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Veterans & Military Employee Resource Group (ERG)

I. Mission
“The Veterans Resource Group is here to foster camaraderie, provide support, and direct WHOI Veterans and Active Duty Military and their families to valuable resources. Our commitment lies in mentoring and tackling the specific challenges that Veterans and Military personnel encounter, with the goal of making a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives.”

II. Pillars/Group Goals

  • Support: Offer emotional, social, and professional support to Veterans and Military family members within WHOI through mentorship, peer guidance, and connecting them to appropriate resources.
  • Outreach and Engagement: To extend the group’s impact by engaging with local veteran communities and fostering collaboration with external veteran organizations.
  • Career development: Promote professional growth and career advancement for Veterans within WHOI.

III. Group Norms

    1. Confidentiality: Discussions within the group will remain private to create a safe space for sharing personal experiences, challenges, and ideas.
    2. Mutual Respect: All members should respect each other’s opinions, backgrounds, and military experiences. This includes being open to different perspectives and avoiding judgment or unnecessary criticism.
    3. Inclusivity: Veterans from all branches of service, ranks, and experiences should feel welcome. This also includes recognizing the experiences of Veteran family members and those with diverse military backgrounds.
    4. Commitment to the Group’s Mission: Align group activities and discussions with the group’s mission, which could be centered around support, career development, and networking for Veterans.
    5. Meeting: The group will meet quarterly, or as needed, to promote Veteran causes in line with the mission.

IV. Flagship Events

    1. Veteran’s Day cookout
    2. Memorial Day Ceremony
    3. Veteran Resource Guest Speaker (During Benefits Fair)

V. Co-Chairs

    1. Christina Cuellar, Administrative Associate I, Biology, US Army
    2. Naomi Czupryna, Administrative Associate I, AOP&E, US Army
    3. Ronald Timm, Business Systems Analyst, IS, Marine Corps

VI. Term Limits

Co-chairs serve for three-year terms, with the option to run for one additional consecutive term (maximum six years).  Staggered elections ensure continuity, with one co-chair elected in alternating years. In exceptional cases, terms may be extended by up to six months with group approval.  If a co-chair steps down early, a special election will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

VII. Roster

    1. Christina Cuellar, Administrative Associate I, Biology, US Army
    2. Naomi Czupryna, Administrative Associate I, AOP&E, US Army
    3. Ronald Timm, Business Systems Analyst, IS, Marine Corps
    4. Lawrence Cen, Joint Program Student, PO

VIII. Resources for WHOI Veterans
Here are some key resources to assist our Veteran community. These organizations support all Veterans and their families

  • Cape Cod Vet Center (VA) -
    • Confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Our services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community.
    • Address: 474 West Main Street, Hyannis
    • Phone: 508-778-0124
  • Cape Vets - Department of Veterans' Service
    • Our Mission is to provide information and assistance to Veterans and their families in obtaining any and all Federal, State and local benefits which they may be entitled to.
    • Address: 66 Falmouth Road, Hyannis
    • Phone: 508-778-8740
    • Email:  capevetsadmin@comcast.net
    • URL:  org
  • Falmouth Veterans Services
    • The Department of Veterans' Services provides support and information to Veterans and their families throughout Falmouth. We can help you with pensions, filing claims, locating your DD214, filing for Chapter 115 benefits and much more. We are located downstairs in the Falmouth Town Hall. If you have any questions, please call us.
    • O.C.: Jim Gouzias, Director of Veterans’ Services
    • Address: 59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth
    • Phone: 508-495-7453
    • URL: https://www.falmouthma.gov/218/Veterans-Services
  • Cape & Islands Veteran Outreach Center -
    • Veteran Food Pantry - Every Thursday, 0900 to 1300 & 1700 to 1900 / Must be a Veteran (need proof) and qualify for The Emergency Food Assistance Program
    • Phone: 508-778-1590
    • Veteran's Rendezvous Cafe - A safe place for Veterans of all ages to gather and share in camaraderie together!
    • Every First & Third Wednesday of the month from 0900 to 1030
  • Heroes In Transition -
  • Mass Military Support Foundation - Empowerment Center - Sandwich
  • 22 Mowhawks
    • Provides assistance to Veterans who need help with navigating the struggles of everyday life when they return home from duty.
    • Pups for Vets - Pairing up training rescue dogs with Veterans in need
  • Lunch4Vets
    • Location: Gimmy’s Tavern at Hyannis Golf
    • When: 3rd Thursday of every month - 1130 to 1300
    • Please register each month for this event - send email to rsvp@lunch4vets.org
  • Joe Q Veteran Coffee Break
    • We’re building an all-inclusive Veteran community that promotes fellowship where Veterans will be comfortable seeking support and informational services and developing the services today’s Upper Cape Cod-area Veterans and families need.
    • Location:  Falmouth Community Veterans Center
    • URL: joeqveterancoffee.org