Fall River Veterans Association Offers Services for Young and Old Vets

Each week, we shine the Southcoast Health Community Spotlight on a deserving nonprofit. This week, the spotlight is on the Veterans Association of Bristol County.

We spoke to Executive Director Ken Levesque to learn more about the 40-year-old organization.

Levesque said the primary focus of the association is ensuring local veterans have enough food to eat. They invite veterans to visit the facility in Fall River and "shop" for the food they need.

LISTEN:  Ken Levesque on The MGM Show:

Young veterans, however, often require more support with mental health.

"We have a peer group on Monday nights at the center. One of the big things we do with the younger ones is just try to get them together," Levesque said. "Last year, we organized three kayaking trips, and I think I had 26 veterans out on the water kayaking together. It's pretty magical when we get out there."

During these kayaking trips, it's not unusual for veterans to open up to one another like never before.

"They’ll just be talking – older and younger ones. The next thing you know, we're not even paddling. We're just floating down the river, talking and remembering," he said. "It's a group that’s hard to connect with unless you yourself have been in the service as well."

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Levesque also highlighted a special program called "She-ros," designed specifically for women veterans.

"On March 1, we're hosting a big event for women," he said. "The deputy secretary of Veterans Services from Boston, a retired general, will be our keynote speaker. No boys allowed."

The bottom line is that whether you are a younger or older veteran, male or female, the Veterans Association of Bristol County provides a place of togetherness and support.