March 29, 2025: Houston VA Tailgate With A Hero

Operation Patriot Packs conducted a successful outreach mission in Houston on March 29, 2025, focusing their efforts at the Houston VA's Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC). The team connected with veterans experiencing homelessness, providing essential supplies and support.

The team met with Shelita Magee, Chief of the VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. This partnership provided valuable insights into the ongoing challenges faced by Houston's homeless veteran population.

Throughout the event, volunteers and community partners staffed information tables, distributed essential supplies, and created a welcoming environment for veterans to receive support. Local law enforcement officers participated, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the initiative.

During the day, the team distributed over 300 hygiene kits containing essentials (such as a razor blade and shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant and a comb) and 300 bottles of water donated by Walmart Distribution and Walmart Store 2993 to veterans in need.

The images capture the spirit of community service, showing volunteers in their distinctive green shirts working alongside representatives from organizations like Combined Arms, the Texas Veterans Network, the Salvation Army and Baker Ripley. These combined efforts highlight the power of community partnerships in addressing veteran homelessness through direct action and compassionate engagement.