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OUTREACH INITIATIVES

2025 Quarterly Newsletters

Newsletter Archive

NOVEMBER 2025

11-November_Charles Barnes.JPG

Congratulations to our November 2025 Raffle Winner: Charles Barnes!
 

Charles honorably served three years in the U.S. Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. His service took him to Vietnam for several months before completing the remainder of his overseas tour in Korea.

Following his military career, Charles dedicated more than 30 years to work as a mechanic and in building maintenance. In 1995, he contributed to a six-month outage at the Nuclear Power Plant, and the following year began a remarkable 23-year career with AutoZone, where he helped countless customers get back on the road.
 

Since retiring, Charles has embraced his passions—restoring muscle cars, collecting vintage stereo equipment, and enjoying the orchestra and theatre. His story reflects a lifetime of service, hard work, and creativity.
 

As our raffle winner, Charles received: One $100 Giant Eagle Get/Go Gift Card (donated by Rolling Thunder, Inc. Ohio Chapter 2). Four $5 Dairy Queen Gift Certificates (1723 E. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula). Two $25 Speedway Gas Cards (donated by Ashtabula Elks Lodge #208). One Gift Certificate for a free haircut (donated by Great Clips in Ashtabula Township). One $25 Mr. Hero Gift Card (donated by American Legion Post 124 in Geneva). A commemorative PAVER on our Warrior Walk!
 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each organization for their generous support and commitment to honoring local veterans. Congratulations again to Charles—and thank you for your service!
 

Charles is pictured with County Veterans Service Officer, Aimee Borcicky.

Upcoming 2026 Events

📅 January - November (Alternating Months) - VA Death Benefits Presentation
    ⏰ Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
    📍   Location: VSC Community Room (1709 E. Prospect Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004)
Join us for an informative session on veterans’ death benefits. Learn about available resources, eligibility, and how to access support for your family.
Scheduled Dates:
    ✅ January 23   ✅ March 20   ✅ May 22   ✅ July 17   ✅ September   ✅November 27th

📅 February - October 2026 - South County Benefit Assistance
    ⏰ Time: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
     📍 Location: Andover Village Hall (134 Maple Ave, Andover, OH 44003)
Our team will be available to assist veterans and families with benefits questions and support services.
Scheduled Dates: 
    ✅ February 26   ✅ March 26   
✅ April 30   ✅ May 28   ✅ June 25   ✅ July 30
    ✅ August 27     ✅ September 24                 ✅ October 29

📅 February - April 2026 - AARP Tax Aide
    ⏰10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
    📍   Location: VSC Community Room (1709 E. Prospect Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004)
Certified AARP volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance. Appointments are required — please call to schedule.
Scheduled Dates:

​    ✅ February 3   ✅ February 10   ✅ February 17   ✅ February 24   
    ✅ March 3      ✅ March 27      ✅ March 24     ✅ April 7   ✅ April 14

📅 March 9 - March 13 - Holiday Gift Card Program
    ⏰Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (DAILY)
    📍   Location: VSC Community Room (1709 E. Prospect Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004)
Celebrate the season with our Easter Holiday Gift Card Program. Eligible veterans and families may stop by during program hours to participate.​


📅 May 5 - Rite of Passage Ceremony
    ⏰Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.   
    📍   Location: Jefferson Area Senior High School (207 W. Mulberry St, Jefferson, OH 44047)

Join the Blue Star Mothers and the Ashtabula veteran community as we cheer on the incredible Class of 2026 seniors from across the county who have chosen to step forward and serve in the U.S. Armed Forces!
Let’s honor their commitment, applaud their bravery, and send them off with the pride of a grateful community!

📅 August 6 - Veterans Promise Ceremony
    ⏰Time: TBD   
    📍   Location: 
Ashtabula County Fairgrounds (127 N Elm St, Jefferson, OH 44047)
Come celebrate the Ashtabula veteran community as we raise our right hands and once again swear our solemn promise to uphold our original oath of service in protection our family, friends and community.

📅 October 19 - October 23 - Holiday Gift Card Program   
    ⏰Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (DAILY)
   
    📍   Location: VSC Community Room (1709 E. Prospect Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004)

Celebrate the season with our Holiday Gift Card Program. Eligible veterans and families may stop by during program hours to participate.​

📅 November 5 - Veterans Appreciation Luncheon      
    ⏰
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    📍   Location: 
Norman-D Banquet Center (2720 W 19th St, Ashtabula, OH 44004)
The Ashtabula community will come together to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Hosted by the Veterans Service Commission alongside Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, Foundations Health, Comfort Keepers, Bella Care Hospice, Carington Park, and Capital Health, this luncheon is a powerful tribute to those who have worn the uniform and continue to inspire us all.

CONTACT VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION

VISIT US

1709 E. Prospect Road

Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

CALL US

Office: (440) 964-8324

Fax: (440) 964-3582

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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