10/24/2026
IN HONOR OF MY VETERAN | Vernon Clark
Every veteran has a story. And behind every story is someone whose life has been shaped by their service.
As part of Serving Those Who Served, a Stephen New & Associates initiative supporting Mountaineer Food Bank's Veterans Table, we're inviting our team and fellow West Virginians to honor the veterans who have made a difference in their lives.
We're beginning with Kelly Hamrick, who shares the story of her grandfather, Vernon Clark, and why this initiative means so much to her.
In Kelly's words:
My grandfather, Vernon Clark, was one of the most amazing men I've ever known. He served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II, but his service to others didn't stop when he came home.
He spent years working as a mechanic and even drove big semi-trucks across the country. He was a hardworking man who took pride in what he did. He believed in listening, understanding the problem, doing the job right, and treating people fairly. Whether he was fixing someone's car or simply lending a hand, he understood the importance of being someone people could count on.
I lost him when I was just 15 years old, but the example he set has stayed with me my entire life. I learned so much from watching him work and the way he treated people. My work ethic, determination, and yes, even my stubbornness came from him! ❤️ He taught me that your word matters, that you should take pride in what you do, and that how you treat people is just as important as the work itself.
I wish I'd had more years with him. There are so many things I'd love to share with him today. But I'm incredibly grateful for everything he gave me in the years we had together.
And that's why Serving Those Who Served means so much to me.
When I think about the veterans we're helping through Mountaineer Food Bank's Veterans Table, I think about my grandfather. These are men and women who served our country and then came home to become the people our communities depend on. They raised families, worked hard, helped their neighbors, and passed down values that continue to shape generations.
Now it's our turn to show up for them.
I can't think of a better way to honor my grandfather than by helping care for other West Virginia veterans. And I hope this initiative reminds us that we don't have to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Sometimes it's simply neighbors coming together to take care of neighbors.
That's what Serving Those Who Served means to me. And that's what West Virginians do.
NOW WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Who is your veteran?
We invite our team, friends, and fellow West Virginians to share a photograph, a name, or a favorite memory of a veteran who has made a difference in their lives. Let's fill the comments with the faces and stories of those who served.
And together, let's turn that gratitude into action.
Through Serving Those Who Served, Steve committed $4,000 to fund the first 100 food boxes for Mountaineer Food Bank's Veterans Table. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we've reached 121 boxes toward our goal of 200!
That means we're just 79 boxes away from our goal.
Just $40 provides one food box for a West Virginia veteran.
Let's honor them. Let's serve them. Let's take care of our own, West Virginia!
Donate here:
https://mountaineerfoodbank.givevirtuous.org/donate/serving-those-who-served-a-stephen-new--associates-initiative
