Robert M. Adams will be honored as our Military Hero for his work in rehabilitating and serving homeless veterans. Bob served with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam, and he returned home to witness the obstacles, addictions and prejudices veterans faced. As a Marine, Bob holds the core belief that no one should be left behind on the battlefield, yet he saw his fellow veterans living on the streets. He found this unacceptable, and created the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton.
Bob is the president, cofounder and clinical director for the home, where he serves on a volunteer basis. His energy and vision were instrumental in the creation of the shelter, from fundraising to securing a location and building the partnerships that made the shelter a reality.
The shelter currently provides for five veterans at a time, giving them the help they need to return to useful and productive lives. Veterans receive medical and psychological treatment, education and job training. After a recently approved expansion, the shelter will soon triple in size and be able to house 11 men and four women.
“Bob devoted countless hours to making the shelter a reality, from fundraising to securing a location and partnerships,” said Mayor Michael Gresk of Wheaton. “Bob’s compassion and hard work have improved the veterans’ lives and created an opportunity for volunteers in the community.” His work also brings veterans’ struggles to light, helping to change society’s perceptions about those who have served our country and giving homeless vets the opportunity to recover.
Bob’s personal integrity, vision and countless hours of volunteer service make him a true hero to his fellow veterans and volunteers.
The Military Award is presented to an active, reserve, ROTC, or retired member(s) of the
Armed Forces who acted above and beyond the call of duty.
