This idea was born last year, the SOF community has given it the name Warrior Blessing. Most holiday meals are in the individual meal form, this does not meet the vision or mission statements of North Vernon Vet to Vet. Meals of this type are important, but in today’s world, 5 individual meals delivered will go in 5 different directions. The primary mission of North Vernon Vet to Vet is to aid veterans and their families as they strive to build better lives. To Fully restore the Warrior Spirit by bridging the gap between those who serve and those whom they serve. Our approach is to find a way to bridge the gap, asking for or accepting a gift or support is often hard for a vet. That vet may be dealing with several symptoms, disorientation, avoidance, flashbacks, frustration, decreased attention span, restlessness, anxiety, fear, combative behavior, memory loss, stress, depression, isolation are but a few. The first mission is to get the help of our VSO’s, religious communities, and families to identify those that will benefit from this type of gift. Once we identify those in need, next and most importantly is having the vet to accept the gift. This is vital to accomplish the mission. If the vet accepts’ the gift they will take part in the prep, this is the responsibility when accepting. The time between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving is about a week, it takes a turkey about a week to thaw, time sensitive. The process of bridging the gap has started engaging with the family to prepare the meal, its presentation all is accepted by the vet and his/her family. The mission is accomplished when that vet and his/her family sit together comfortably for the first time in years or perhaps decades. The Warrior Blessing Mission hopes we can be a part of the process of allowing our vets to enjoy this day with family when we give thanks. Last year we gave out over 150 ham and turkey meals, the goal this year is over 200, please donate and help us accomplish this mission.