D6 | WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE
HONORING OUR VETERANS
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Help on the homefront Willmar-area nonprofit lending a hand to military members and their families BY SHELBY LINDRUD
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West Central Tribune
t can be a very difficult time when a military family member deploys. Not only is there worry about the safety of the individual, but back home it can be a challenge to keep everything running smoothly without the assistance and paycheck from the person deployed. That is why Homefront Connection was formed over a decade ago — to be on hand to assist the family of the region’s deployed military members. “We had some real busy years when our unit was deployed,” said Dick Reitsma, board president of Homefront Connection. “We were there to help out any way we could.” The group of volunteers helps military families with yard work, car repairs, replacing appliances, picking up after storms and more. The non-profit group would usually be contacted by the unit when a family needed assistance. “Just a lot of things these people experienced when their loved ones were gone,” Reitsma said.
Ron Adams / West Central Tribune file photo HomeFront Connection volunteers have helped military members, their families and veterans for 12 years in and around the Willmar region. When loved ones are deployed, Homefront Connection will help the families with chores and repairs. Back in 2011, volunteers helped paint this Willmar house for a military family.
As the rates of deployment slowed in the latter half of the decade, Homefront Connection turned its attention to another worthy group of people who could sometimes use a helping hand.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune Hockey players with the Willmar WarHawks make quick work while cleaning up debris at the home of Terrell Myllenbeck near New London on Friday, Oct.14, 2022.
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VETERANS DAY RESPECT | HONOR | GRATITUDE In honor of those who have selflessly given and valiantly served our nation, WE THANK YOU. Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative
THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. WE HONOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. WWW.WCSTEEL.COM
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