Homefront Rising
Nadia McCaffrey
In honor of her son Patrick, who was killed in 2004 while serving in Iraq, Gold Star Mom Nadia McCaffrey has devoted herself to helping military veterans transition back into civilian life. Whether spearheading the formation of veterans villages around the country, or taking veterans into her own residence and nurturing their wellbeing, Nadia is at the forefront of creating a better future for all Americans. She believes many societal problems are unlikely to be solved unless veterans – many of whom possess a unique and valuable skill set – join forces with the non-veteran civilian sector. That powerful partnership, guided by advisors, mentors, caregivers and second “Moms,” represents the essence of Homefront Rising, an emerging network of communities for veterans and their fellow Americans.
Homefront Long Beach
Pam Jag
Pam Jag comes from a family of restaurateurs whose savvy led to real estate acquisitions throughout Southern California. Pam has spent most of her adult life working in social services and making music. When she first became aware of The Veterans Project and the group's plans to develop residential communities for veterans, the house and adjoining property Pam co-owns in Long Beach, CA was already slated to be converted into the headquarters of the Creative Living Arts Foundation (the nonprofit organization she's in the process of establishing to help struggling artists). That initiative has since morphed into an exciting joint venture. "I realized that artists and veterans face some of the same problems, and I really like the idea of combining efforts," Pam explains. "I also see great value in art as therapy, and artists collaborating with veterans to tell the story of our times." Info and rental application here.
