A Tribute to our Men and Women in Uniform DVCH honors veterans in the valley for their service

By Brandon Davis
The Sherando Times

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing held a day of tribute May 27th for our men and women in uniform at Shenandoah University’s Winchester Medical Center Campus.  The day honored local veterans, active duty military, police officers, and firefighters. Organized by the DVCH’s President, John S. Lewandowski and Veterans Outreach Director, Daphne R. Mize, the first annual event was recognized by the Mayor of Winchester as an official day of honoring servicemen and women. Mize explained that the purpose of the event, scheduled right before the Memorial Day weekend, was to “applaud them and salute them”.

We want to let them know we do care.” Lewandowski empathized that the program was to bring awareness to the community. After earlier stating, “Most don’t understand what people go through every day to make sure that each and every one of us is safe.”

At the event groups such as Troops to Teachers, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and other various clinics and services for veterans were present. Live

The Vet Center’s purpose is to serve veterans in rural areas who have a lack of transportation are incapacitated.

The Center helps veterans by giving them access to a mini health and counseling clinic all located within the bus. Vet Center buses are scattered throughout the fifty states and have helped in emergencies such as the Fort Hood massacre in Texas.

There that day were men and women who shared their miraculous stories about their loved ones’ service. One of which was a story told by the Outreach Coordinator for the Valley Health Wellness Service, Sherry Allen about her father’s military service in War World II straight from his own manuscript written in the Philippines.

John Lewandowski (right) presents Daphe Mize roses for her work in putting together the program to recognize and honor men and women in uniform.

Congressman Wolf’s Constituent Services Staff Assistant, Ann Potocnak, shared her father’s story as a firefighter who was run over by his own fire truck after a car hit the truck causing him to be knocked out of the open cab. The incident would end up crushing his lower legs.  Amazingly, he would recover and serve 15 more years as a firefighter in Arlington County, VA.

Recognized that day was retiring Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Wright who was awarded a Certification of Excellence to the Winchester Community.  Caught off guard by his award, Wright would state, “It has been a pleasure for me to serve this community. I couldn’t ask for a better life.”

The Vet Center bus provides medical treatment and counseling services to veterans in rural areas.

The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing was established in 2008 by John S. Lewandowski a disabled veteran himself. The organization’s purpose is to provide affordable and accessible housing for disabled veterans throughout

Virginia and the surrounding states.  The DVCH has teamed up with R.L. Seely Homes to build homes for disabled veterans.

brandon@sherandotimes.com