Hello, my name is Kristopher Dahir, and I am proud to serve as the new executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, where a dedicated team of staff and volunteers works daily to serve the veterans of this region. 

A little about me by way of an introduction. I have been married to my wife Melissa for 32 years. We have two adult children and are proud grandparents of two wonderful granddaughters, who live in region, which is a strong reason our family relocated to the area from Sparks, Nevada, where I served as a city councilman. I also have served as a pastor for 32 years and as a veterans’ chaplain for the past five years. 

At the Pasco-based veterans center, our mission is clear: We foster the well-being and empowerment of veterans in the Columbia Basin, ensuring their successful reintegration into the community and access to the resources they have earned.

We accomplish this mission in several meaningful ways:

· Resource assistance through close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and county services.

· Veterans Therapeutic Court mentorship assistance and support.

· Housing needs assistance, including the installation of accessible ramps for veterans struggling with mobility.

· Community outreach and connection that fosters support, relationships and ongoing care.

· Knowledge center for veterans to find community services.

· Walk-in support for family members of those who served.

Among our most cherished outreach efforts are our regular community gatherings. The Coffee Bunker, held from 8-10 a.m. on the first and third Friday and the last Saturday of each month, is a time for veterans to enjoy coffee, breakfast and authentic connection. 

We also host a Women Veterans Night Out, creating a space for our female veterans to find support and camaraderie. 

Our team also organizes the annual Veterans Resource Expo and Stand Down, bringing together a wide array of veteran services and support organizations to meet the needs of our local heroes in one powerful day of connection and care. One of our local Marine Corps veterans, King Mars, has said the event is one of the biggest in the area for veterans and is the one time as a veteran you can express your concerns with officials and get the resources you need, all under one roof. Mark your calendar for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Southridge Sports & Event Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick.

If you’re a veteran-serving organization or business, I would love to hear about the work you’re doing. Let’s find ways the Columbia Basin Veterans Center can amplify your efforts or partner with you. And if you’re looking to volunteer, we have numerous opportunities available, both within our center and with our local nonprofit partners. There is always room for more hearts and hands that care.

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.