NEWS
Light For Hope!
In this time of uncertainty we are finding hope and ask that you join us by lighting a candle in your window as a symbol of strength, unity and resilience across Delmarva.
Share your house or business lit up! Use the hashtag #LightforHope or tag Delmarva Veteran Builders in your Facebook or Instagram post, videos or photos welcome!
A few days ago I sat down in front of the computer to prepare an update to our team at Delmarva Veteran Builders. Over the past few weeks I’ve kept a close ear to the news to track COVID-19, the virus that had quickly become a pandemic affecting the world and hitting close to home by creating uncertainty, hardships and anxiety amongst us locally on Delmarva.
I took a step back to think about the current situation. These are times of significance as a leader and a time for guidance, support and direction. What words could I offer my team? What answers did I have to their questions? What if I couldn’t answer those questions?
As I sat and thought about every individual at DVB and how I could support them with my words, I was reminded that I am not the only leader here. In fact, I am the leader of a team comprised of leaders.
Leaders of projects.
Leaders of quality.
Leaders of safety.
Leaders of community organizations.
Leaders of faith groups.
Leaders of families.
Leaders of Delmarva.
Everyone reading this is a leader and in this moment of uncertainty, we need to band together because it’s no longer about what we can do for ourselves but what WE can do TOGETHER. This is a time for unity and a time for us to serve our commUNITY together because we are all leaders in our own right.
Here’s a piece of what was shared with our team:
3/17/20
This is a time to remain calm, do not make rash financial decisions, do not hoard, and do not be selfish. This is an opportunity to show each other how much we care, to show our community how much we care, to show our loved ones how much we care. They need you and US, to show them how men and woman who love and care act for others and not themselves. ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
I challenge you all to be Buffalos. Buffalos when faced with an impending storm, will change direction put their heads down and go directly into the storm. They instinctively know it is shortest path through the storm. Charge the Storm!!!
Reading this back now two days later, I find personal strength in this even more. As leaders of our own projects, organizations and families, we are part of something greater than the current state we are in. We are part of a commUNITY here on Delmarva and we ask that you band together with us to find hope in this fear because we know that hope is ALWAYS stronger than fear.
As Delmarva Veteran Builders continues to find normalcy during these hard times by serving our customers, we wanted to create a gesture that would inspire HOPE in our community.
Light for Hope
I was inspired by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Long As I Can See The Light”
As long as we can see the light in ourselves, each other and our community, Delmarva Veteran Builders will have a candle in our window as a symbol of strength, unity and resilience. So tonight we ask you to “LIGHT FOR HOPE” and put a candle in your window and know we are thinking of you.
Like the many generations before us, history has shown that we can persevere if we do it together.
Chris Eccleston
Founder
Update
We asked people to light up thier windows at night as a way to show strength, unity and resilience. Here are some examples! *Turn the sound on if you can!
So tonight, we continue to ask you to “LIGHT FOR HOPE” and put a candle, holiday plug-in candle or holiday lights in your window to know we are thinking of each other- even though we are socially isolated! As long as we can see the light in ourselves, each other and our community, we know we can get through this storm.
Delmarva Veteran Builders go to Junior Achievement Inspire in Ocean City, Maryland
Team DVB put in some blood sweat and tears for the Junior Achievement event.
Vetsgiving with Delmarva Veteran Builders
It’s the most wonderful time of year- giving back to people who have given so much.
For our second annual Vetsgiving, we doubled the number of families we were able to serve. This was made possible by the number of friends and family who volunteered to help get the boxes ready for delivery.
We thank all of our veterans for their service and hope that these packages bring them a little bit of happiness this holiday season. Turn the volume up and enjoy the Christmas tunes!
Artists involve CommUnity to finish Mural on the side of DVB's downtown headquarters
New Mural gets some community love
The artists Brandon and Des spoke to ABC 47 about their idea to have the community help complete the mural. Read more about it by clicking on the news clip below.
DVB Employee Veteran Karey Garrison featured in "I'm Not Invisible" photography campaign
First Military Woman Warriors chose her as part of a national campaign featured on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page.
DVB’s own Karey Garrison
On September 12th, 2019 Karey Garrison of Delmarva Veteran Builders attended the Delaware – I Am Not Invisible – Photo Shoot at the Wilmington VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. This event was hosted by the First Military Woman Warriors. The organization was originally formed in 1983 as the Delaware chapter of WAVES National for women who served in the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. The purpose of the group is not only to meet with those who share the common bond of military service, but to share information on services for veterans plus military discounts and other opportunities for veterans.
The I AM NOT INVISIBLE (IANI) Delaware campaign was originally produced by the Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs. There are roughly two million living women Veterans. IANI aims to increase awareness and dialogue about women Veterans, as well as, open viewers’ eyes to the myriad levels of expertise of Veterans serving Veterans as VA Central Office employees.
Delaware was the 38th state to participate in this national campaign funded and supported by The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. View the facebook campaign here.
Kathryn Ellis promoted to Senior Project Manager
She continues to make DVB better.
Kathryn Ellis, a project manager since September of 2017, has been promoted to Senior Project Manager.
If you’ve ever come into contact with Kathryn, you would know immediately that she is someone who knows her industry. After Kathryn joined the team, she has jumped in head first to streamline DVB’s projects while creating an even more organized and structured project flow schedule.
In addition to starting a new career, she also embarked on a new journey, motherhood. Kathryn and her husband Jonathan Flatley welcomed their first child, a daughter named Harper, on October 10th, 2018.
In a field normally dominated by men, Kathryn continues to break down barriers. She has shown an industry slow to change that women can find the balance between motherhood and the commercial building environment. Not only has she maintained, she has found ways to thrive.
Kathryn with her husband Jonathan Flatley
Kathryn with her daughter Harper at Delmarva Veteran Builders.
Harper thinks she is running the show, she may be right!
“I have enjoyed adding a different perspective to this field. I have found that it challenges me daily to bring my best to the table because I have worked really hard to be here. It helps being a part of a company like DVB that champions women and promotes family first. I hope I can encourage other women that they can be successful with starting a family and continue making a difference in their career of choice.”
A certified interior designer, Kathryn earned the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification. She graduated in 2008 from George Washington University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Interior Design. Her work experience started the summer after graduation with BBGM Architects and Interiors in Washington DC. When she moved to the Eastern Shore she worked for Temco Builders for four years and Fisher Architecture for six years before making the big move to Delmarva Veteran Builders.
“Kathryn is an amazing example of what DVB is all about. She has relentless drive and is always willing to help out any team member. We are absolutely lucky to have her on Team DVB.”
Daniel Mills named Vice Chair for Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore
After serving for 16 months on the board, DVB’s VP takes on a more central role.
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore has announced that Daniel Mills has been named the new Vice Chair for the Executive Committee. Daniel also serves as Vice Chair of the Wicomico County Board, the JA Inspire Committee and the Experiential Facility Committee.
Daniel Mills speaking with middle schoolers at this year’s JA Inspire Event at the Wicomico Civic Center
“Daniel has always been passionate about our mission. He is drawn to preparing youth for high-demand jobs, including those in the trades. He has been a great asset to our board, with a positive attitude and strong desire to take our organization on to bigger things. ”
At Delmarva Veteran Builders, we are proud to have people like Daniel Mills leading the charge here on a daily basis but also reaching out and getting involved in our community. We look forward to the continued impact he will make with area youth.
"I feel the need...The need for speed!" DVB and Blue Angels team up.
Chris Eccleston, founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders, was selected to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as part of their Key Influencer Program.
Heroic water rescue captured on film by Delmarva Veteran Builders security cameras.
Help nominate local hero Andrew for recognition on The Ellen Show!
On Tuesday June 18th, first responders were called to the Salisbury River Walk off of East Market Street to assist a man who had plunged his vehicle into the water. A local bystander named Andrew Lunn happened to witness the accident and immediately jumped into action. He dove into the water, while others helped toss an emergency life preserver that was stationed near the scene. Lunn was able to retrieve the man from the sinking car and swim him to safety. It’s reported that the man will make a full recovery.
Later, DVB was able to look back through security camera footage to capture the scene as it unfolded. From the two video angles below, you can clearly see the quick action taken by Lunn within seconds of the incident taking place. He is a true hero!
Within Hours on facebook, Wicomico First Alert has requested citizens nominate Andrew Lunn to be recognized on the Ellen Show for his heroism. He deserves so much credit for his quick action and selfless behavior. We need more people who are cool under pressure like him!
