It has taken a few years, but the Veterans Resource Center in Freeland has gained the attention of an important person.

VRC board members and volunteers gathered June 13 at the nonprofit organization’s Visitor Information Center at Scott Road and Highway 525 in Freeland to welcome Rep. Rick Larsen. It was a chance for the VRC to introduce itself to the 2nd District Democrat, in hopes of raising awareness of the VRC and the services it provides.

“We are a completely community-based effort,” said VRC Executive Director Fred McCarthy.

“We don’t take money from the VA or the government, but we’re certainly open to that,” he continued with a chuckle. “We serve all of Island County and there is no other group that is totally independent like we are.”

McCarthy, who was hired on a part time basis as the VRC’s director, said board members reached into their own pockets to fund his position and continue to support him, because they feel it’s important to have someone at the helm of the organization that can be the public face of the VRC and keep it moving forward.

About 20 people attended the information session and board members had a chance to address Larsen regarding the various activities and services provided by the VRC, such as the group’s recent Stand Down at the American Legion in Bayview.

“The Stand Down was a joint venture between the VRC and the American Legion,” explained Kord Roosen-Runge. “We had about 30 volunteers plus vendors related to veterans services. About 75 veterans or family members showed up for information, so by and large, it was a successful day.”

Board president and VRC cofounder Judith Gorman described the group’s successful presentation of the film “The Welcome” over the Memorial Day holiday and board member Charles Pellor summed up the rest of the holiday services, which were conducted in conjunction with American Legion Post 141 in Bayview.

“It’s an example of how groups can be successful working together for a common goal,” he said.

Joining forces with the Legion has helped on several levels, board members told Larsen. While a donation from property owner Paul Samuelson has helped the VRC open its information center, which serves as an intake and referral office, the American Legion provides space for the VRC to hold special events and its weekly discussion group, which has grown from just a few people to a core group of 16.

“I’ve watched it evolve into something really good and solid,” said volunteer Don Wentworth.

After sharing the vision and detailing the efforts of the VRC, it appeared to make an impression on the congressman.

“Having a community-driven center is unique and deserves more attention from the VA,” Larsen said.

“This is a very serious thing for me that you’re here,” Gorman told him. “I’m hopeful.”

“My hope is that someday you and Sen. Murray will tell others to ‘Go to our little island in Washington. We believe these people are doing something really special for veterans,’” said McCarthy.

“We’d like to say we did it here,” agreed Gorman. “We’d like to act as a pilot program, that if funded, could be a model for others.”