Submitted by the Capital District (N.Y.) Chapter

Several board members of MOAA’s Capital District (N.Y.) Chapter recently attended the dedication ceremony of the new Homeward Bound Adirondacks retreat center in Malone.

The chapter had applied for and received a $2,000 Community Outreach Grant from MOAA Charities to offset the cost of a potable water pump for the facility.

Veterans, community members, supporters, and local officials attended the event celebrating the organization’s continued commitment to serving those who have served their country. The new facility is named the SGT Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center and serves as a hub for healing, connection, and support for veterans throughout the North Country. Clark, a resident of nearby Sharon, Vt., was on his second deployment with the 101st Airborne Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when he was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Baghdad in August 2006. He was 22 years old.

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Earlier in the day, visitors toured the 105-acre property, learned more about the nonprofit’s growing programs, and met with staff and volunteers who provide peer mentoring, crisis outreach, case management, suicide prevention resources, and outdoor therapeutic retreats. Guests also connected with fellow veterans, learning how the organization is expanding services to meet the needs of former servicemembers across the Adirondack region.

“This dedication ceremony marked an important milestone in our ongoing mission to create a welcoming space where veterans can find camaraderie, purpose, and access to critical support services,” said Mark Moeller, board chairperson of Homeward Bound Adirondacks and a retired Army officer.  “The SGT Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center stands as both a tribute to military service and a symbol of the community’s investment in the well-being of those who have worn the nation’s uniform.”

A variety of speakers acknowledged the strong partnerships that have helped make the project possible. Through donations, volunteer efforts, fundraising campaigns, and local business support, Homeward Bound Adirondacks has continued to expand its reach while providing no-cost services designed to improve the lives of veterans and their families. Attendees were encouraged to remain involved through volunteering, sponsorships, and participation in future programs and events.