Honoring veterans: Team members making a difference

A beacon for the community  

ARC Supervisor Kimberlie Calderone comes from a military family: her uncles, grandfather and father-in-law all served in the armed forces. She is a long-time supporter of her local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post. 

“As a VFW auxiliary member, I’ve witnessed the lack of support and care that is so desperately needed by our veterans,” said Kimberlie. “I believe people who put their lives on the line to protect our basic freedoms as Americans deserve our support when they come home.” 

Over the past 10 years, Kimberlie and her husband have dedicated countless hours as volunteers, coordinating events, providing meals and raising funds. Her favorite experience is the Memorial Day ceremony, due to her family connections to the military.  

“It’s special to me because I can dedicate a wreath to my grandfather — it reminds me of the sacrifice he made,” Kimberlie said. “Our attendance seems to grow every year. It’s really powerful to see our small town come together to appreciate our veterans’ sacrifices.” 

With her son now joining the Army, Kimberlie’s commitment to supporting veterans has only strengthened.  

“I’m extremely proud of him. He made the decision on his own, and I think he understands the respect and support we have for military members,” she said.  

Kimberlie encourages others to get involved with their local VFW.  

“If you’re looking for camaraderie, I can’t think of a better way to make some lifelong friends,” Kimberlie said. “It feels good to support an organization where you can meet the members you are actively helping.”