the freedom of the road and is helping make a difference for the veterans we serve.

Where are you from?

“I grew up on the southeast side of Indianapolis near the Marion County Fairgrounds. My entire family of 7 siblings and I would go to the fairgrounds often. My grandparents grew up on what was a stereotypical Midwest farm and raised cattle and grew wheat and corn.”

Rex Miller, Transportation Specialist at HVAF

How did you get started at HVAF?

“When I left my job as a truck driver for 30 years I was looking for work. I applied to over 5 places in the Indianapolis area, including HVAF. HVAF always stood out, because I respected what they did in helping veterans. I think HVAF is doing something good in the world.

What’s your favorite thing about working here?

My job doesn’t just have me on the road. I go into food pantries, grocery stores and big-box chain stores. I like the variety and not knowing what the next day holds. Plus, I get to meet veterans from all walks of life who simply need a helping hand. 

Dow AgroSciences on giving back to veterans

On May 10, volunteers with Dow AgroSciences’ Veterans Action Group created an herb garden at HVAF’s Manchester property. The group, made up of current and former service members, also trimmed hedges at HVAF’s headquarters and placed large planters outside the front door filled with colorful flowers.

Dow AgroSciences is an agricultural company that supports community initiatives as well as sustainable agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education.

Dow AgroSciences with veterans at HVAF

“We felt that a beautification project along with a vegetable garden fit well into these areas,” says Bradley Hemmick, operations on-boarding specialist at Dow AgroSciences. “The vegetable garden along with a class on horticulture will give some of the clients at HVAF new skills and hopefully a new passion for gardening, which we hope that they can enjoy and put to good use.”

The group’s volunteer work allowed maintenance staff at HVAF to use their resources in other areas.

“We are fortunate for their efforts,” says HVAF’s Director of Maintenance Randen Miller. “Their work left a lasting impression while giving new life to our building and adding a spring touch to our properties.” 

A vision for something better

Baptist Academy sent 15 seventh grade students to HVAF on May 12 to sort and stock donations for distribution to veterans in need. Students say they did not know much about HVAF before volunteering but the project gave them a greater awareness of homelessness among the veteran population in Indianapolis.

(Zeke Brown and Zach Ownsy (Left to right)

“I feel like they have given a lot to us and this is the least we can do,” says Zach, whose grandfather served in the U.S. Army.

Harold Thomas, an academy teacher and the field-trip sponsor, says that HVAF is one of several nonprofits the group of students would visit during its day of service.

“It is nice seeing the kids work together as they develop a heart of compassion for helping others,” says Harold.

Veterans join neighbors for community day

HVAF’s recovery program veterans participated in the 34th annual St. Joseph Historical Neighborhood Cleanup on May 3. The group of 10 veterans bagged leaves and picked up debris with their neighbors.

“The veterans provide so much more than a helping hand,” says President of the St. Joseph Neighborhood Association Garry Chilluffo. “We enjoy hearing their life experiences, getting them to open up a bit, and sharing in their visions and goals in life.”

St. Joseph Neighborhood Association Cleanup

Because of the extra help from our veterans, 120 bags with debris were collected along Alabama Street between 10th and 11th Streets.

“Despite having faced challenges of homelessness, it is heartening to see that they carry a sense of humor through it all,” adds Garry. “I think that speaks volumes to the work of HVAF and the impact on their recovery process."

HVAF in the news

In the news: HVAF receives national news coverage

Military Times recently featured HVAF Case Managers Rachel Brown and Gretchen Hiller and their work with homeless veterans in Shelbyville. Click over to the article to read about how HVAF is helping veterans do more with less.

http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140527/BENEFITS04/305270036/Advocates-homeless-vets-prepare-do-more-less