The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday recognizing the philanthropic efforts of Robert and Marilee Yoder who recently donated $10,000 to St. Joseph County Veterans’ Affairs.

The funds are earmarked to help veterans with housing, food, and clothing needs as they arise. Chairman Dennis Allen, a veteran himself, thanked the Yoders for their “kind contribution.”

“It is very nice when anyone gives (back to the community), especially the vets,” Allen said. “As a vet myself, thank you very much, it is greatly appreciated.”

Commissioner Kathy Pangle and Ken Malone echoed Allen’s sentiment, with Malone saying, “I would also agree with Commissioner Pangle, it is an extremely generous contribution by these folks, especially at a time where there is so much need, especially within the veteran community in our county.”

Veterans’ Affairs assists veterans with filing disability claims or pensions, health care applications to Veterans’ Health Care Facilities, or burial benefits for qualifying applicants. St. Joseph County veterans in need of assistance can contact Director and Veterans Service Officer Stoney A. Summey, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (269) 467-5512, and can visit the office’s website at https://www.stjosephcountymi.org/veterans for additional information.

Veterans in crisis can call the Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 for more immediate assistance.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.