OPERATION UNITED 2022 RECAP
Serving those who served
Operation United is an annual event that mobilizes volunteers to recognize the sacrifices and service of veterans and active military families, with a focus on seniors and those with disabilities, here in Kent County. This year, we helped 22 veterans and their families get their homes in shape and ready to enjoy warmer weather.
Our Volunteer Center matches each veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse/surviving spouse with a group of volunteers from a local company or organization. On event day, these volunteers complete outdoor improvements such as yardwork, landscaping, and minor outdoor repairs to make veterans’ homes safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable.
“It really feels good because it’s people working together. And they’re volunteering their time and their work, and they’re having fun.”
On Friday, May 13, we kicked off Operation United with a breakfast for volunteers at Home Depot in Walker, MI. More than 300 volunteers from across our community came together to serve those who served. Throughout the rest of the day, teams completed projects at veterans’ homes, such as yardwork, gardening, painting and staining, brush removal, and more. Fellow veterans also recognized recipients for their bravery and service with coining ceremonies.
We’d like to recognize the following companies and organizations for participating in this year’s event and supporting veteran homeowners in need:
Ag Business Solutions
FedEx Ground
Fifth Third Bank
Grand Rapids Center of
Community TransformationGrand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Lions Club
Grand Valley State University
Health Net of West Michigan
Kellogg GR KVets
Macatawa Bank
Meijer
Northpointe Bank
RE/MAX United of Rockford
Steelcase Inc. Veterans Group
Warner Norcross + Judd
“I did it last year! I represent KVets, and I just like taking care of my veterans and doing what I can to help. I love doing it, and it warms my heart to see them so happy.”
—Karla, Kellogg KVets volunteer
“It’s our service project for the Lions Club, and I love to do this kind of thing. I know exactly what it’s like when people just don’t have the ability to do things themselves. It’s my pleasure.”
—Gail, Lions Club volunteer
Since services are free for veterans and their families, we rely on sponsorships from our community partners to fund this event. Thanks to a generous grant from the Home Depot Foundation, we were able to increase the number of houses this spring. Our sincere gratitude to our event sponsors for supporting local veterans and making so many projects possible:
Premiere Sponsors
The Home Depot Foundation
Fifth Third Bank
Supporting Sponsors
Macatawa Bank
RE/MAX United of Rockford
Meijer
House Sponsor
BDO Grand Rapids