Middlesex United Way & Middlesex County NAACP Announce Publication of Veterans Recognition Booklet

MIDDLETOWN, CT- Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex County NAACP Branch (CT Unit 2018-B) are proud to announce the publication of Recognition and Resources: Black U.S. Armed Services Veterans of Middlesex County, a new booklet made possible through a Middlesex United Way grant. 

The project is a collaboration of the Middlesex County NAACP and American Legion Post 206, which was established in 2005 by three African American veterans to address issues of discrimination and mistreatment of Black veterans. David Roane, a U.S. Marine Veteran and the current Commander of Post 206, was instrumental in both starting the project and providing resources for the booklet.  

“Post 206 has been in the shadows for far too long,” said Anita Ford Saunders, President of the Middlesex County Branch of the NAACP. “They’ve been working hard for decades and it’s time that they are embraced for what they have done, what they have been through, and what they can do right now to help young people.”  

In addition to assisting veterans seeking support, the resources provided within the booklet are meant to encourage young men and women of color who may seek a career in the Armed Services to pursue the profession through a service academy rather than enlistment. 

“Historically, black people have always enlisted. My dad enlisted and my cousins enlisted. Most of them had minimal opportunities,” said Saunders. “When a young person is introduced to something like that, they can rise to those expectations. You just have to present it to them.”  

Funded through Middlesex United Way’s small grant program, the publication represents a shared commitment by United Way, the Middlesex County NAACP, and American Legion Post 206 to elevate recognition, advocacy, and support for Black veterans across Middlesex County.  

“We are proud to support important initiatives like this,” said Shawonda S. Swain, President & CEO of Middlesex United Way. “It’s more than simply honoring our veterans, it’s creating connections, and educating future generations about those who came before them and the opportunities they can have if they choose to pursue a career in the military.”  

Copies of the booklet are being distributed locally. A digital version of the booklet is available online on Middlesex United Way's website. CLICK HERE to view booklet and learn more. 

About Middlesex United Way 
Middlesex United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to advance Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency across Middlesex County. 

About the Middlesex County NAACP Branch (CT Unit 2018-B) 
The Middlesex County NAACP works to promote equality, eliminate discrimination, and ensure all people have equal rights and opportunities.