Led by Marine veteran Larry Horne, Veterans Connect was born out of a shared vision for community support. Larry brings 17 years of active and reserve military experience, a diverse background, and a genuine passion for lifting up others. After partnering with the Semones Family YMCA, he channeled his experience into founding Veterans Connect—creating a vital, welcoming space for local veterans and their families to connect, grow, and support one another.
Program Goals:
- Build a welcoming and consistent community for veterans and their families.
- Support the wellness of spirit, mind, and body through connection and conversation.
- Increase awareness and participation through outreach and visibility.
- Offer meaningful service and recognition opportunities.
- Connect and get involved with different community partners each month.
- Sustain program momentum through monthly meetings and two major annual events.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM at the Semones Family YMCA.
Our next meeting will be on September 17 at 5:30 PM.
The YMCA point of contact for the program is:
Maurice Compton
Associate Membership Director
mcompton@ymcadallas.org
Upcoming November Events
October 22nd - next vet connect meeting
November 7 – Veterans Day Car Show & Celebration
- Expecting approximately 20–30 vehicles participating in the car show.
- 9am - Noon
- Inviting military-affiliated vendors and veteran-owned food trucks.
- Planning to close off parking lot across the street to accommodate the event.
- Working with Good Shepherd/Sports and coordinating parking attendants to help with traffic flow.
- Veterans Connect will have a table set up to promote the group and connect with veterans in the community.
Veterans Day Car Show and Cookout – Fill out form
November 11 – Veterans Day Recognition & Celebration (7:00 AM–11:30 AM)
- Flag-raising ceremony.
- Table for the Fallen to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Prayer and recognition of veterans for their service.
- Hanging and dedication of our Veterans Connect plaque.
- Veterans Connect information table.
- Fruit and bottled water available throughout the morning.
- Main recognition activities planned for 10:30–11:30 AM
