Ingall’s idea to give veterans “A hand up, not a hand out” began around 1985, when was coming home from a mission on an American civilian plane which was hijacked by Hezbollah terrorists. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and PTSD as a result of the torture, interrogations and beatings he experienced while in captivity for 17 days.

Later, in counseling and hearing other veterans’ experiences, Ingalls was called once again to service: he would create transitional housing and a community center for other veterans from all the armed services – Vet’s Rest Stop (VRS). Ingall worked tirelessly on his dream and as it started to come to fruition he died suddenly of a heart attack in 2020 just as work on a community center was starting.

Thankfully, Ingall’s drive and spirit had already captured the hearts and minds of those in the Woodstock community and today, two of six planned houses and the community center are complete. All were built by area volunteers.

“Over 100 of my neighbors have worked on these homes,” said NH Electric Co-op Board Treasurer Jerry Stringham of North Woodstock. “We each do what we can and have seen the buildings approach completion as we near the arrival of the first veterans in need. It’s an important way to give back and to honor Jeff’s service and make his vision a reality.”

Cindy Simmons, a long-time friend of Ingalls and the only non-military person to sit on the VRS board, has been involved in the project since it began, initially connecting VRS with the Co-op’s Energy Solutions Program Administrator Kurt Campbell.

“We got the ball going with rebates and an energy evaluation,” Kurt said, noting that the Co-op helped the project with heat pump mini-split rebates, ENERGY STAR® New Home rebates and $5,000 in home energy services and testing, as well as offering guidance on the homes’ air quality and insulation.

“It has been a wild ride but it’s been an amazing ride, to know that people just care about veterans,” said Simmons, adding that many of the building materials, furniture and funds have been donated by scores of businesses and individuals. VRS’ goal is to have all six buildings – including four, one bedrooms and two larger units with lofts – completed by the end of next year.

“We have been blessed by this amazing community,” she said.

In the meantime, Simmons said they are contacting the VA and others in homeless shelters to find candidates to screen.

“We need to be sure each person is the right one,” she said.

A dream come true.