Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig Visits BAE Systems Independence Hall

Peter Kelleher and Mayor Joyce Craig at BAE Systems Independence Hall

Mayor Joyce Craig declared November as Veteran Appreciation Month in the city of Manchester.

She made this proclamation on November 17th, while visiting the residents and staff of BAE Systems Independence Hall, Harbor Care’s residential facility for veterans in Manchester. BAE Systems Independence Hall provides transitional living units and permanent housing to New Hampshire veterans and their families, with more than 26 bedrooms, apartments, and common areas.

Mayor Craig took this opportunity to chat with many of the former servicemen and servicewomen in residence. Their conversations included topics such as military benefits, pedestrian safety, and the virtues of the Boeing B-52. The discussion moved on to the difficult circumstances facing the unsheltered as winter approaches. Craig was particularly interested in learning the personal stories behind Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST initiative, and how it is ending veteran homelessness throughout the Granite State.

David Tille, Harbor Care’s Director of Veteran Services, complimented the mayor’s ability to connect with clients. “Our veterans and staff were excited and deeply appreciative of Mayor Craig’s visit to BAE Independence Hall for Veterans Appreciation month,” he said.

Harbor Care President and CEO Peter Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer Henry Och, and Tille helped support staff distribute winter jackets to veterans as part of a drive organized by Anheuser-Busch, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, and the New Hampshire Wolves Hunting Club. In total these organizations supplied more than 500 jackets to the agency to help vulnerable veterans prepare for winter.

“It is an honor to have Mayor Craig visit our Veterans FIRST facility in Manchester,” Kelleher said, adding how important it was to have her support “as the agency works to end veteran homelessness in Manchester and throughout New Hampshire. We’re so grateful to Mayor Craig for signing this historic proclamation and her commitment to help veterans in need.”

Harbor Care COO Henry Och, Jack Balch of Elks Lodge 720 in Nashua, Mayor Joyce Craig, Harbor Care CEO Peter Kelleher, and Harbor Care Director of Veteran Services David Tille

Addressing the assembled crowd of residents, staff, and Harbor Care leadership, Craig said:

Manchester is home to approximately 6,500 veterans. I’d like to thank Harbor Homes for its commitment to ending veteran homelessness in the Granite State. I urge all members of our community to thank a veteran for their service and to observe and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of all our veterans who have fought for peace and defended our democracy.

The residents and staff of BAE Systems Independence Hall took delight in hosting Mayor Craig, and feel honored that she chose their home to make her official proclamation of Manchester’s Veterans’ Appreciation Month. She made it clear to them how much she honors their sacrifices, and that she is here to support them now.  

To learn more about Harbor Care’s Transitional Housing for veterans, visit https://www.harborcarenh.org/veterans-first-transitional-housing