Lt. Col. Thomas Griffin
US Army- RET., Board Director
LT. COL. Thomas Griffin is Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Transition Center, a non-profit enterprise established in 1998 that refurbished 40 homes on the former Fort Ord to house 55 homeless veterans and families. His creative and focused leadership has resulted in the Veterans Transition Center reaching new heights in metrics for its success in converting homeless veterans to self-sustaining civilians. In addition, Tom supports homeless veterans through a bi-annual program known as Stand Down, a weekend-long event that brings support services to hundreds of homeless veterans who congregate in Fort Ord from five counties in northern California.Today, Tom’s expertise is called upon regularly to consult on military and Veteran affairs, social services and mental health. His credentials include past Director of Monterey County’s Military & Veterans Affairs Office where he helped veterans, families and surviving family members obtain veteran benefits until his retirement of last year; an educational background which includes two masters degrees and two doctorate degrees leading to behavioral research work followed by social work in child protective services; and service as the gatekeeper for all child abuse in Monterey County.Tom served his country for three decades. His US Army service is complemented with also serving in California’s State Military Reserve (2001 – 2009) as part of the State’s Military Department and National Guard where he was a colonel and brigade commander the last five years. Tom and his identical twin brother were born and orphaned during WWII in Germany. After coming to America, an Army sergeant adopted the twins in 1952. He is a true example of one who immigrated to America and seriously took on the commitment of service to country. He is a highly decorated soldier, a well-educated and successful civilian executive who has made the commitment to give back to those who serve.
and transform lives for America’s heroes. Every single penny contributes to delivering the honor, respect gratitude and healing to those who’ve defended America’s freedom.
TOGETHER, WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
A Memorial creates an actual place where veterans, all who serve their country and families of all races, creeds, social status and opinion can find a place that creates a healing environment to reflect and value one of our greatest gifts--to live in a free society.
"Going clear back to the Civil War, all of our Veterans have raised their right hand and swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And along with that we wrote a check to the U.S. Government and the American People for an amount up to and including our lives. Unfortunately, far too many have given their all in that regard."
"It is important to have a war memorial because it must not be forgotten that many people gave their lives so that we Americans might have what we have today."