WIVB News story
Ch 4 Buffalo covered the Operation Tom fundraiser kick-off
THIS ISN'T JUST A FUNDRAISER
It's a story about what happens when we decide that service, friendship and responsibility to one another don't end when the uniform comes off.
MEET TOM
Tom is a Vietnam veteran facing significant health, mobility and everyday living challenges that have made maintaining his independence increasingly difficult.
But Tom's story isn't simply about hardship. It's about friendship — and what happened when one fellow veteran decided Tom wasn't going to face it alone.
HE FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM.
NOW WE'RE SHOWING UP FOR HIS.
Independence can mean something as simple as getting to an appointment, buying groceries, leaving your home or knowing someone will show up when you need them.
INDEPENDENCE
Operation Tom began with one veteran and one friendship. Our first mission is to help Tom regain his independence, improve his quality of life, and ensure he has the practical support and community around him that he deserves.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS
Every contribution directly improves Tom's daily life, helping him stay connected and cared for in the home he loves. But you can help in other ways too.
SUPPORT OTHERS LIKE TOM
We want Operation Tom to become a bridge between veterans who may be isolated or without friends or family and community members who want to make a difference. That might mean “adopting” a veteran the way we have Tom, becoming a consistent presence in their life, or simply offering friendship, companionship, a meal, a ride, or time together from time to time.
LONG-TERM SUPPORT AND AWARENESS
The longer-term vision is to create opportunities for veterans to support other veterans, particularly those living with the lasting effects of combat-related PTSD. Through peer connection, education and advocacy, we hope to help veterans feel less alone, encourage them to seek support, and understand the invisible wounds that can remain long after military service ends.
WANT TO HELP?
Whether you'd like to support Operation Tom, offer a service, share a resource or become part of our mission to reach and care for other Veterans in need, we'd love to hear from you.