New Davenport facility means expanded services for veterans
A non-profit that does incredible work with veterans opened its new home on Saturday.
Lola VanDeWalle cut the ribbon on the new Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center in the old Buchanan School building in Davenport.
VanDeWalle says it’s her life’s mission to serve veterans. Her father’s military career called her to this life.
“Every day, I love what I’m doing,” she told Our Quad Cities News. “And for me it’s just an every-day thing.”
It was an emotional day for attendees, including Vincent Martinez, a 98-year-old World War II veteran who is part of why VanDeWalle loves what she does.
Martinez served in the Navy, and still helps out around the center, where he’s well-known for his kitchen skills.
“I was a ship’s cook in the Navy,” he said. “I bring them stuff – soups and Mexican food – whatever I can do, and they’re happy. They even gave me a medal.”
The outreach center has served more than 3,400 veterans. Now it will be able to add new services, including adaptive athletics.
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