El Dorado County, CA – The Gilmore Hero Foundation, founded in 2019 by local Air Force veteran Darrin Gilmore, is emerging as a beacon of support for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders in El Dorado County and beyond. With a commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to service, the foundation’s recent delivery of a Nissan Sentra and bicycles to Navy veteran Richard Ocanes and his family exemplifies their dedication to bridging critical gaps in veterans’ day-to-day lives.
In a touching gesture, representatives from the Gilmore Hero Foundation, including Chris Whitaker, Austin Warner, and Stephen Chollet, embarked on a journey to deliver a much-needed vehicle and bicycles to Navy veteran Richard Ocanes and his four children. Ocanes, a retired air traffic controller battling stage-four colon cancer, and his family, previously homeless, found solace in their new home. However, recognizing the importance of transportation, the foundation stepped in to provide a Nissan Sentra and special bicycles for the children, showcasing their commitment to making a difference in veterans’ lives.
Fulfilling Critical Needs: Beyond Vehicles and Bicycles
Dear Gilmore Hero Foundation,
I would like to thank you for coming to my aid when I thought that all hope was lost. I was referred to you by another veteran’s organization that sai
Justin Tucker, U.S. Army veteran
d you were able to make things happen where some other groups might not be able to.
As a disabled veteran it’s been a challenging year for me. You folks provided me with warm clothes, a heater, and Home Depot gift card to help fix my trailer this winter. Helping me with money to buy my daughters Christmas presents was way more than I could ever hope for. This car you were able to give me will help me move into a new place to live and provide much needed transportation for getting my life back on track.
It all started with your generosity. Thank you so much and please continue helping veterans that are in need.
Justin Tucker U.S. Army veteran
Driving Change: Gilmore Hero Foundation’s Vision
Chris Whitaker, the executive director of the Gilmore Hero Foundation and the recipient of the 2022 El Dorado County Veterans Alliance Service and Support Award, shared the broader vision of the organization. Beyond individual acts of kindness, the foundation focuses on financially assisting veterans, active military, and first responders in El Dorado County and Northern California. This assistance includes donating vehicles or providing support for repairs to existing ones.
“Our main focus now is acquiring vehicles through private donations and wherever else we can get them. Being able to transport yourself, get off the streets, get a job, get to doctor appointments. We feel that has the biggest impact on these people’s lives. Everything starts with a vehicle,” explained Whitaker.
Community Collaboration: Transforming Vehicles, Transforming Lives
“We’ve had vehicles that needed a small amount of work done, and I’ve worked with a lot of local businesses in this area that donate a lot of their free time to help get them registered, get new windshields and get fixed up, anything the car needs,” highlighted Whitaker.
Scaling Impact: A Growing Vision for Veterans
With aspirations to establish the largest vehicles-for-veterans program in California, the Gilmore Hero Foundation plans to collaborate with local dealerships. Actively seeking monetary donations through their website at gilmorehero.us, the foundation also welcomes donations of vehicles, trailers, and RVs that need only minor repairs and are deemed “street-worthy.”
“We are hoping to get the word out to the community to let them know we exist and that there are a lot of veterans out there that are in need,” emphasized Whitaker.
Beyond Vehicles: Holistic Support for Veterans
While the foundation’s primary focus is on providing vehicles, it has expanded its services to include home repairs, bill payments, and assistance with groceries. Whitaker’s dedication is evident as he expressed, “If I have the ability to help someone in the county who I know, then I’ll get it done with all my knowledge.”
In the spirit of transforming lives and fostering community support, the Gilmore Hero Foundation exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives in making a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families.*
