MARTINSBURG, WV - "I'm just glad that I got here," says Thomas Adams, a retired U.S. Navy Veteran and barber.
Thomas Adams served in the U.S. Navy, but said it wasn't until becoming part of the VA Medical Center community that he realized what his service meant.
"I'm a retired barber. I said, why not give back, so it was a great feeling for me to be able to do that, because they really did help me out a lot," says Adams.
So he gave free haircuts to Veterans in need.
"It always lifts your spirits up when it seems like things are going wrong, maybe a good haircut or something new, kind of raises your spirits a little bit," says Adams.
Over fifty homeless Veterans checked into the Hero Haven Stand Down at the VA. They looked for housing, jobs, and even got medical attention after eating a warm meal.
"Homeless Veterans in particular are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV infection, and so we like to offer that every year at the Stand Down," says Beverly Vanmetre, a registered Nurse with the VA Medical Center.
Some of the Veterans were even screened to become a resident at the VA's rehabilitation units.
"It's going to take all of us together to be successful in ending homelessness. I feel really strongly that we've moved towards that, we're moving in that direction, but it takes all of us to be successful and help our Veterans," says Michelle Cooke, Deputy Chief for Mental Health and Domiciliary Units with the VA Medical Center.
One day of honoring American Veterans that can spark their pride to last a lifetime.
Thomas Adams served in the U.S. Navy, but said it wasn't until becoming part of the VA Medical Center community that he realized what his service meant.
"I'm a retired barber. I said, why not give back, so it was a great feeling for me to be able to do that, because they really did help me out a lot," says Adams.
So he gave free haircuts to Veterans in need.
"It always lifts your spirits up when it seems like things are going wrong, maybe a good haircut or something new, kind of raises your spirits a little bit," says Adams.
Over fifty homeless Veterans checked into the Hero Haven Stand Down at the VA. They looked for housing, jobs, and even got medical attention after eating a warm meal.
"Homeless Veterans in particular are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV infection, and so we like to offer that every year at the Stand Down," says Beverly Vanmetre, a registered Nurse with the VA Medical Center.
Some of the Veterans were even screened to become a resident at the VA's rehabilitation units.
"It's going to take all of us together to be successful in ending homelessness. I feel really strongly that we've moved towards that, we're moving in that direction, but it takes all of us to be successful and help our Veterans," says Michelle Cooke, Deputy Chief for Mental Health and Domiciliary Units with the VA Medical Center.
One day of honoring American Veterans that can spark their pride to last a lifetime.
