Veterans Center Continues to Flourish through Support
- U.S. Army Veteran and Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center Resident James Waugh will begin Medical Assistance training through an online college in the coming weeks after utilizing Wi-Fi Internet access – a service made possible by a $25,000 donation from Dominion Energy in November.
by Jonathan Weaver
The Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center might only house 68 veterans, but support from local and state-wide organizations has helped administrators excel to the next level of support.
After receiving a $25,000 grant from Dominion Energy in November 2011, Executive Director Sean Taladay said there’s been an overwhelming amount of support from local businesses and non-profits.
“They’re flooding us with good, kind donations,” Taladay said.
The grant – which was accepted by the Veteran’s Center Board of Directors at their Veterans’ Day ceremony November 10 – has provided job readiness training to many residents, as well as expanded computer connection through Wi-Fi in their dormitories and outdoors.
‘Phase One’ is currently underway through 2Krew Security and Surveillance of Kittanning.
The next step is to add online security and building surveillance cameras around the property.
2Krew Owner Brian Kozlosky is on-board with the updates.
“As time and money permit, we made it happen,” Kozlosky said.
Taladay said updates are not coming because of security problems.
“It’s much better to be proactive and try to prevent possible occurrences rather than react to them,” Taladay said. “We have a very forward-thinking Board.”
One who has benefitted from the wireless technology is U.S. Army Veteran James Waugh, 31, who used the skills to apply for higher-education.
After only residing at the center for three months, he is currently preparing to start orientation at Sanford-Brown Institute to become a Medical Assistant.
Waugh praised the 15-member staff for his success so far.
“There’s no way I could’ve done it without the resources, staff and support given to me,” Waugh said. “As a vet(eran) coming from the military into an environment like this, they are setting an immaculate standard – they stand on their own.”
Waugh – who was in the U.S. Army’s 14th Combat Engineer Battalion for nearly eight-and-a-half years and fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom before suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) affected his unit – hopes to work in a veterans’ hospital after achieving his degree.
“I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough without setting the standard at school and taking the fight to the books, studying and making those A’s,” Waugh said.
Waugh will also not be ‘setting the standard’ just for local veterans, but also his 4-year-old son, Camden, and wife of seven years, Cara, in Weirton, W.Va..
Taladay confirmed two other veterans have expressed interest in continuing their education following Waugh’s encouragement.
“We strive for excellence,” Taladay said. “We’re aiming to be the best organization of its type in the state.”
Another success story came by way of former resident “Thomas S.” who was with the veterans’ center for seven months before leaving Tuesday to begin his career as an assistant superintendent of a construction group.
“Not only did (Thomas) get himself transportation, but a domain as well as a great job – we’re proud of him,” Taladay said.
Taladay said “Thomas S.” fulfilled many of his goals thanks to a local-sponsored father’s initiative that addresses anger management and self-esteem problems.
But, Taladay said Dominion Energy is not the only charitable donor.
“They’ve been an impetus for many others to give,” Taladay said.
Donations have come from Masonic Lodges in Chicora, Freeport and Kittanning, especially the Holyrood Commandery #100 Knights Templar, that organization’s charitable organization of choice.
Aid has even come as far away as Forest County, Pa. through “Clayton,” “Alicia” and other members of the Veterans Club of Forest County in Marienville. The club has reportedly provided funding to purchase toiletries, towels and washers-and-dryers, as well as providing pizza and cookies during the holiday season.
Local business support has come by way of the Armstrong Associates Federal Credit Union, H&R Block in Kittanning, S&T Bank and the Latin American Club in Ford City – ‘just a few,’ according to Taladay.
“There’s too many to mention,” Taladay said. “It’s almost like a divine intervention.”
The Cowansville-based facility is located on Route 268.
Local News | jweaver February 9, 2012
By Interesting, February 10, 2012 @ 6:10 AM
Kudos to those that make it happen!