SimVentions Day of Service - Oct 2024

I participated in SimVentions’ Day of Service for the first time, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. We spent the day at Valor Ranch, a nonprofit in King George, Virginia, that provides recreational therapy for injured military personnel. Our mission? To refresh "The Chicken Village," a beloved space where veterans and their families come to connect and find peace during their rehab journey.

The day of service was all about teamwork and a shared purpose. Many of the volunteers brought our kids along to be part of the experience, including my two little ones—ages 5 and 11 months. My 5-year-old proudly painted on a ladder alongside other kids, while my 11-month-old tried to "help" by tasting paintbrushes and spreading smiles. It was truly special to volunteer as a family and share these lessons in kindness and community.

After a full day of work, the Owners of Valor Ranch took us on a hayride around their property. We heard incredible stories of veterans whose lives have been transformed by the ranch’s mission of support and empowerment. It was humbling to see the lasting impact they make in the lives of our nation’s heroes.

This Day of Service left an impact on all of us. When we returned to work the following day, there was a renewed sense of fulfillment and positivity that we carried into the rest of the week. Our annual Day of Service has a way of renewing our spirits and bringing us closer as a community. I’m grateful to have shared this with my kids and my coworkers. This wasn’t just another day—it was a day of growth, gratitude, and giving back.