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You Can Help Us Lift Veteran Voices.

Many of those who served in Vietnam suffered in a conspiracy of silence – not out of shame, but by bitter experience, brought on by the hostility of their countrymen. Most Vietnam Veterans returned home to emptiness & ridicule, where they were left to a nation increasingly uncomfortable with their presence. These Vietnam Veterans discovered, astonishingly, that a good portion of their country had rejected them with overwhelming contempt.

“Silent Dignity” presents an extraordinary collection of Vietnam Veterans and their spouses, each telling their own, personal story on how the war affected their families — Many haven’t spoken about the darkness and trauma for over 50 years. Our documentary provides a platform for our Vietnam Veterans to assist in bringing a bit of closure to their experiences by talking and sharing. And, in hopes that other Vietnam Vets will see this, open up and allow themselves a small portion of vitally important closure. This documentary is about healing.

Watch the Silent Dignity Promo.

Visit the Silent Dignity Website.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“I mean, where do I begin? Soldier On has helped me build my life from the ground up, and that is a literal statement. I walked in the door with the clothes I had on, a plastic bag with toiletries, seven years of my life spent behind bars, a 435-credit score, no family or friends at all, enrolled in Veterans Treatment Court, but worst of all, I had zero self-worth. Soldier On definitely had their hands full, and not just the case managers but all the way up to the administration and the CEO had their hands in the life I get to live today. That is what is so special about Soldier On. I left Soldier On with bags upon bags of nice clothes, a credit score of 670 (with the help of Courtney DiCicco and Freddie Mac’s Credit Smart® program), a bank account (with money in it), and solid network of friends. I graduated from Westfield State University (which Soldier On paid for), have a career in a field I have always wanted to be part of, bought my first home, but most importantly I have my family and kids back in my life again. Not only would none of this have been possible without Soldier On, but I would probably be dead or in prison, so not only has Soldier On helped me create the life I live now, but they also helped me stay alive long enough to realize I deserve to live an extraordinary life, be happy and help others.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Opportunity. Soldier On offers veterans help in many ways and will do almost anything for their residents. Still, most importantly, they give residents the opportunity and tools to build a better life for themselves.”

Nick has utilized a variety of Soldier On’s services, transitional housing, legal services, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, telehealth, transportation, wellness, workforce development, financial education, and credit repair.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“They have been good to me. Soldier On has helped me solve many of my personal issues. My case manager is my go-to person. Soldier On has helped me get away from people who were taking advantage of me by moving me to a safer apartment. Everyone watches over me.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Family”

Ron has utilized a variety of Soldier On services, transitional housing, transportation, wellness, legal services, home healthcare elder services, and permanent housing.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“WOW!! Soldier on has blew my mind, I never thought I could have a bran new life, and now I do! It is a great feeling. I love the people I have met since being here. It has helped me socialize again, I have joined the gardening group, and I participate in many activities the building provides for us. Living in Tinton Falls is a daily learning experience, you are surrounded by all walks of life. Before moving to Tinton Falls, I worked with Soldier On because I was behind on my rent and literally drowning. They helped me get through that difficult time in my life and helped me start a new one at Gordon Mansfield. I truly appreciate everything Soldier On has done for me.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Blessed.”

Carol has utilized a variety of Soldier On’s services, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, legal services, transportation, wellness, workforce development, financial education and credit repair, and permanent housing.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“Soldier On has helped me find permanent housing and employment with in the company. The organization has helped me with years of mental health, with great supporting staff. It gave me a place to find and stabilize myself for years to come.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Nietzsche.“

Jeremy has utilized Soldier On’s transitional housing, workforce development services, and permanent housing.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“Soldier On has helped me through mental health issues, substance abuse dependency and legal matters with great staff support and programs. I now have a permanent safe home. Soldier On brought me back to life.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Community.”

Andrea has utilized a variety of Soldier On services, transitional housing, legal services, telehealth, transportation, financial education and credit repair, wellness, and permanent housing.

Soldier On assisted veteran, Patrick Clyburn, with housing assistance when he was being evicted from his apartment. Patrick was having ongoing issues with his landlord that made him and his family feel unsafe in their own home. Patrick was referred for housing search assistance and was able to find a new apartment for him and his family. Patrick, his girlfriend, and his teenage son were thrilled to find a new, safe living environment. Soldier On assisted the family with moving costs, security deposit and rental assistance. Once settled in their new home, Patrick was referred for the Shallow Subsidy program through Soldier On. He was approved and is now set up to pay 50% of his rent for the next two years. Patrick and his family are incredibly grateful for Soldier On’s assistance with their housing.

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Awesome.”

Patrick has utilized Soldier On’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) services.

How has Soldier On helped you?

“Having a roof over my head initially. The support from Case Managers have been wonderful, all the staff for that matter have been very supportive to myself. Having meals provided has also been a huge pain point relieved from me. Being so close to the city and all of my exterior supports, has been extremely important for me.”

What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Soldier On?

“Supportive.”

David has utilized Soldier On’s legal services, transportation, wellness program, and permanent housing facilities.

Tuesday, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $31 million in direct subsidies, tax credits, and housing vouchers to support the development and preservation of 11 housing facilities in Massachusetts, including 237 permanent housing units and 200 shelter beds for families and individuals. Since 2015, the Permanent Supportive Housing Program has produced or preserved more than 3,500 permanent supportive housing units for families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. 

Each year, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) works with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) to distribute capital funds as well as project-based housing vouchers to pay for supportive services through a competitive process administered by the agency’s Supportive Housing for Vulnerable Populations program. These supportive services support veterans, older adults, persons with disabilities, individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, as well as unaccompanied youth. Specialized services may include childcare, mental health services, job training, case management, and other services for vulnerable populations.  

Soldier On has been award $3.9 million in DHCD funding to build 21 units of affordable permanent supportive housing in Tewksbury, MA. The development has over $5.3 million in commitments from the state, Town of Tewksbury Affordable Housing Trust, Berkshire Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank (FLHB), and Soldier On equity.  

Soldier On, based in Pittsfield, MA, is dedicated to providing and coordinating an extensive continuum of housing and support services for veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The project, the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community will be the organization’s eighth permanent housing facility for veterans since it was founded in 1994.

The community is named for the late Gordon H. Mansfield, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as well as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equality Opportunity at the Department of Housing & Urban Development. During his military service, Mansfield earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

“Soldier On is able to continue to build on our promise of ending veteran homelessness,” said Soldier On CEO Bruce Buckley. “The support from DHCD, the town, Tewksbury Home Build, Senator Barry Finegold, Rep. David Robertson, Rep. Vanna Howard, U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton, and Steve Bohn (Office of U.S. Congressman Moulton) has allowed for veterans in Middlesex County to succeed in securing safe, affordable, permanent housing. Soldier On is grateful to all who helped make this a reality.”

Soldier On became the development lead for this project at the invitation of Tewksbury Home Build, a local housing nonprofit that gained control of the site through a town-supported process of creating affordable housing. The development is located at 1660 Main Street, adjacent to Heatherwood Gracious Retirement Living. The new four-story,18,565 sq. ft. building will provide 21 units of affordable permanent supportive housing for veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. All units will be fully furnished and include internet, cable, utilities and one meal per day. The facility will have a “Let’s Talk Interactive” telehealth kiosk and transportation provided to bring residents to appointments.

“So thrilled the state has awarded Soldier On the funding to move forward and provide supportive affordable housing to the veterans of Tewksbury and the Merrimack Valley. It will be a great addition to the town.” Vincent Fratalia, Tewksbury Home Build Board Member.

Construction will begin late Fall 2022, with a planned opening in Fall 2023.

Development Team

• Sponsor / Developer: Soldier On, Inc.
• Property Management: Soldier On Development & Management, Inc.
• Pre-Development and Acquisition Lender: CEDAC
• Architect: Gavin & Sullivan Architects, Inc.
• General Contractor: Groom Construction
• Civil Engineer: Civil Design Consultants, Inc.