OKEECHOBEE — Our Village recently announced the start of a Mission United — a system of care for veterans and their families.

Executive Director Leah Suarez said the new mission already has pledges of $85.000. They have a donor from out of town who pledged to match all donations up to $50,000, so Suarez encourages the community to contribute to this worthy cause. The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary donated $10,000, and a donor from Michigan pledged $25,000. The more donations they receive, the more veterans they will be able to help.

One of the many things they will do is to hire a project manager. Suarez said they already have a fund set up to help with veteran needs such as ramps, bathroom remodels, etc. this fund can be utilized to help Gregg Maynard and Wade Hunt as they meet these needs in our community.

Our Village has already designated space in their office for Mission United and plans an official formal launch for Nov. 1. “We will have a big event out at Camp Impact,” said Suarez.

Mission United started in Broward County in November 2023. Its focus is to connect service members, veterans, first responders and their families to essential services and resources.  Though it is now in eight different regions of Florida, there is not one near Lake Okeechobee or the Treasure Coast. Their website states, “Overall, Mission United represents a concerted effort to improve the lives of those who have served and continue to serve, ensuring they have access to the necessary support systems.” The closest office is in West Palm, but representatives from Our Village have been travelling to Broward County for help in getting things started in our area.

The next Community Engagement meeting, which is open to the public, will be held on July 23 at 11 a.m. at the main office of Our Village located at 205 NE 2nd St. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of the process. For information, call 863 447-0473.