The municipality of Westerveld officially has its own veterans’ foundation; recently the signatures were put to it. The foundation was set up by three soldiers, who felt that their profession should be given more appreciation. “We miss that appreciation very much now.”
Restaurant ECHOS is located on the grounds of the Johannes Post barracks in Havelte; a meeting center for military personnel and veterans. For many years it has been an important operating base for this profession in Havelte and recently it has also become the home base for the new Westerveld Veterans Foundation.
“With our own barracks and about 140 veterans who live in the municipality, we thought it was strange that there is no foundation yet,” says Roy Crouse. He is active in the military and has already completed several missions. “As a veteran you have contributed to safety in the world. The appreciation and recognition that you hope to expect from society is missing in this municipality,” he thinks.
empathize better
Together with colleagues William Koning and Martijn Lammers, he therefore entered into a discussion with mayor Rikus Jager. They made a number of agreements with him that serve as a foundation for the foundation. “We hope, for example, to be more involved in military ceremonies,” Lammers adds. “Moments such as Liberation Day, commemoration of the dead or returning home after a mission are very special to us. We can empathize better and know what we are doing it all for. Together with the municipality, we want to be more involved in this.”
The foundation focuses not only on the veterans, but also on the home front. “There are national networks that provide support”, says Lammers, “but we would rather have a place in the municipality where that support is provided than someone who has to come from Rotterdam. Despite all the good intentions.”