Veterans are honored, but sometimes forgotten about, in America. Cardboard signs reading “I am a veteran,” followed by a plea for help, can be seen in cities and towns all across the United States. Mission One was created to aid veterans and first responders who need it.
“Mission One was founded by John Boersma,” Daniel Werner, Director of Events at Mission One, said. “His father was in the armed forces, and he has a love for veterans. This year he opened it up to first responders as well.”
On Saturday, Mission One hosted its third annual Veterans of Valor event in downtown Crown Point. The event was held in Bulldog Park with the Lake County Courthouse standing across the street as an ornate reminder of what makes Northwest Indiana great.
“I started Mission One about three years ago,” Johnny Boersma, President and Founder of Mission One, said. “We aid local veterans and first responders, but we won’t turn anyone away that reaches out to us.”
“This event is actually Mission One’s third Veterans of Valor event,” said Werner. “However, this is our first year at Bulldog Park.”
The star of the event was veterans, with all proceeds given to them.
“My father was a Vietnam Veteran. He’s a Marine,” Boersma said. “Growing up, I watched my father battle PTSD. My father has effects from Agent Orange. But he took it out on weights and became a powerlifter. I wanted to join the Marines, and he didn’t want me to. I regret it, so what better way to serve than to help those who did.”
Boersma’s father tried to protect Boersma from the stress he endured as a Marine. Now, Mission One is how Boersma gives back.
“All needs are different so we help them in any way possible,” said Boersma. “How we help veterans will be completely different to how we help first responders. The veterans are usually in more financial need due to PTSD from their service.”
All attendees had veterans in mind. Reminders were all around the park, from flags to men in uniform.
The Merrillville Fire Department presented the colors while a veteran sang the national anthem. Afterward, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department played “Amazing Grace” with bagpipes and drums. The Sheriff’s Department also had their aerial division do a fly-over in a helicopter.
“Veterans of Valor is not just military,” said Werner. “We try to help out veterans and first responders with whatever they need, today we will be donating a car that we bought with the funds we raised as a non-profit.”
The car was donated to Daniel Bagwell, a Vietnam veteran and now a crossing guard in Griffith.
“I was in the service for about two years,” Bagwell said. “I’ve been a crossing guard for 22 years on the same corner. I’ve been praying for everyone who is out there on the front line. I think Mission One is a great organization to help veterans, the police, and fire departments.”
Other contributors to the event were vendors such as Mission BBQ, which helps employ veterans transitioning into the civilian world.
Mission One’s day kicked off early with an 8 am drive full of bikers that were escorted around the city by police. The rest of the day continued around 1:30 p.m. when the National Anthem was sung, followed by bands playing, such as Ashley Victoria, Mysteria, Mas Kaos, and Small Town in the amphitheater.
Under the gazebo, vendors sold food and homemade goods. These vendors were often owned by veterans, just another way Mission One helps those who protect and serve.