meet our team
Green Vistas Board
The Board of Directors of Green Vistas Veterans Village, Inc. is composed of leaders with experience, knowledge & training in the following areas: military, corporate, education and nonprofit.
Green Vistas’ Story
A vision born from tragedy
It was a beautiful morning over 20 years ago when 9th grader Anton Simon volunteered to help set up voting equipment in his high school gym. His coach walked in and said news reports indicated terrorists had crashed a plane into the World Trade Center in New York City.
Anton later learned that a friend was on the 1st plane. He was traveling to visit his dad. The date was 9/11/2001.
Millions across the country watched in disbelief and horror. So many lives lost. So many lives changed forever.
Seeing the country under attack and innocent people killed shocked Anton. Like many other young people, it sparked a desire to enlist and serve his country.
After high school and a year of college, Anton enlisted. He spent several years deployed to other places before receiving orders for Afghanistan.
In Afghanistan he suffered leg injuries. He was in the blast zone when IEDs went off. Also injured in a bomb blast of a suicide bomber.
Despite surgeries and rehab, he had to take a medical retirement.
Many military members also suffer Invisible Wounds of War. Over time, memories of traumatic experiences can increase feelings of anxiety, panic, anger and depression. Severe mental pain causes some to lose the will to live.
A recent report estimates that 7,057 service members died during military operations since 9/11. During that same time period, 30,177 military suicides occurred…more than 4 times the number of deaths from combat.
Anton was friends with 8 who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Five have since ended their lives. For parents, children and loved ones, the loss is profound and lasting.
The high number of suicides show how much mental wellness programs are needed to help veterans.
Severely traumatized veterans can sometimes withdraw. Some live in makeshift twig huts in the woods or cardboard boxes on the streets. These are some of the most vulnerable veterans in the country.
Few receive the earned benefits or services they need. It’s difficult without an advocate or address.
Since returning from Afghanistan, Anton has continued to help others. He’s been a Volunteer & Mentor for TAPS (Trauma Assistance Programs for Survivors) & at Good Grief Camps. These outstanding programs help children & families grieving the loss of a military loved one from war or suicide.
Anton serves in other ways too. After college he has worked in IT. He’s using his training and experience to make homes ‘smart’ for Green Vistas. One feature will provide personalized visual and auditory help when a resident is distressed.
Smart’ features are installed in homes across the country because they improve safety & help occupants. ‘Smart’ Technology can improve the lives of veterans too.
Green Vistas Veterans Village Board members, partners, supporters and friends are committed to helping homeless veterans secure housing that honors their service and sacrifice.
We hope you will help the men and women who served this country too.
Please share information, join events, volunteer or contribute financially. Every contribution is greatly appreciated.
Every volunteer makes a difference!
The Vision of Green Vistas was Born from Tragedy but a Community of Support Makes Solutions Possible.
Partners & Associates
A heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals helping Green Vistas Veterans Village!
