Serving Those Who Serve in Uniform |

May 22, 2025

A group of Mercy Home coworkers volunteered recently at Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Hospital in Chicago. Volunteers helped organize clothes and shoes for veterans in need. These items will help veterans stay warm in the winter, as well as have the professional clothing they need for job interviews and at work.

Omar Onate, a production manager in our Mission Press and a former Marine, is currently serving in the Army Reserves. His wife Raquel Onate, a customer support representative in Mission Press, has supported his military journey for over twenty years. Both were grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the VA to support our veterans.

Onate receives medical services at Jesse Brown VA, which is why it was special for him to give back to veterans.

“Volunteering was good because it helps people understand what veterans go through,” he said. “It gives people another look into military life.”

Since joining the military, he’s made lifelong friends, has traveled to amazing places like Singapore and Australia, and has made unforgettable memories.

“I wanted to join the military ever since I was five years old playing outside with my G.I. Joes,” he said. “I love the military life. [I’ve made] a lot of friendships that I probably would have never made if it wasn’t for the military.”

Onate encourages people to reach out to veterans.

“Sometimes older veterans have nobody to talk to, nowhere to get help, and a lot of them are hesitant to even reach out for help,” he said. “We have to try to instill into younger veterans that it’s okay to [connect with the VA], and there’s always somewhere you can go for help.”

Wes Kinard, a U.S. Navy veteran who works in Mercy Home’s communications department had done a good deal of volunteer work while serving and called that experience “life changing.” Of the group’s volunteer efforts at Jessie Brown, he said “it really connected us to each other and the chance to interact with other veterans, hearing their stories and experiences was a great opportunity.”

Elizabeth Norden, director of corporate and foundation relations, was inspired to join the group and volunteer because she has family members who have served in the military. Additionally, before coming to Mercy Home, she worked in state government including on projects and legislation that supported veterans and active duty service members.

“We have a responsibility to honor, respect, and care for our veterans and their families,” Norden said.