This blog post is part of HVAF’s annual tradition: 12 Vets of Christmas, where each day for 12 days, we feature a veteran whose life has been positively changed because of the essential services and programs your support made possible in 2023. Thank you for supporting HVAF and our veterans.

Serving in the Navy

In 1989, Sherry enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She spent four years repairing submarines in Scotland.

After receiving her honorable discharge, Sherry struggled transitioning to civilian life.

“It was a difficult transition,” Sherry said. “It’s still difficult even to this day.”

Moving to Indianapolis

In 2019, Sherry moved from Philadelphia to Indianapolis to live closer to family. After living with family for a few years, she wanted to live on her own but needed help. She reached out to HVAF and her case manager set her up in one of our temporary houses.

When living there for a few months, she loved being able to come to the pantry to receive her necessary food, hygiene, and clothing items. The VA was able to move her into her own apartment, but she still received employment assistance through HVAF’s VetWorks program.

VetWorks – Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills – is an intensive 3 phase work, learn and earn program designed to skill up our veterans to achieve their earning potential. Veterans complete on-the-job training, have access to education/certifications and receive assistance with obtaining a good and promising job.

Sherry completed her internship through HVAF’s I.T. Department – and received mentorship from I.T. Coordinator Dewayne.

“He was a great guy to work with,” Sherry said. “It meant a lot. Dewayne is a good resource.”

A new season

Because of her experience with Cisco phones during her I.T. internship, that stuck out in her resume when interviewing with Bell Techlogix. For the very first time in her life, she now runs of their departments!

“I’m super excited,” Sherry said. “It’s my season! God has truly been good to me so I’m just trying to embrace it.”

This is also her first time to receive any sort of assistance. She thanks HVAF and the VA for getting to where she is today.

“They have been awesome and it really means a lot to me,” Sherry said. “It’s been truly a blessing in my life.”

We can’t ensure veterans, like Sherry, receive life-changing services to reach self-sufficiency without your support. Will you continue to support veterans in need and invest in the fight to end veteran homelessness by sending in your most generous gift by December 31st? Please send in your year-end tax-deductible donation to support Hoosier Heroes in 2024 .