At ALD & Associates, we love to practice gratitude. It allows us to focus on the positive and increases our ability to find the joyful moments in life. As November is a month centered around thankfulness, we felt it would be appropriate to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have served our nation. It is no small task to keep our country safe. We would like to take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery that veterans have demonstrated throughout the United States’ history.

Here at ALD & Associates, honoring our veterans is especially near and dear to our hearts. You may know that we are a team of veterans, and are a Verified Service-Disabled Veteran and Minority Owned Small Business. In the spirit of November’s gratitude focus, we would like to spotlight five veterans who inspire us. These incredible veterans have continued to serve their country post-military in the nonprofit sector by creating diverse companies with honorable missions.

Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis – Prince William County Community Foundation 

Dr. Gattis served nearly thirty-one years in the U.S. Army before finishing out her career as a Colonel. She then went on to create the Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF). It was founded in 2018 to improve the quality of life of residents in the community. PWCCF focuses on the social, environmental, and economic health of Prince William County, VA. Dr. Gattis aims to improve the community in the areas of healthcare, education, well-being, and food insecurity.

Donnell Johns Sr. – Veterans Growing America

Donnell Johns Sr. is a former member of the Army National Guard. He realized that there was a need to help veteran-owned businesses be recognized on a larger scale, and so he created Veterans Growing America. This is an online forum for veterans and military spouses where they can showcase their businesses and increase their brand awareness. Veterans Growing America also conducts local events and aims to increase engagement with veteran businesses both in the military and civilian sectors. This non-profit is a national movement that allows veteran businesses to receive the resources and support necessary to succeed.

Christine & Ed Mason – The Patriot Cruise and Salute

Our third inspiring veteran-owned business was created by Christine and Ed Mason, two retired military officers. The couple dreamed up a wonderful charitable non-profit organization known as the Patriot Cruise and Salute. Their mission is to offer veterans, first responders, and their families a respite from the stress of their jobs. The Patriot Cruise and Salute provides a day of boating and connecting with similar families on the lovely waters of the Potomac River. The Masons have been running these cruises for seventeen years now and are proud to say that along with the serene river views and great company, guests enjoy delicious meals, live music, plenty of activities for children, and even a coin ceremony. The cruises have become a way for the community to express their gratitude to the heroes and their families who sacrifice and serve our country day in and day out.

Brett D’Alessandro – Backpacks For Life

Brett D’Alessandro served six years with the United States Marine Corps. Brett realized that there was a disconnect between military and civilian life after returning home from a difficult deployment. He found it difficult to reintegrate and struggled with the decision of going back to school, finding a civilian job, or continuing in the military. Brett happened upon an unhoused veteran on his way to a doctor’s appointment, and an idea was born. He returned to the veteran later that day with his backpack from deployment filled with warm clothes and socks. Brett realized there were many veterans nationwide who could also use backpacks of supplies, and thus Backpacks For Life was created. Brett made it his mission to serve homeless and at-risk veterans by supplying them with backpacks and a mentorship program.

Alan B. Salisbury – Code of Support Foundation 

Major General Alan B. Salisbury created the remarkable Code of Support Foundation (COSF) in 2010 after a thirty-year career in the U.S. Army. The foundation intends to make the transition from military service to civilian life a smoother and easier process for veterans. Their motto is, “They Stood For Us. Let’s Stand With Them.” COSF offers one-on-one support to struggling service members, veterans, and their families, and aims to connect them to the people and resources necessary to live a full and healthy life.

There are so many inspiring veterans and non-profit organizations; we wish we could highlight them all! We are so appreciative of all the veterans out there. ALD & Associates salutes you. Thank you, veterans!

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