Vets 4 Vets Connects

By Dean Kaufman

I am writing to share a story about how our Veteran Connect program is making a difference to our local veterans and their families.

A primary purpose of Vets 4 Vets is to break isolation and give veterans a chance to connect and have a good time.

In late July, Vets 4 Vets resumed its member activities through our Veterans Connect program. Since then we have played disc golf, hiked, and had a Cornhole tournament.

These events inspired laughter, camaraderie and good conversation. All of these things are important to the mental health and well being of our veterans and our Santa Cruz community.

Two weeks ago, our Cornhole tournament drew 17 participants ready to play, including 3 new veterans. We gathered at VFW Post 7263 and began tossing the bags at 6:30 p.m. Dean Kaufman, an Army vet, defeated Tom Holmes, a volunteer with V4V and finished the tournament with a win.

Pizza was donated by Woodstock’s Pizza and drinks were provided by Vets 4 Vets. Post VFW 7263 donated the venue.

Our Veterans Connect program is helping veterans get together, be outdoors and have a great time.

Thank you for caring about the mental health of veterans. If you would like to help a veteran by volunteering, see www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/new-page or if you would like to donate see www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/donate

Thank you for being part of this community.

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Dean Kaufmann is founder and board member of Vets 4 Vets, which plans a Veteran’s Day event Nov. 11, a bowling tournament fundraiser on Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. and noon at Boardwalk Bowl and a holiday potluck in December. For information, see www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/