Home of the Brave honors its founders

Home of the Brave honored its founders at an event Oct. 26 at its Milford campus.

Les Stephenson accepted a plaque on behalf of the seven other Vietnam veterans who launched the shelter 33 years ago.

Greg Fuller, Home of the Brave board chair, said the plaque with all of their names will hang in the administration building.

Stephenson, who served in the U.S. Marines, said he is one of the only founders remaining. He said he had always hoped the day would come when the founders’ work would be recognized. 

“I was always concerned that none of us would be here long enough to perhaps have a formal presentation for the work we have done,” Stephenson said. “But, it’s not only for us, the founders, it’s for their families and their children.”

The ceremony was held during Home of the Brave’s inaugural solidarity fundraiser.

Fuller said several military organizations attended the event to help support the shelter.

Those organizations included VFW 7234, VFW Milford, VFW 7478, VFW 6984, Korean War Veterans Association, Delaware National Guard Retired Officers, First State Chapter Warrant Officers Association, Positive Soar Eagles and Hogs & Heroes.

Fuller said the event raised $7,800, which will go directly to the facility’s operations.

Home of the Brave is a transitional housing facility for veterans located on Sharp’s Road, just off Route 1. It can house up to 20 men and women.

Stephenson said he believes Home of the Brave is in good hands, having hired William Brown, a U.S. Marine, as its executive director back in May.

“Home of the Brave is in the best shape I’ve ever seen. Greg Fuller has the capacity to lead people. We have people who have had honorable service, know what honor is and know how to do things aboveboard,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said Home of the Brave will need donations to help with upcoming renovations to its shelter.

“It would be nice for [residents] to have a room as comfortable as my own personal bedroom,” Stephenson said.

For more information and to donate, go to homeofthebravefdn.org.