Vets group pulling double duty
lOOMINStOR » Army veteran John Churcher was inspired to start the group Vet Togethers eight years ago as a way to bring military veterans together — but it has since grown into so much more.
Churcher, who has lived in Leominster with his family since 1993, said prior to starting Vet Togethers his efforts revolved around helping members of the New York City fire and police de
partments following Sept. 11.
“I grew up in New York in a neighborhood with many cops and firemen, including my father and grandfather, both retired NYPD police officers,” Churcher said. “Many of the guys I grew up with or went to school with also served in the FDNY and NYPD.”
This included his childhood friend and neighbor FDNY Lt. John Ginley, who was among the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11.
“My way of helping was to get them out of New York for a weekend and give them a brief respite from searching for their brothers in the wreckage of the World Trade Center,” Churcher said. “I had contacts with hotels, restaurants and the pro sports teams that donated rooms, gift cards and tickets.”
A few years later he “changed direction” and added veterans into the mix, including veterans who joined the military as a direct result of 9/11.
“Seeing that many veterans felt isolated and alone after serving their time, many in Iraq or Afghanistan during war time, I decided to bring a few vets together every month for dinner,” Churcher said. “Almost immediately you could see the camaraderie restored, back in their own element and comfortable sharing experiences with those that could relate. Over the next few months, it grew exponentially with a clear understanding of why and an unidentified need in the veteran community. To have a catch I would say ‘ let’s vet together’ instead of ‘ let’s get together.’ Simple, but it worked.”
Fast forward several years later and Vet Togethers has become known in the area as a go-to resource and support system for veterans, as well as a way to connect with fellow veterans.
“Vet Togethers has helped vets share with each other resources that have helped them gain employment, navigate the veteran’s administration system, directed them to local veteran agents and support agencies, and assisted in times of crisis,” Churcher said. “On the social side we have taken hundreds of veterans to sporting events, comedy shows, concerts, dinners, a continued effort to restore camaraderie and to give something back. All at no cost to them.”
Churcher was active in the Army from 1981 to 1983, and in the Army reserves from 1984 to 1987. He has lived in the state since being stationed at Fort Devens in 1981, and graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1987.
Churcher said he took away a lot from his military service experience including “confidence, power of teamwork, appreciation for the blessings we have as Americans, (and) seeing the sacrifices and ultimate sacrifice made by so many for the greater good of our country.”
A GoFundMe for Vet Togethers was started three years ago and continues today. Donated funds are used to provide clothing, food, medicine, heating oil, appliance repairs, etc., to veterans in need.
“Through the generosity of donors, we are able to continue giving throughout the year when needs arise,” Churcher said. “As we got to know everyone better you would uncover their financial struggles, understanding that most veterans are too proud to ask for help. If we can’t help, we will get that veteran to an agency that can.”
One hundred percent of donations to Vet Togethers and the GoFundMe go directly to those in need. The GoFundMe is particularly useful during the holiday season, especially this year as many people face income loss and more as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year the GoFundMe is even more important as many have lost their primary or secondary jobs due to the COVID crisis, and the government stimulus has stopped,” Churcher said. “The support has also been extended to first responders, many of whom are veterans themselves … . We had to help make the holidays a joyful time.”
The GoFundMe enables Churcher and his helpers to purchase gift cards to stores such as Walmart, Target and Market Basket to distribute.
“Veterans can buy exactly what they need, like and want, versus a generic donation of food baskets or donated toys,” Churcher said. “Taking this extra step, I think, empowers them again, making simple decisions on what’s best for them and their family and making it a little more personal.”
Churcher said the reaction from recipients is “great appreciation and sometimes shock.”
“You never know when a simple gesture can prove to be such a big thing,” he said. “I’ve had many get emotional and say that no one has ever thanked them or given them anything. It’s the least we can all offer to everyone in uniform. Those who serve are often unseen but are there for us 24/7, 365 days a year.”
Vet Togethers have been there for the Leominster family of U.S. Army Pfc. Johnathan Roberge, who died Feb. 9, 2009, at 22 years old when an explosive device struck the Humvee he was driving while deployed in Iraq. “The Vet Togethers group has greatly impacted my family in so many ways,” said Roberge’s sister, Sarah Roberge. “It helped my family become more involved in the veteran community and in turn has helped us cope with my brother’s loss. The group is amazing and almost feels like a family. They welcomed us in with open arms and have offered us great emotional support.
“There have been a few times where myself or another member of my family have come across a veteran who was going through a troubled time, so we would get them in touch with John Churcher and the Vet Togethers group,” she said. “At any given time, John and the Vet Togethers group would pull together their resources and help in any way they could.” Churcher said that when people support Vet Togethers through donations or offering to help, he feels “a great sense of appreciation.”
“What I enjoy most about giving are the things money can’t buy,” he said. “A heartfelt thank you, a firm handshake, a powerful hug and a look into the heart of someone truly grateful, there is nothing like it. I am afforded these opportunities through the generous support of others; it’s a collective effort that has made this a continued success.”
For more information, email Churcher at church3161@comcast.net. Donations of gifts cards and such can be mailed to John Churcher, 31 Starling Way, Leominster, MA, 01453. To donate to the Vet Togethers GoFundMe visit gf.me/u/y7ynwm.