At the end of the Porter County Council’s November meeting, the board members took time to reflect on organizations and citizens having a positive impact in the Veteran community in Porter County.
The staff of Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. was presented with a certificate of appreciation for tireless dedication and devotion to enriching the lives of the veterans and their families of Porter County by Jim Atkinson, Director, Porter County Veterans Service Office. Pines Village CEO, Laurie Mullet was also presented a similar award for individual citizens having a positive impact on the veteran population in Porter County.
Pines Village has a rich history of supporting veterans, a passion project of CEO, Laurie Mullet. Mullet is a daughter of a World War II veteran and mother of a Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, who assumed her CEO responsibilities at Pines Village on September 11, 2001. Patriotism is a core value of Mullet, who credits her father’s service as the reason she was able to attend college through Child of Disabled Veterans Funds.
““We are so very honored to be the recipients of this very special recognition for enriching the lives of Porter County vets. There are so many individuals and business friends who help us accomplish these initiatives, and we couldn’t do it without them and our supportive community.”
—Laurie Mullet, Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. CEO”
Throughout the years, Pines Village has taken on many veteran initiatives. In 2007, Pines Village raised $167,000 for its unique program “Tour of Duty,” which took World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington DC to pay homage at veteran memorials.
Pines Village also started the Pines Village Veterans Charitable Fund to raise funds to support veteran recognition, programs, and educational opportunities for veterans, as well as the Porter County population, in hopes that they gain a better understanding of veteran-related issues.
This November, Pines Village held a free screening of the veteran documentary, “Almost Sunrise,” which addresses moral injury a growing condition in millennial vets, followed by a deep breathing meditation exercise.
This past May, Pines Village hosted a keynote presentation with SFC (RET) Gregory Allen Stube, US Army Special Forces, Green Beret. This event was billed as a community conversation designated to educate, inspire, and dispel the stigmas that surround post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and connect veterans, their families, and the community.
A little over two years ago, Pines Village began hosting the “Rise & Shine Veterans Breakfast Club,” which has gained both attendance and support since launching.
As a small token of appreciation for those who have bravely served our country, Pines Village invites all vets on the third Thursday and second Saturday of every month, to attend a hearty complimentary breakfast with fellow servicemen and women. No program or agenda― just an opportunity to connect with other veterans.
The mid-week club is intended for retired vets and is held at our Pines Village campus. To accommodate working vets and those unable to attend on Thursday mornings,
Pines Village added the Weekend Edition of the Veterans Breakfast Club on the second Saturday of each month at the Meridian Woods campus. Breakfast is served from 8:30 am until around 9:30 am at both locations.
Space is limited, so vets are asked to call 219-465-1591 each month to RSVP.