The first Voices for Veterans meeting was brought to order by president John Braasch, USNR-Submarine Division, on Jan. 7 for the election of the 2017 Board of Directors and Officers.

The following will serve on the board: Braasch, president; Harvey White, vice president; Vanay Money, secretary; Dick Stumbaugh, treasurer; and directors Jerry Rattela, Paul Hampton, Pat Foster, Mike McEvoy, Jerry Charles, Joe Fore, Scott Buck, Cheryl Bowers and Wayne Favre.

Voices for Veterans is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to help homeless veterans and needy veterans on the North Olympic Peninsula. Voices for Veterans was launched in 2004 when the first displaced Iraqi War veterans joined the already excessive number of forgotten and alienated veterans in the area. Funding comes from grants and donations.

There are no paid personnel — only dedicated volunteers. All contributions go directly to the veterans.

Three stand downs are held annually in Forks, Port Townsend and Port Angeles. The events are planned and presented by local volunteers with invaluable assistance from local, state and national agencies, corporations, retailers and compassionate individuals.

Meetings are held monthly at the Veterans Center, 216 S. Francis St. in Port Angeles. Contact the group at www.voicesforveterans.org or email to voicesforveterans@yahoo.com.