Our story:  Ornery Vets Collective (OVC) is a veterans’ support group in The Plains, Ohio.   Founded by Cale Burke and Joel Laufmann, OVC had humble beginnings in 2022 with just these two veterans.  Originally located at Ohio Means Jobs in Athens,  the group relocated to a larger space in The Veterans Service Office (VSO) in The Plains, Ohio to accommodate our ever growing number of support group members.  As of this writing, we have a steady flow of 10 to 15 regular attendees.  We serve a free home cooked meal, share our struggles and support each other…..we are family!

Red background with black text stating "Ornery Vets Collective" and "Veterans Support."

Our mission:   According to the Veterans Administration’s current statistics, an average of 17.6 veterans take their lives DAILY in our country, although other organizations such as America’s Warrior Partnership suggests that statistic could actually be twice as high as the Veterans Administration’s information.   OVC’s mission is to decrease  such statistics by creating a safe, supportive space for our veterans to share a meal ,our lives, our experiences, and hope. Our foundation is that of kindness, compassion, and service to other veterans and the community.   

Our vision:   Our vision is to help develop veterans support groups in all surrounding communities through collaboration with other Veterans Service Offices, advertising and fundraising.

Our partners:  Our current partners include Boots on the Trail (BOTT),  the Athens County Veterans’ Treatment Court, and The Veterans Service Office (VSO).  

*BOTT provides free ecotherapy for veterans by organizing vets to get out into nature while helping maintain local hiking/biking trails.  

*VTC is a program for veterans who have legal issues as a result of mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD).  The structure of VTC assists vets by connecting them with services such as SUD recovery, counselling, stable housing, and job acquisition. 

VSO: The VSO supports OVC by providing a wonderful, safe space for our group.  The Veterans Service Officer attends the weekly meetings and is a great source of support to meeting attendees.

  • We meet every Friday at noon at the Veterans Service Office at 88 North Plains Road, The Plains, Ohio.

  • Just Yourself

  • Any veteran, active duty, National Guard, and ROTC candidates.  

  • Support.  Understanding. Compassion.  Freedom to talk about whatever is on your mind.  And lots of love and laughter…..

  • Politics are off limits.  Our goal is to unite veterans, not divide them.