With Veterans Day right around the corner on Saturday, GWUOHS is sponsoring a fundraiser in partnership with the American Veterans Center, a charitable organization that commemorates both former and current American veterans. Every November, the AVC invites veterans from throughout the country to a live conference called American Valor, where their stories are shared and celebrated. Community members can donate either $25, to sponsor one meal for a veteran, or $700, to sponsor a veteran’s entire trip to the conference.
“We had our first annual fundraiser for the AVC last year, in anticipation of Veterans Day, and I am very pleased our second one is presently underway,” GWUOHS senior Carter N. shared.
Carter, who organized the fundraiser, had been exposed to the importance of honoring our country’s veterans from a young age.
“My family has always instilled in me the importance of appreciating the tremendous sacrifice, unbelievable bravery, and inspiring patriotism of our nation’s heroes,” he explained.
Under this influence, Carter grew up involved in various organizations that support American veterans. He continues to write birthday cards to veterans in his community to “help lift their spirits and let them know they are remembered and appreciated.”
Carter witnessed these efforts to be fruitful when he received responses from various delighted veterans.
“[One veteran] reached out to me over the phone and let me know how surprised he was to hear from a high school student and how much it meant to him,” Carter said, recollecting one veteran’s reaction. “He later wrote me a note with some inspirational words of advice for the future, which I will always cherish.”
These memorable moments with veteran organizations encouraged Carter to partner with the AVC for this annual fundraiser.
“I reached out to my adviser in the fall of 2022 and asked if we could coordinate a fundraiser at our school to help support this awesome organization.”
It is the best way to share history about combat and the other sacrifices our armed forces make each year.
— Michele Hunolt, Academic Adviser
Carter’s adviser, Michele Hunolt, had been thrilled to help sponsor it. She wholeheartedly agreed with the importance of donating to the fundraiser.
“I believe in the mission of the American Veterans Center,” she stated simply.
The AVC’s mission is to preserve and honor the experiences, lessons, and legacies of veterans for the benefit of posterity.
“Last year we raised $1,350,” Hunolt disclosed. “We hope to surpass that goal during the 2023 campaign.”
The fundraiser opened on Oct. 23 and is open until Friday. Students and families can donate from this portal.
To learn more about American Valor and how to stream it, visit their official conference website.
