Rodney Wyatt and Salute 2 Service:
Helping Local Veterans Every Day
By Heather DiPrato
Newtown Neighbors Magazine, November 2023
Helping Local Veterans Every Day
By Heather DiPrato
Newtown Neighbors Magazine, November 2023
On Veteran’s Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation so selflessly. Veteran’s organizations and the volunteers that support our heroes are also worthy of recognition, too, which is why we are proud to highlight Newtown-based Salute 2 Service, a non-profit that makes a daily impact on the lives of veterans, providing a variety of services and free nutrition to veterans.
Salute 2 Service: No Veteran Left Behind
On Wednesday mornings, just off Sycamore Street (behind Chandler Hall), dozens of volunteers prepare food baskets filled with fresh produce, frozen meats, bread, milk, cereal, and snacks donated by organizations like Hatfield Meats, Sam’s Club, Giant Market, Caring for Friends, Warminster Food Bank, Newtown Bagel, and more. “We are grateful for their support” says Rodney Wyatt, founder of the non-profit. “Each basket provides nutritious meals throughout the week, which can be life-changing for the veterans we serve. We’d also like to thank John Whitman of Chandler Hall for their support as well.”
Wyatt is a dedicated veteran who served his country with honor in the Marines from 1972-1974 and as an Army Guardsman from 1994-2002. He recognized the challenges veterans faced when transitioning from military life to civilian life based on his own experiences, and his goal was to ensure no veteran would be left behind once returning home. This served as the catalyst for what would become a transformative initiative that aims to be proactive with the heroes they serve.
Rodney served as a Veteran’s Representative for the Commonwealth of PA from 2009-2016 to advocate on behalf of veterans. In 2013, he founded Salute 2 Service with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources they needed to reintegrate into civilian society successfully. His vision was rooted in a desire not only to aid but also to create a supportive community where veterans could find camaraderie and support during their journey.
Today, Salute 2 Service embodies the spirit of Veterans Day year-round by providing steady support, empowerment, and hope to those who have served. “It would not be possible without the support of our volunteers,” says Rodney. “They are the heart and soul of the organization.”
Salute 2 Service: Early Initiatives
In its early years, Salute 2 Service focused primarily on providing support services to veterans. These included mental health counseling, employment assistance, and access to essential resources. The organization collaborated with local businesses and organizations to create job placement opportunities for veterans, helping them secure meaningful employment as they transitioned to civilian life.
As S2S evolved, Rodney and his team recognized that their mission could extend beyond veterans to include individuals and families facing various challenges. They broadened their scope of services to encompass financial counseling, food distribution programs, and emergency housing assistance. This expansion allowed them to assist a broader range of community members in need.
One of the defining characteristics of Salute 2 Service is its commitment to building a supportive community. Recognizing that the journey to recovery and self-sufficiency often involves more than just practical assistance, they began organizing events and gatherings that brought people together. These events allowed individuals to share their experiences, find support, and develop a sense of belonging.
Partnering with Veterans Thrift
Salute 2 Service’s partnership with Veterans Thrift, based in Bristol, stands as an example of its commitment to meeting the daily needs of veterans in Bucks County. Together they’ve created a seamless system that ensures veterans can access food, including essential items like frozen meats, every day of the week. This collaboration extends another vital lifeline to those who have served our nation with honor and helps bring our communities together.
Veterans Thrift also collects household items and furniture from residents of Newtown, usually free of charge. These donations contribute to the well-being of veterans throughout Bucks County, making a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. So, if you buy a new sofa or set of cookware, consider donating your gently used ones to Veterans Thrift to help support this effort!
How Can You Support Salute 2 Service?
S2S is always looking for individuals and businesses that have a heart for veterans. Whether you have a few hours a month or can volunteer regularly, they’d love to connect. There is a considerable need for administrative support as well as help sorting donations, making deliveries, and more!
Volunteers and donations of food are vital to this mission. By providing people with the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges, Salute 2 Service is making strides and touching the lives of individuals and families in Bucks County.
Saluting Local Heroes and Volunteers
Wyatt’s vision, along with the commitment of volunteers and organizations that support the effort reminds us we can make a difference in the lives of others through service.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the core team that has made this possible,” Rodney shares. “Kristyn Cosenza, Bonnie Branch, Linda Bucsok, Gregory Moore, Cynthia McCray-Smith, and Gwendolyn Nelson were all able to stay for the photo on the cover. Also John Flowers, Thaddeus, Idalia Rivera, Frank, Charles Richardson, and Steven Bates are a huge part of what we do every day. There are many more who help our team, and we are grateful for this support.”
Through its mission to uplift veterans and individuals in need, Salute 2 Service has a rich and impactful record of service to veterans in Bucks County.
To help S2S continue its Mission of supporting heroes, contact:
Salute 2 Service | www.salute2service.org
190 SO. Sycamore St, Newtown, PA. 18940
Office: 267-554-7956 | Director: 570-916-4695
Salute 2 Service: No Veteran Left Behind
On Wednesday mornings, just off Sycamore Street (behind Chandler Hall), dozens of volunteers prepare food baskets filled with fresh produce, frozen meats, bread, milk, cereal, and snacks donated by organizations like Hatfield Meats, Sam’s Club, Giant Market, Caring for Friends, Warminster Food Bank, Newtown Bagel, and more. “We are grateful for their support” says Rodney Wyatt, founder of the non-profit. “Each basket provides nutritious meals throughout the week, which can be life-changing for the veterans we serve. We’d also like to thank John Whitman of Chandler Hall for their support as well.”
Wyatt is a dedicated veteran who served his country with honor in the Marines from 1972-1974 and as an Army Guardsman from 1994-2002. He recognized the challenges veterans faced when transitioning from military life to civilian life based on his own experiences, and his goal was to ensure no veteran would be left behind once returning home. This served as the catalyst for what would become a transformative initiative that aims to be proactive with the heroes they serve.
Rodney served as a Veteran’s Representative for the Commonwealth of PA from 2009-2016 to advocate on behalf of veterans. In 2013, he founded Salute 2 Service with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources they needed to reintegrate into civilian society successfully. His vision was rooted in a desire not only to aid but also to create a supportive community where veterans could find camaraderie and support during their journey.
Today, Salute 2 Service embodies the spirit of Veterans Day year-round by providing steady support, empowerment, and hope to those who have served. “It would not be possible without the support of our volunteers,” says Rodney. “They are the heart and soul of the organization.”
Salute 2 Service: Early Initiatives
In its early years, Salute 2 Service focused primarily on providing support services to veterans. These included mental health counseling, employment assistance, and access to essential resources. The organization collaborated with local businesses and organizations to create job placement opportunities for veterans, helping them secure meaningful employment as they transitioned to civilian life.
As S2S evolved, Rodney and his team recognized that their mission could extend beyond veterans to include individuals and families facing various challenges. They broadened their scope of services to encompass financial counseling, food distribution programs, and emergency housing assistance. This expansion allowed them to assist a broader range of community members in need.
One of the defining characteristics of Salute 2 Service is its commitment to building a supportive community. Recognizing that the journey to recovery and self-sufficiency often involves more than just practical assistance, they began organizing events and gatherings that brought people together. These events allowed individuals to share their experiences, find support, and develop a sense of belonging.
Partnering with Veterans Thrift
Salute 2 Service’s partnership with Veterans Thrift, based in Bristol, stands as an example of its commitment to meeting the daily needs of veterans in Bucks County. Together they’ve created a seamless system that ensures veterans can access food, including essential items like frozen meats, every day of the week. This collaboration extends another vital lifeline to those who have served our nation with honor and helps bring our communities together.
Veterans Thrift also collects household items and furniture from residents of Newtown, usually free of charge. These donations contribute to the well-being of veterans throughout Bucks County, making a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. So, if you buy a new sofa or set of cookware, consider donating your gently used ones to Veterans Thrift to help support this effort!
How Can You Support Salute 2 Service?
S2S is always looking for individuals and businesses that have a heart for veterans. Whether you have a few hours a month or can volunteer regularly, they’d love to connect. There is a considerable need for administrative support as well as help sorting donations, making deliveries, and more!
Volunteers and donations of food are vital to this mission. By providing people with the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges, Salute 2 Service is making strides and touching the lives of individuals and families in Bucks County.
Saluting Local Heroes and Volunteers
Wyatt’s vision, along with the commitment of volunteers and organizations that support the effort reminds us we can make a difference in the lives of others through service.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the core team that has made this possible,” Rodney shares. “Kristyn Cosenza, Bonnie Branch, Linda Bucsok, Gregory Moore, Cynthia McCray-Smith, and Gwendolyn Nelson were all able to stay for the photo on the cover. Also John Flowers, Thaddeus, Idalia Rivera, Frank, Charles Richardson, and Steven Bates are a huge part of what we do every day. There are many more who help our team, and we are grateful for this support.”
Through its mission to uplift veterans and individuals in need, Salute 2 Service has a rich and impactful record of service to veterans in Bucks County.
To help S2S continue its Mission of supporting heroes, contact:
Salute 2 Service | www.salute2service.org
190 SO. Sycamore St, Newtown, PA. 18940
Office: 267-554-7956 | Director: 570-916-4695
