For many veterans, the year-end holidays can be a time of financial strain and emotional need. That’s why Michael Duggan helped to hand out free meals and heartfelt thanks yesterday to those who served. Upwards of 500 veterans and their families were registered to receive food and cheer today at the Plymouth Area Veterans Center.
“There’s food insecurity this time of year,” said Duggan, president and founder of the Plymouth-based Medic Now Foundation, which helps veterans year-round with healthcare expenses. “The holidays weigh down a lot of people financially. So we say thanks for their service with a meal, then offer them free assessments to whatever else is challenging them.”
This was the second year of the community program, which involved assistance from Volunteers of America of Plymouth, Veteran Services Office of Plymouth and local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Last year, about 200 Plymouth veterans were recipients. This year, Holiday Care and Comfort for Heroes was open to active and former military across Plymouth County.
Duggan decided he wanted to do something to show community support for veterans and their families during the year-end holidays – partly in appreciation of their service but also because the need is there.
“According to the 2024 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, nearly one-third of military and veteran households struggle to meet basic needs during the holidays,” he said. “More than half of military spouses experience unemployment, and only 26 percent of active-duty families report that their housing costs are fully covered.”
Denis Russell, commander of VFW Post 1822 in Plymouth, said the meals were welcomed by him and other veterans. He enjoyed the food, which includes choice of turkey or lasagna dinners with dessert made by Cabby Shack and Salt of the Earth Catering. He also helped distribute it.
“I volunteered for a tour in Vietnam and served during the Easter Offensive of 1972,” said the U.S. Navy veteran. “I lost a lot of friends over there, so this is a way to give back.”
Roxanne Whitbeck of Plymouth is also a veteran who helps with Holiday Care and Comfort for Heroes. The town’s director of Veteran Services, who served in the U.S. Navy for 13 years, is happy to assist the Medic Now Foundation with planning this large outreach effort.
“This event is important because it brings the community together,” she said. “I participated last year in handing out the meals and there were a lot of happy, grateful people.”
And, she added, “The meals are delicious.”
As a veteran, John Corcoran says, it’s important for him to give back to his military brethren, some of whom may need extra assistance. For the thank-you meal, most picked up their food at the Veterans Center on North Park Avenue in Plymouth – but not all are able to.
“Some of the folks who request a meal can’t drive, they can’t get out,” said Corcoran, who served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1973 with active duty and reserve units. “I got a chance to deliver a couple of them. They were unbelievably appreciated and it meant a lot to me.”
Holiday Care and Comfort for Heroes is just one of the services offered to veterans through Medic Now Foundation. Started in 2017, the nonprofit public charity assists active and retired service members with out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. Plymouth resident Duggan got the idea for it when he realized veterans had to pay for some of their own medical expenses.
“The majority of veterans in this country take money out of their own pockets for healthcare,” he said. “I believe that if you served your country honorably, you should never have to pay for that.”
Duggan had hoped to provide free meals for up to 1,000 veterans and their families from around Plymouth County this year. Only about 500 people had signed up for the dinners, which were sponsored by donations from local people, organizations and businesses.
“I love doing the holiday care and comfort program, especially the food part of it,” he said. “I grew up with a grandmother who turned me into a foodie. I love the idea that our outreach has something to do with feeding people. Personally, that’s very gratifying.”
For these veterans and volunteers, offering thanks to those who served in the military – especially now – is important. It’s something they can do to show how much they care.
“It may be cold but there are a lot of warm hearts helping out,” Russell said.
For more information about Medic Now Foundation or to support its mission of assisting veterans with their healthcare, visit here.
Dave Kindy, a self-described history geek, is a longtime Plymouth resident who writes for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, National Geographic, Smithsonian and other publications. He can be reached at davidkindy1832@gmail.com.