Earlier this year, the New England Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America launched an exciting new initiative – Project 72,000 Square Miles – a program dedicated to ensuring that every square mile of New England feels the positive impact of our mission. Whether through outreach, advocacy, or direct benefits support, our goal is simple: to reach every veteran we can, wherever they are.
Project 72,000 Square Miles is about more than outreach – it is about connection, community, and ensuring that no veteran in our region feels left behind.
Last month this innovative program took us to the Providence VA Medical Center. Our Chapter hosted an outreach table, met hundreds of veterans, and provided a wonderful lunch for those in attendance. It was a terrific day filled with great conversation, meaningful connections, and the reminder that our presence matters deeply to the veterans we serve. During our visit, several veterans stopped by our table thinking we were with the Wounded Warrior Project. It was a great opportunity to share who PVA is – and what makes our mission unique. We explained that Paralyzed Veterans of America and its Chapters serve veterans with spinal cord injury and disease, providing lifelong advocacy, benefits assistance, and community connection. Educating and informing others about our work is a major goal of Project 72,000 Square Miles, as we seek to raise awareness of PVA’s critical role in improving the lives of paralyzed and disabled veterans across New England.
A special thank-you goes out to Chapter President and National Director Brad Carlson, his wife Kathy, and Board Member Keelan Zenion for representing the Chapter so well that day. We are also grateful to Danielle Hetu from the PVA Veterans Career Program New England Regional Office for joining us and sharing valuable resources with veterans. And a heartfelt thanks to Keelan for his help in coordinating this successful visit – his efforts truly helped make the day possible.
Project 72,000 Square Miles is about more than outreach – it is about connection, community, and ensuring that no veteran in our region feels left behind. Every visit, every handshake, every conversation strengthens the bonds that define who we are as an organization. Looking ahead, our next stop is at the White River Junction VA in Vermont. We are eager to meet the veterans there and continue this important work of bringing the mission of PVA to every part of New England. As a community we will continue to ensure that the spirit of service and advocacy that defines the essence of our New England Chapter reaches each mile of our 6 great states.
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