“Once our friends at Umberto’s found out that veterans were being healed in the Navesink River area, they were compelled to offer their support,” said Mark Otto, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Post 168 member who serves as Executive Director of the United War Veterans Council.  “So for the past six months they’ve been donating free lunch to these veterans whenever they’re in town. In their words, ‘It’s the least we can do for these veterans that have sacrificed so much for our country.’

“Umberto’s goes above and beyond to make the veterans feel appreciated. The staff greets them when they arrive, and everyone goes out of their way to spend time speaking with them while they serve their delicious food. Hugs for everyone and a ‘thank you for your service’ is the way they say goodbye. Followed by ‘we look forward to seeing you next time!’ As much as therapy plays a part in healing veterans, I believe that genuine acts of kindness and giving them a sense of community reestablishes their faith in humanity and shows them that people care.”