Heart of the Valley YMCA continued its long tradition of honoring our men and women in Military service at the 16th annual YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast. Heart of the Valley YMCA kicked off Veterans Week in the Tennessee Valley by welcoming more than 275 Veterans, active-duty Military, dignitaries and members of the community to the Hogan Family YMCA on Nov. 5.
Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, provided the keynote address. The program included prayer led by George Baker, Chaplin of North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organization Coalition; and Rev. Kristin Prasad, Minister to Kids and Families at First Baptist Huntsville.. Patriotic music was provided by harpist Olivia Hitt and vocalist Michael Beutjer. The James Clemens High School Army JROTC Honor Guard presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Heart of the Valley YMCA recognizes annually a member of the community for their exceptional altruism toward veterans and modeling of the YMCA values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect. Col. Larry Vannoy, U.S. Air Force (Ret) was honored with the 2022 BG Bob Drolet Service to Veterans Award. The award, named in honor of retired Army Brig. Gen. Bob Drolet, was presented by Jerry Courtney, Heart of the Valley YMCA President, David Bier, Board Chair, BG Bob Drolet, LTG Robert Rasch, Dr. Joe Fitzgerald, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and 2015 recipient, and Paul Finley, Mayor of the City of Madison.
Heart of the Valley YMCA gave more than $66,000 in membership and program scholarships to 1,124 service members and their families in 2021.