CCSCT Veteran Advocacy Gains Program Recipient a, “No Barriers,” Expedition

Community Council of South Central responds to Karnes Electric request for nominations and lands a Veterans Financial Assistance Program recipient excursion to Colorado.

 

Community Council of South Central Texas would like to extend a warm, “Congratulations” to Marine Sergeant Mario Griego, on his selection as a recipient of a “No Barriers” Colorado Expedition! Sergeant Griego was nominated by Karnes Electric Coop and CCSCT Veterans Financial Assistance Coordinator, Ken Loy, to attend the excursion.

No Barriers Warriors helps Veterans redefine their identity, purpose, and community as they face past and present challenges. The program serves as both an opportunity for growth and a catalyst for change as participants stretch physical and emotional boundaries, foster camaraderie, push through adversity, and step up to serve others.  No Barriers Warriors programs are FREE, for Veterans with service connected disabilities.

According to a 2019 Department of Veteran Affairs study, while the Veteran population is declining, the percentage of Veterans with a service connected disability has been steadily rising.  These injuries, both visible and invisible, add to the potential struggle a Veteran can face after transitioning out of military service, and reintegrating into their civilian communities.

Using the No Barriers life philosophy, the expedition creates an experience that challenges Veterans to critically think about where they are in life, where they want to be, and how to get there.  This experience gives them new tools, strategies, and drive to overcome barriers that are holding them back – as well as a new support team that will be with them throughout the program.

Sergeant Griego resides in Atascosa County, happily married to his wife of 17 years, Janelle. They have three wonderful children Nikki, Jared, and Kyle. Sergeant Griego was Honorably Discharged after 4 years of faithful service from the United States Marine Corp.  He served with the 13th Marine expeditionary unit, Pakistan, in Operation Anaconda and later went to Iraq in February of 2003. He also served in Kenya, Wake Island, and Hawaii. Sergeant Griego is a highly decorated combat veteran and a True Patriot! As a civilian, Mr. Griego has proved himself to be a hard charger even at the completion of his military service.  Even though disabled while in the Marines, Sergeant Griego has pursued a successful career working with Leviat as an Automation Technician.

Rank At time of Discharge:  Sergeant E-5

Primary Specialty: Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner

Decorations:   Combat Action Ribbon (Iraq), Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/2 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon W/1 Bronze Star, Expert Rifleman.

CCSCT’s Veterans’ Financial Assistance Program helps eligible Veterans, Veteran Dependents, and Surviving Spouses. Through it, CCSCT assists beneficiaries with short-term and temporary financial Emergency Services, including rental assistance, mortgage assistance, and more.  The VFAP serves the following 21 counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala. This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information on the Texas Veterans Commission, visit https://www.TVC.Texas.gov .  For information on the VFAP please call Ken Loy, Veterans Services Coordinator at 830-876-9812.

CCSCT is a non-profit community action agency that empowers vulnerable families and individuals in the greater South Central Texas area to achieve self-sufficiency by eliminating barriers through innovative programs and strong community partnerships. Counties serviced include; Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, LaSalle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala. For more information, visit www.ccsct.org or follow us on the socials at https://linktr.ee/ccsct_cares.

 

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