Building Partnerships for Veterans: Congressman Mike Carey Visits Operation Veteran & Caregiver Support

Operation Veteran & Caregiver Support recently welcomed Congressman Mike Carey to our Troy office for a conversation focused on the needs of veterans and caregivers throughout the Miami Valley and beyond.

During the visit, Congressman Carey took time to learn more about Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support’s mission, programs, and the challenges many veterans and caregivers continue to face every day. He also met with Executive Director Valerie Mullikin, who helped to shed light on issues veterans the veterans we see everyday face, and the practical implication of the hurdles in their road to services and care. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways local organizations and elected officials can work together to strengthen support systems for those who have served our country.

We were also pleased to meet Jack, who will be leading the Congressman’s new office located in the Piqua City Building, and to continue conversations with Matt Townley, a member of Congressman Carey’s team who has been working alongside Director of Development Tamara Hegi on plans for a diabetic-friendly section within the food pantry. This initiative is aimed at providing healthier and more specialized food options for veterans and caregivers managing diabetes — an important step toward addressing both food insecurity and long-term health needs within the veteran community.

Visits like this are meaningful because they create opportunities for honest conversations, collaboration, and increased awareness about the realities veterans and caregivers are facing locally. Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support remains committed to building partnerships that create practical, lasting support for the individuals and families we serve every day.