Veteran Drive Spotlights Needs in Sussex County

Meridith Cassell

Andy Andican in an undisclosed location overseas.

More than 5,700 Sussex County residents have served in the U.S. military—but for many, the transition home comes with unmet basic needs, prompting a local effort to provide essential support.

The Department of Veterans Affairs at Sussex County Community College in Newton is hosting the Sussex County Veteran Basic Needs Drive, an initiative designed to assist veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. The drive is collecting personal care items such as toiletries, hygiene products and other daily essentials, helping ensure veterans have access to necessities as they rebuild their routines at home.

Efforts to obtain additional comment from the SCCC Department of Veterans Affairs were unsuccessful as of press time.

The department continues to serve veterans in the community. While the effort addresses immediate, tangible needs, local veterans say the challenges they face often extend far beyond material support.

Andy Andican from Frankford Township, a builder first class with the U.S. Navy Seabees, said one of the most difficult aspects of returning home is something many civilians may not fully understand. I learned this through visiting the Frankford Township Fire Department.

“A specific challenge that veterans face at home that people don’t often realize is the massive loss of identity and purpose,” Andican said.

“The struggle to fit in is very real and leaves many veterans, including myself, feeling isolated from the rest of society,” he added.

Andican, 30, has completed three overseas deployments from 2017-2026, serving in Spain, Germany, Cyprus and Djibouti in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. He also was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily, during Operation Allies Refuge and completed a deployment in an undisclosed location with the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Reflecting on his service, Andican said the breadth of his responsibilities is difficult to summarize.

“I held so many different positions over that time, I don’t even know if I could list them all,” he said.

That wide range of experience is common among veterans, many of whom return home with highly developed leadership skills, technical expertise and the ability to adapt quickly in high-pressure environments. Despite those strengths, veterans often encounter challenges when translating their experience into civilian careers or social settings where military service may not be fully understood.

For Andican, the transition has involved redefining his role and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Since returning stateside, he has joined the Frankford Township Fire Department and continues to explore additional career paths and personal interests.

His experience underscores the importance of shifting public perception.

“Veterans are diverse and capable people, not a single story or image,” Andican said, noting that not all veterans struggle in the same ways and many return home ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

He emphasized that community engagement plays a critical role in successful reintegration. Beyond donations, he said veterans benefit most from inclusion and opportunity.

“Provide them with opportunities rather than charity, include them, and just be real,” he said. “That’s what matters most.”

Simple actions, such as hiring veterans, supporting veteran-owned businesses and inviting veterans into professional and civic spaces, can make a lasting impact. These efforts not only help veterans rebuild their sense of identity but also allow communities to benefit from their skills and experiences.

Organizers of the Sussex County Veteran Basic Needs Drive share that broader goal. While the collection of essential items remains a key focus, the initiative also is intended to spark conversations about the evolving needs of veterans in the region.

Programs like this highlight the gap that can exist between physical support and emotional or social reintegration. By addressing both, communities can play a more active role in helping veterans adjust to life after service.

Local advocates say awareness is a critical first step. Understanding the realities veterans face, from navigating new career paths to rebuilding a sense of belonging can lead to more meaningful support systems.

The Sussex County initiative demonstrates how even small, community-driven efforts can contribute to a larger impact. By combining practical assistance with awareness and inclusion, the drive serves as both a resource and a reminder of the shared responsibility to support those who have served.

Donations for the Sussex County Veteran Basic Needs Drive were accepted at SCCC through Feb. 11.

Organizers and participants hope that drives like these encourage residents to look beyond donations and consider how they can actively support veterans in everyday life. For Andican, the message is simple: True support goes beyond supplies. It is found in understanding, opportunity, and genuine connection, the elements that allow veterans not just to return home, but to thrive.