Veteran’s Day 2026 is November 11th. Veteran’s Day marks the 17th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, Sacred House Council 5780, helping Operation American Soldiers, OAS. OAS was created in 2009 and has evolved from shipping care packages overseas to today’s mission of helping Connecticut Veterans. Connecticut has over 131,000 veterans in need.
We continue to work with Columbus House in New Haven and the Veterans Administration of Connecticut to identify specific needs of veterans who are struggling and need our support. Thanks to your generous support 2026 was a successful year in helping our Veterans. Your generous donations in 2025 of $25,970 allowed us to help 150 individual Veterans in need of assistance. How the donations were used is listed below.
Following is a testimonial from one of the homeless Veterans that received a “Welcome Kit” your donations allowed us to secure for them. Welcome Kits provide some household essentials like pots and pans, toaster, table ware etc. Everyday kitchen items necessary to start a new apartment.
“My God what can I say, thank you so much for that moving in package…there is some great stuff that I can use in there and also want to let you know we lucked out really well man, I got the queen size set. So that’s perfect, absolutely perfect. Thank you again… I really appreciate it and appreciate what you’re doing for me.”
The Veteran later commented it had been over 10 years since he had ‘new’ pots, pans and utensils to use and was amazed at how comprehensive the kit was, “I can use all of it”. – 3 years homelessList of items provided:
- 12/06/25: Purchased $50 gift cards for Columbus House helping 40 Veterans, $2,000.
- 12/08/25: Provided 8 welcome packages to Columbus House, $3,798.
- 12/08/25: Purchased 5 appliances (stoves and refrigerators) for Harkness and Columbus Houses, $3,000.
- 12/30/25: Purchased $50 gift cards for Veterans Administration helping 50 Veterans, $2,000.
- 01/31/26: Purchased 3 gift packs for Veterans Administration, $1,440.
- 05/21/26: Purchased 12 welcome packages to Columbus House, $5,694.
- 06/29/26: Provided $500 to support homeless application fees for veteran housing helping 10 Veterans.
- 07/15/26: Purchased 3 gift packages for the Veterans Administration, $1,573.
- 07/17/26: Purchased 3 portable AC units for VA Vets with pulmonary problems, $1,137.
- 07/22/26: Purchased 11 welcome packages to Columbus House, $4,828.
Special thank you to the OAS Steering Committee for their hard work to help our Veterans.
- Mike Piccione (Founder)
- John Warfel
- Pete. Regan
Operation American Soldier (OAS) is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to supporting deployed U.S. troops by sending personalized care packages and heartfelt messages of gratitude. Founded on the belief that no soldier should ever feel forgotten, OAS works with volunteers, families, and community partners to uplift the morale of those serving far from home. Through our hands-on efforts, we aim to remind every service member that they are appreciated, supported, and never alone.
Columbus House was founded in 1982 and serves people experiencing homelessness, or at imminent risk, by providing life-saving outreach, shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. We advocate for and create affordable housing to end homelessness in our communities.