Disaster Response
VCR’s disaster response program engages veterans in meaningful service both locally and globally to help them rediscover a sense of purpose. After building knowledge and fellowship through certified training, our veterans are once again mission ready to respond to a diverse set of community needs.
For example, when fires ravaged the Pacific Northwest in August of 2015 and 2023, VCR took immediate action to aid affected populations and communities. Our volunteers assembled supplies and team up with local and national agencies.
Today, VCR team members continue to serve in local wildfire prevention as well as worldwide humanitarian efforts in conjunction with All Hands and Hearts. Disaster response is an integral part of our mission to help veterans rediscover their tribe while healing the internal scares left by combat zones.
During the August 18, 2023 Oregon Road fire, Michael O’Conner almost lost everything. He is forever grateful to the local firemen and VCR’s Responder team for saving his home and removing the reminder of the devastation.
𝐀 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
In her final day of office, Mayor Nadine Woodward took the time to recognize one of our own at Veterans Community Response. Travis Alexander, our current Team Leader of Veterans Community Response’s (VCR) Community Responder program, received a Mayor’s “Salutation” for his servant leadership in the Gray and Oregon Road fires clean up.
Travis has led our crews to safely fell hundreds of trees of all sizes while managing our team’s 700 plus hours of volunteer service at both fire sites. He has been there for every event and every hour. Personally, I was able to fell trees alongside him one day at both sites to watch his heart and dedication to others in action. Impressive!