Vets for American Ideals Partners with Islamic Relief to Serve D.C. Community on MLK Day

By Joe Jenkins

As the nation honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for the equality of all Americans, many choose to reflect on a favorite quote once uttered by the revered civil rights icon. For our military vets at Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI), no words were more powerful than these:

“Everybody can be great. Because everybody can serve . . . You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.

At a time when society seems more fractured than ever, the idea of service to community, country, and fellow citizens resonates strongly with many veterans. VFAI leaders, eager to remain engaged, quickly committed to a day of service on this year’s MLK holiday- but they didn’t have to search long for a partner. Islamic Relief USA, an organization with a 25-year history of providing food aid, disaster relief, health services to communities in need, welcomed VFAI leaders with open arms—and put them to work.

The two organizations worked side by side with volunteers from the Islamic Heritage Museum and the southeast D.C. neighborhood of Anacostia to deliver fresh produce and hot meals to the community. Later, they warmed the spirits of MLK parade-goers with free hot coco and tea. The response from the community was overwhelmingly grateful; many neighborhood residents have little access to fresh fruits and vegetables. For some, hot meals are few and far between.

A pervasive sense of solidarity buzzed around the Islamic Heritage center as volunteers and community members alike paused to watch the annual MLK day parade roll past, and the feeling was infectious. “When I see people of different colors, working together out in the cold to help people in need- that gives me hope. That shows love. It’s tangible,” said Islamic Relief USA CEO Anwar Khan.

For VFAI members around the country, service to others is not only a continuation of the commitment they made when they put on the uniform, it’s the best way to unite the United States of America. While Martin Luther King, Jr. Day reminds us all about our duty to our fellow citizens and to those in greatest need, it’s up to us to keep this spirit of service and humanity within us every day.