It was a sad day for all of us when we lost our WWII Comrade, Arnold “Steve” Stephenson. He was 96, if had lived until next month (February) he would have been 97. He was one of the first to help form the organization. He served on the board as a Trustee. He didn’t let age stop him from doing anything. He stood on the street corner collecting donations, worked in the food pantry, stood in back of a truck at the Spring Jubilee collecting food donations and more. He visited the nursing homes with us during Christmas giving out gifts and praying with the veterans. He attended the board meetings and gave his advice on matters as a Trustee. He loved to sit in back of the pick-up in the parades and throw out candy to the children.

Arnold had a strong will and mind. He loved to attend church, he believed in God and he loved his country. He took care of the soldiers he served with in WWII and he looked out for the veterans in V.H.V.O. He was rushed to the hospital sometime back and his family was called in as they thought he wouldn’t make it.

As the CEO, we went to the hospital to be with the family and have prayer with them. After our visit with Steve and we had prayer we started to leave. Arnold rubbed his chin and said, “The food pantry is open on such a date and time, we said yes it is, he said he would be there.” Sure enough he was there right on time.

He loved the organization for what it was and what it did for veterans and their families. He gave it his all as a member up until he was no longer able to attend. He has been a great blessing to us all and it will be a great task to find someone to walk in his shoes.