West Point Cadet's Nonprofit Helps Homeless Veterans With Vienna Collection Event

VIENNA, VA — During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Military Academy West Point cadet Caleb Suh started a nonprofit to help the DC region's elderly veterans. That mission of Operation Golden Shield soon expanded to help homeless veterans as the DC area has seen homelessness rise.

This summer, Operation Golden Shield's mission will be in full force with a collection event for care packages to be given to homeless veteran at Vienna Presbyterian Church. The event on July 22 will support veterans at the VA Medical Center’s Community Living Center in DC, a VA nursing home for veterans, and the Emery Low Barrier Shelter, a 130-bed shelter.

Suh is a rising senior at West Point with a systems and decision sciences major and a premedical track. After West Point, he plans to become an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and attend medical school.

But even before he graduates from the military academy, Suh has made a lasting impact through his nonprofit. Suh told Patch that Operation Golden Shield is a way for members, many of whom are cadets and midshipmen at the Military and Naval Academies, to give back.

"We are connected through history and heritage with a long line of warriors and heroes — those who have served our country proudly, and those who, in the golden years of their lives, deserve dignity, and honor, and our undying respect," said Suh. "The [Operation Golden Shield] team is filled with our country’s future leaders, who all share a profound commitment to service and leadership and a desire to give back to the leaders who paved the way for us."

While Operation Golden Shield started to help DC area veterans facing food insecurity, homelessness and living in transitional housing, it has expanded. Operation Golden Shield has grown as others have joined from around the U.S. and started chapters at U.S. service academies. The nonprofit connects members to ways they can help others in their respective areas.

Community service events are held at times when members are not studying at their academies during the school year. The collection event at Vienna Presbyterian Church has become an annual occurrence. According to Suh, the event started to help veterans at the VA Medical Center's Community Living Centers in DC and expanded this year to include the Emery Low Barrier Shelter.

Suh says residents can help by donating items, attending the event or financially contributing to support Operation Golden Shield.

Stay tuned for more information on needed items and hours for the event from Operation Golden Shield.