Joe Doll Honored as “Volunteer of the Year”
Independence for Veterans
Green Brook Resident Mr. Joseph P. Doll has been honored with the prestigious Independence for Veteran’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year award.
Independence for Veterans is a grass roots, multi-award winning 501c-3 nonprofit based in Bedminster, N.J., spearheaded by Mrs. Stacia McDonough, the widow of Sergeant John E. McDonough, a decorated Vietnam Veteran, USAF, Enlisted. Their primary missions are assisting our disabled and homeless veterans with much-needed new clothing, groceries, toiletries, bedding, and necessities. All items are then hand-delivered by the Independence for Veterans volunteers. They recently helped a formerly homeless 2x Iraqi War Veteran purchase his own single-family home, and secured a grant from Home Depot whereas they renovated the home for this Veteran.
On any given night there are approximately 40,000 veterans sleeping on the streets in the U.S.
According to the Veterans Administration, an estimated 22+ Veterans commit suicide every day.
“Joe selflessly gives his time, and tremendous efforts helping our Veterans who have fallen on hard times. For his active participation in our fundraising events, our annual clothing and food drives, and his remarkably generous contributions, Independence for Veterans gratefully acknowledges Joe’s extraordinary dedication helping our struggling Veterans,” says Stacia McDonough.
“I made acquaintance with Stacia McDonough about 7 years ago after reading an article in the Star-Ledger regarding her work with veterans in honor of her late husband John, a Vietnam Vet. My wife Harriette made contact with her via phone, and we were soon involved helping Stacia. I was really impressed with her annual, “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm,” project helping homeless Veterans during the Christmas season. She volunteered for numerous years, and finally after much hard work and persistence, she branched off into the 501c-3 nonprofit, Independence for Veterans.
I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran. I served with the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division, 196th Light Infantry Brigade in I Corp, Chu Lai, Quang Tin Province from 1970-1971 at Firebase Maryann. My disability is from ischemic heart disease, and in 2014 I received a heart transplant. I consider myself extremely fortunate for this life-saving surgery and as a result I am dedicated to helping fellow Veterans in need.
I also belong to the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). I joined those groups after my transplant; however, working with Independence for Veterans gives me my greatest fulfillment. Stacia is an amazing human being! She works tirelessly for the veterans, always putting them first. Her wonderful attitude and energy level are infectious, which inspires us to go the extra mile to get the job done. I really enjoy working with Independence for Veterans, and am looking forward to the coming year, anticipating putting our 2nd disabled Veteran in a permanent home,” says Joseph Doll.
“This distinction is well-deserved. For consistently pausing his personal life to endlessly advocate, and spread awareness of the unfortunate plight of our veterans in need is exceptionally commendable,” says Mr. Louis Manzo, Independence for Veterans Board Member.
For further information on the many missions of Independence for Veterans, and how you can help, view their website: i4v.org.
