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VRC serves holiday dinner to local veterans

Mohave Valley Daily News - 11/23/2017

BULLHEAD CITY - Local veterans and their families were invited Wednesday to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at the Veterans Resource Centers of America office in Bullhead City.

And some veterans patiently waited outside the organization's Hancock Road office as employees and volunteers set up for the meal service with turkey, ham and all the trimmings.

"It's an effort of love," said Mark Tierce, the center's site director.

Tierce prepared food - specifically, four hams and mashed potatoes - most of the night before beginning to serve the meal mid-morning. He looked a little tired, but happy as he scanned the office while bringing out additional items to serve. There were also five or six turkeys, other side dishes and an array of desserts.

The Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association co-hosted the meal. Among others who helped make things a little more home-style were the Tri-State Military Moms. They brought a box of items to include with the meal, such as one of the most important Thanksgiving condiments: butter.

"This is our first time doing this and it's well worth the effort," Tierce said.

There were plenty of places to sit and - when there was an overflow crowd inside - eating outside was far from uncomfortable as the temperature exceeded 80 degrees.

The center operates the federal program Supportive Services for Veteran Families. People there assist low-income veterans in Mohave County by providing temporary financial assistance to homeless veterans seeking permanent housing. They also provide funds to veterans facing homelessness.

The emphasis was on feeding veterans no matter whether they were with or without a home.

"We mean any veteran - even if they were in the service long ago," Tierce emphasized. "Not everybody living here has a family."

Enough food was prepared to serve up to 100 people. Any food not eaten will be served to local homeless people by members of the Guardian Foundation, Tierce added.

Their office is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend but will reopen on Monday morning.