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The Cover Down Fund, a Mahoning Valley nonprofit, recently marked one year of service, community generosity and meaningful impact on the lives of local veterans and their families.
Founded by Purple Heart recipient and longtime veterans advocate Herm Breuer, the Cover Down Fund was established with a straightforward mission: "Filling in the gaps in our ranks." Just one year later, that mission is translating into tangible assistance for veterans and their families throughout Trumbull and Mahoning counties.
"I could never have imagined the level of support we would receive from our sponsors, community partners and individuals who believe in what we’re trying to accomplish," Breuer said. "What has been especially rewarding is seeing how that generosity translates into solving real problems for real people, right here in our community."
One recent example involved a surviving spouse of a veteran in Campbell who desperately needed a new roof. Living on a fixed income, the widow simply did not have the financial resources to make the necessary repairs.
"We were able to step in and provide a grant to replace her roof," Breuer said. "For her, it wasn’t just about fixing a house. It was about removing a tremendous financial burden and giving her peace of mind. That’s exactly why we created the Cover Down Fund."
Breuer credits much of the organization’s early success to relationships developed throughout his decades of service to the veteran community. A former president of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), where he continues to serve in an advisory capacity, Breuer has spent years working with veteran organizations, advocates and community leaders across the country.
"Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see what works in other communities and, just as importantly, where the gaps exist," Breuer said. "We’ve built relationships with some incredible organizations and individuals. Now we’re bringing those connections and opportunities home to the Mahoning Valley."
One example was the organization’s presentation of Modern Warrior Live at the historic Robins Theatre in Warren last November. Through Breuer’s relationship with the nationally recognized production, the Cover Down Fund brought the powerful performance, which combines music and storytelling about military service, transition and healing, to the community free of charge.
"We want to do more of that," Breuer said. "Supporting veterans isn’t always about financial assistance. Sometimes it’s about bringing people together, creating experiences, and reminding them that they’re part of a community that understands and supports them."
The Cover Down Fund also hosted the recent veterans outreach event at the Eastwood Mall.
In its first year, the Cover Down Fund has already made a measurable difference through several initiatives:
* More than $10,000 in food assistance, including a recent initiative providing $20 vouchers for fresh produce to veterans attending the Warren Farmers Market.
* $15,000 in educational scholarships through the Purple Heart Gary Gutelius Scholarship Fund, which the Cover Down Fund has assumed responsibility for administering.
* Emergency home repair assistance.
* Community engagement and wellness initiatives.
* Support for local veteran service organizations, helping strengthen the network of resources available to veterans throughout the Mahoning Valley.
The organization’s growing impact also has attracted regional recognition. The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley recently selected the Cover Down Fund to be highlighted as part of its Giving Tuesday 2026 initiative, providing an opportunity to introduce the organization’s mission to an even broader audience.
"In uniform, we learned that nobody succeeds alone. We relied on one another, we looked out for one another, and we understood that the strength of the team was greater than any individual. That shouldn’t end when someone takes off the uniform. Those connections still matter, and that’s what we’re trying to build here,” Breuer said.
As the holiday season approaches, the Cover Down Fund is also announcing a new initiative to help ensure veterans and their families have access to food during what can be a financially challenging time of the year.
The organization is providing $10,000 in Giant Eagle gift cards, with $5,000 designated for each of the Mahoning and Trumbull County Veterans Service Commissions to distribute to veterans in need.
Breuer emphasized that the decision to work through the county veterans service offices was intentional.
"These agencies work tirelessly throughout the year to make sure our veterans and their families have what they need," he said. "Nobody in our community knows the needs of our veterans better than the people working directly with them every day."
"Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, we want to support the people who are already doing this important work. By putting these resources in their hands, we know they’ll reach the veterans who can benefit from them most, especially during the holidays."
As the Cover Down Fund enters its second year, Breuer said the focus will remain on identifying unmet needs, strengthening partnerships and finding creative ways to support the region’s veteran community.
"We’re not trying to be everything to everybody, and we’re certainly not trying to replace the great organizations already serving our veterans," Breuer said. "We want to identify where the gaps are, bring people and resources together, and make a difference where we can."
"After one year, what I’m most proud of isn’t just the dollars we’ve distributed or the programs we’ve supported. It’s the number of people who have stepped forward and said, ‘How can I help?’ That tells me we’re building something special here in the Mahoning Valley."
"Our message to veterans is simple: You served our country. Now let us serve you. And to our supporters, thank you for helping us cover down on those who served."