JAVC Monthly Newsletter – January 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It has been an exciting and productive three months at our Operation 6 facility(The Veteran Center). Construction at 315 E. Oak Street is now complete, we’ve received our Certificate of Occupancy, completed our VA inspection on December 16th, and began welcoming veterans into the facility on December 8th. We are also pleased to share that the VA has approved Option Year Two of our contract, and we are currently awaiting the official start date, which we expect very soon.

During the month of December, we fully staffed the facility, including 24/7 security, ensuring a safe, stable, and supportive environment for the veterans we serve. With these major milestones now behind us, we are preparing to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which will take place in February. Once the date is finalized, we will share details with the community. This celebration will be an evening of fellowship, hors d’oeuvres, and gratitude as we officially open this long-awaited center for veterans in Mohave County and beyond.

I want to personally thank our supporters, partners, and the many volunteers who helped make this possible. Your commitment and belief in this mission have brought us to this moment.

Semper Fidelis — United We Serve,

The JAVC Team

Did you know you can support local veterans at no additional cost to you?

The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC) is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) in the State of Arizona. This means your donation may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state income taxes.

Instead of sending your tax dollars to the state, you can redirect them right here in Mohave County—helping veterans access housing, medical care, education, and critical support services.

How the Arizona QCO Tax Credit Works

• Donate to JAVC, a certified Arizona QCO
• Receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state tax return
• Support veterans in your local community

Important Timing Information

Arizona law allows QCO donations made any time in 2025 or up until April 15, 2026 to be applied to your 2025 Arizona state income tax return.

2025 Maximum QCO Credit Amounts

• $495 – Single filers, married filing separately, or head of household
• $987 – Married filing jointly

After your donation is received, JAVC will provide you with a Tax Credit Donation Receipt for your records and tax filing.

Make Your Taxes Work for Veterans

This is one of the most impactful ways to support veterans—your state taxes stay local and change lives.

👉 Donate Now and Claim Your Arizona Tax Credit While Supporting Veterans: AZ Tax Credit Donation

Over the past several months, the groundwork for our Veteran Tiny Home Village has continued behind the scenes. While much of our public focus has been on reopening and stabilizing the Veteran Center at Oak Street, these efforts were a necessary and strategic step toward advancing the Tiny Home Village project.

Before we could formally sit down with our banking partners to secure a construction loan for Phase 1—estimated at approximately $2.3 million—we needed to resolve outstanding facility issues and establish a secure line of credit for the organization. With the Veteran Center now fully operational and back online, we are pleased to share that we are entering the next phase of financial planning for the Tiny Home Village.

In the coming weeks, we will be working closely with our bank to pursue construction financing that will allow us to break ground on Phase 1 of the village. This project represents a long-term, sustainable housing solution for veterans who are ready to transition from homelessness into permanent, affordable housing with dignity and stability.

We firmly believe this model has the potential to become the gold standard for addressing veteran homelessness, particularly in rural communities like Mohave County. The vision is not simply housing—but a thoughtfully designed village that fosters safety, accountability, community, and long-term success.

We are deeply encouraged by the support we’ve received from donors, community partners, and local leadership, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the City of Kingman, regional partners, and the broader community as this project moves forward.

Thank you for standing with us as we take these next steps. Together, we are building more than tiny homes—we are building a future where veterans have a place to belong.

👉 To learn more about the Tiny Home Village initiative, visit:

Learn More Here!

Over the years, we’ve realized that there is some confusion in the community about how the Veteran Center(Operation 6) at 315 E. Oak Street came to be, how it was funded, and the challenges that have shaped its journey. We believe transparency matters, and we want to share this story clearly and honestly.

Where It Started

In 2015, the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council purchased the building at 315 E. Oak Street in partnership with the City of Kingman, which was committed to preserving the site for veteran services. At the time, the building was slated for demolition. Instead, JAVC stepped forward to save it and transform it into a place of hope for veterans.

The building was in very poor condition and required extensive work to become safe, functional, and compliant. Bringing it back to life was never going to be a simple or inexpensive process.

City Block Grants: What They Were—and What They Were Not

To support this effort, the City of Kingman secured two Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for what became known as Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the remodel.

It’s important to clarify:

• These funds were not money given directly to JAVC
• The grants were administered and managed by the City
• The City oversaw the RFP process, contractor selection, and construction management

JAVC followed every required process, waited through the grant and RFP timelines, and worked collaboratively with the City throughout. Once Phase 1 was completed—approximately three years ago—we were able to open the facility and begin serving veterans.

The Roof: A Major Setback

Before the City grants were awarded and construction could begin, the building’s roof required urgent attention, as most of the structure leaked. During that waiting period, a roofing contractor installed a new roof.

Unfortunately, that installation was poorly executed. The contractor installed roofing over existing dry rot, failed to properly seal the atrium gutter system, and ultimately voided the manufacturer’s warranty. Approximately 2.5 years after installation, the roof began to fail.

Much of the damage occurred in the atrium area, where water intrusion impacted areas that had already been completed as part of Phase 1.

By that time:

• The original roofing company had gone out of business
• The statute of time had lapsed
• JAVC had no legal recourse

Moving Forward—At Significant Cost

Rather than delay services or walk away from the project, JAVC chose to move forward.

We repaired the roof properly and completed Phase 2 of the building. To do so, JAVC secured a line of credit against the building for nearly $500,000—a responsibility the organization continues to carry.

While we are aware that the original roofing company is now affiliated with another firm and we would like to see JAVC made whole, our focus has remained on doing what matters most: bringing the Veteran Center fully online and serving veterans safely.

Gratitude for the City and the Community

Throughout this process, the City of Kingman has been a steadfast partner. Their commitment to veterans, their management of the grant process, and their ongoing support have been a powerful demonstration of what it looks like when a city stands behind its veteran community.

We are deeply grateful.

Why We’re Sharing This

We share this not to assign blame, but to provide clarity. The road to reopening the Veteran Center was not easy, but it was walked with integrity, perseverance, and a shared commitment to veterans.

Despite setbacks, bad contractors, and long timelines, the doors are open, veterans are being served, and the mission continues.

Thank you to our community for your trust, your patience, and your continued support. Together, we turned a building that was headed for demolition into a place of hope.

The Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council is proud to host the Second Annual JAVC Golf Tournament on Friday, August 22nd at Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course, with an 8:00 a.m. tee-off. Proceeds from the tournament directly support veteran housing, recovery services, and community-based programs throughout Mohave County.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are offering an updated sponsorship program for 2026, with two premier sponsorship opportunities available.

💎 Diamond Sponsor – $10,000

• Eight (8) sponsored players (two foursomes)
• Prominent logo placement on tournament signage and materials
• Banner display at registration or awards area
• Recognition during opening remarks and awards ceremony
• Logo featured on JAVC website, social media, and post-event communications

🥇 Gold Sponsor – $5,000

• Four (4) sponsored players (one foursome)
• Logo placement on tournament signage
• Recognition during awards ceremony
• Logo included in event materials and post-event thank-you communications

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities

🏌️ Hole Sponsor – $1,000

• Company signage at one hole
• Recognition in tournament materials

🏌️ Team Entry – $500

• One team (4 players)
• Recognition in tournament program
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🎁 Prize Sponsor – $500

• Recognition for donated raffle or tournament prizes
• Logo displayed at prize table

⛳ Individual Golfer – $125

• Green fees and cart
• Lunch and refreshments
• Entry into tournament contests

Why Sponsor JAVC?

Your sponsorship directly supports:

• Operation 6 Low Demand Safe Haven
• Veteran transitional housing and recovery services
• Permanent housing development through the Tiny Home Village

Together, we’re not just hosting a golf tournament — we’re investing in the future of our veterans.

📌 Register Here!

January 13 — JAVC Board Meeting

January 14 — U.S. Coast Guard Birthday (1915)

January 19 (Observed) / January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 20 – General Meeting for JAVC Members

January 22 – Pit Counting Meeting and Packing party

Have a local veteran-focused event to share? Email lonnie.wills@javc.org to get it featured in a future newsletter

For Arizona veterans that pay Property Tax, be it known that effective September 26, 2025, legislation kicks in that may reduce, eliminate or alter your property tax based on your disability rating. This is a complicated formula and is being worked on by each county. I have been advised that the Mohave County Assessor's office is taking applications pending a final determination.

You are invited to attend our regular meeting on January 20th at 4:00 pm but if you want a tour of the facility please attend in person and the tour will begin at 3:30pm. Please attend at 315 E. Oak St. Kingman, AZ 86401 and enter through the door under the "Welcome Home" sign. You can ZOOM into the regular meeting through 

Zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 840 3785 7263 Passcode: JAVC2025

We invite you to take advantage of our conference room which can hold 100 people. There is no charge at this time but donations are always welcome! We are looking for donations to purchase additional chairs and more information can be found at www.javc.org/donations

Stay Safe

– Dorn Patrick Farrell

President, Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council

One of the lessons we’ve learned over time is that housing alone doesn’t always mean stability. Many veterans who are currently housed still struggle with repairs they can no longer physically manage or financially afford—leaking sinks, failing plumbing, dry rot from long-term water damage, or unsafe living conditions that quietly worsen over time.

That realization led to the creation of Operation Bob.

How Operation Bob Began

Two months ago, we met Bob, a U.S. Navy veteran who is 85 years old and in declining health. Bob lost his wife several years ago, and despite his own challenges, he has been doing everything he can to help another veteran who was in desperate need of housing.

When we visited Bob’s mobile home, it became clear that he needed help too. Years of water leaks from a sink and bathtub had caused significant dry rot and deterioration in the floors, creating unsafe conditions in his home—especially in the kitchen.

Community in Action

Through the generosity of Home Depot and the dedication of our JAVC volunteer service team, we were able to:

• Remove and replace the damaged flooring
• Repair the affected subfloor areas
• Rebuild the kitchen, restoring safety and functionality to the space

What made this project especially meaningful was seeing the community come together to support a veteran who has spent his life supporting others.

Why Operation Bob Matters

Operation Bob is about meeting veterans where they are. It’s about recognizing that dignity, safety, and stability don’t end at the front door of housing—they extend into the condition of the home itself.

This effort allows us to:

• Prevent small issues from becoming dangerous situations
• Support aging and disabled veterans
• Honor veterans who continue to serve others even in their later years
• 
  

Join the Operation Bob Team

If you have skills—or simply a heart—to help veterans with:

• Light plumbing repairs
• Flooring or carpentry
• Home maintenance projects
• Or general volunteer support

We would love to have you join the Operation Bob service team.

👉 If you’re interested in being part of this effort, please click on this link below:

Volunteer Here

Together, we can continue to serve veterans not just with words—but with action.

Donate Here!

ln the fall of 2025, we shared the good news that JAVC was awarded a $46,200 ARPA Grant to help offset critical roof repairs at the Veteran Center. That support was a significant step forward—but it only covered a portion of the work required.

The roof repairs were necessary due to a faulty installation by a contractor who is no longer in business, leaving JAVC fully responsible for correcting the issue. To ensure the safety of the building and protect the long-term future of the facility, we moved forward with repairs immediately. The total cost of the roof replacement and related remediation exceeded $500,000.

To make this possible, JAVC worked closely with our local bank to secure a line of credit, allowing us to complete the work without delay. While this ensured the facility could reopen and serve veterans, it also means we now carry a monthly loan payment tied directly to these repairs. If you feel led to help us carry this financial responsibility, we would be deeply grateful for your support.

👉 Donations toward roof repairs can be made here: Donate Here!

The roof repair was only one part of a much larger effort. Inside the building, extensive remodeling was required to restore and prepare the space for veterans. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of volunteer support, we were able to save over $50,000 in additional costs.

Volunteers came together to:

• Paint the lobby and office spaces
• Install approximately 3,600 square feet of new flooring
• Assist with final cleanup and preparation in all of the resident rooms and common areas

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizations and volunteers who made this possible:

• Journey Church
• [Nani’s Church]
• Grace Lutheran Church
• Kingman Elks Lodge

The volunteers from each of these groups played a vital role in preparing the facility and ensuring it was ready to welcome veterans.

This project is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together. We truly could not have done this without the generosity, hard work, and faithfulness of those who stepped up to support our mission.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the work being done at JAVC, and for helping us continue to serve those who served our country.

Over the past year, I’ve spent time writing a devotional born out of reflection, faith, and the journey of walking alongside veterans through loss, trauma, healing, and hope. What began as a personal discipline grew into something I felt called to share.

I want our community to know that 100% of all proceeds from this devotional are being donated directly to the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council to support veteran housing, recovery, and outreach programs here in Mohave County.

This devotional is not about perfection or easy answers. It’s about showing up — day after day — in faith, humility, and service. Many of the themes reflect the same values that guide JAVC: perseverance through hardship, restoring dignity, and choosing hope even in difficult seasons.

If this resource speaks to you, know that your purchase directly supports veterans in need.

👉Get your Devotional Here!

Thank you for walking alongside us — in service, in faith, and in commitment to our veterans.

— Lonnie Wills

Over the past several weeks, three vehicles were generously donated to JAVC—a motorcycle, a Nissan Rogue, and a Ford Explorer. Each of these vehicles was then placed directly into the hands of veterans in need, where they are already making a meaningful difference.

One story, in particular, reflects why this program matters so deeply to us. Through the generosity of our donors, we were honored to provide the Nissan Rogue to a young Marine family facing a difficult season. The family includes a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old, and at the time of the donation, a two-week-old baby. Reliable transportation was not a luxury—it was a necessity for medical appointments, employment, and caring for their growing family.

It is difficult to put into words how humbled and honored we are to witness moments like this. Every vehicle donated represents more than transportation—it represents stability, dignity, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to the donors who trusted JAVC with these gifts and to our community that continues to step up for veterans in need. Your generosity allows us to meet real needs at exactly the right time.

Donate a Vehicle to Help a Veteran

If you have a vehicle you would like to donate—car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV—your gift can make an immediate and life-changing impact.

👉 To donate a vehicle to JAVC, please complete the form here:

📌 Donate your Vehicle Here!

Thank you for standing with our veterans and for helping us continue this important work.

Building Hope, Reopening Doors

As a U.S. Marine veteran and Executive Director of the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council, the past three months have been some of the most challenging—and most rewarding—of my journey with this organization. Through perseverance, community support, and a shared belief in doing what’s right for our veterans, we have reached a moment we’ve been working toward for a long time.

After months of construction, inspections, staffing, and preparation, we are proud to share that the doors of the Veteran Center are open again. As we begin January, seven veterans are already enrolled in the program, marking a powerful and humbling milestone for JAVC and for our community.

The Past Three Months: Progress Through Persistence

Since October, we have navigated significant challenges while continuing to move forward:

• Construction at 315 E. Oak Street is complete, and the facility has passed required inspections, allowing us to safely welcome veterans back into the program.

• We brought on full staffing, including 24/7 security, ensuring a safe, stable, and supportive environment from day one.

• The VA approved Option Year Two of our contract, reaffirming the importance of this program and the need it serves in Mohave County.

• Thanks to donors, volunteers, and community partners, we overcame unexpected financial and construction hurdles without losing sight of our mission.

• Our Tiny Home Village vision remains strong, and with the Veteran Center operational again, we are now positioned to move forward with financing discussions for Phase One of that project.

None of this happened in isolation. It happened because a community refused to give up on its veterans.

Why This Moment Matters

Opening our doors again is more than a milestone—it’s a reminder of why this work matters. Every veteran who walks through those doors carries a story, a struggle, and a hope for something better. Seeing veterans back in the building, settling into stability, is a powerful affirmation that the work, the sacrifice, and the long nights were worth it.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2026, our focus is clear:

• Strengthen and stabilize the Veteran Center program
• Continue building momentum for the Tiny Home Village
• Deepen partnerships with the City of Kingman and the broader community
• Ensure no veteran in Mohave County feels forgotten or without options

Thank You for Standing With Us

To our donors, volunteers, partners, city leaders, and neighbors—thank you. Your support carried us through uncertainty and into a new season of impact. Together, we are not just reopening a building—we are restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and renewing hope.

Semper Fidelis — United We Serve,

Lonnie Wills

Executive Director

Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council