Friday, November 7th at 6:00 PM
Free and open to all
Presented by Vets Town Hall, the Godnick Adult Center, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1, Social Tinkering, and Vermont Adaptive’s Veteran Ventures Program
All are invited to a Vets Town Hall at the Godnick Adult Center on Friday, November 7th, 2025, in Rutland, Vermont. Veterans are invited to speak about what their service means to them. Non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. This event is free, non-political, and all perspectives are valued. There will be no debate on American foreign policy. Kyle Aines will emcee.
There will be a pre-event dinner at 5:30pm. RSVPs are required for the dinner (by the end of October). Registration will open in September. This meal is free for all; thank you to our meal sponsor, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1!
The Vets Town Hall itself will begin at 6pm. RSVPs are optional but encouraged for the Vets Town Hall. There may be an optional question-and-answer period with some of the speakers at the end of the event.
What to Expect
For all attendees: All community members are invited to this event. Only veterans will speak, but non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. Throughout the event, you may hear something you agree or disagree with. You may have a question. Or you may want to say encouraging words with the intention to help. However, we ask that you please refrain from responding. We are simply here to listen and learn about what it was like to serve in the wars that this nation has chosen to fight.
For speakers: Tell us what your service means to you. Please tell us about your own experiences, whatever they may be, rather than speaking broadly about an issue or organization. You’re a member of our community, and it’s your stories, reflections, and insights that we’re anxious to hear. If you’re interested in speaking but aren’t sure what to speak about, click here for some questions that can serve as starting points. Each veteran will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. Veterans who would like to speak can mark that preference when registering. If you’re considering speaking but prefer not to register, we encourage you to attend. After pre-registered speakers go, the host will take speakers from the floor, time permitting. The goal is for every veteran who would like to speak to have a chance to do so. Of course, veterans (and all community members) are also welcome to simply attend and listen.
Getting There
Free parking is available at the Godnick Center, and the building is accessible.
Community Partners
Godnick Adult Center
The Godnick Adult Center provides a welcoming space for adults to socialize, learn, travel, eat, and exercise. As a part of the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department, the Godnick Adult Center strives to bring its community quality and beneficial programs, activities, trips, and events. Located at 1 Deer Street in Rutland, the Godnick Adult Center…
Kyle Aines
Kyle Aines grew up in the small mountain town of Tinmouth, Vermont. He joined the army in 2003 and served two tours in Iraq as a combat medic. He graduated from Castleton with a degree in criminal justice before joining Community College of Vermont as CCV’s Associate Director of Veterans and Military Services. He now…
Social Tinkering
Social Tinkering is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization, based in Rutland Vermont. Their mission is to intentionally grow meaningful social connection to reduce isolation and loneliness and their impacts so that individuals, families, and communities can thrive. Social Tinkering coordinates with people and organizations regionally and statewide to identify and reduce any barriers that may be preventing…
Vermont Adaptive’s Veteran Ventures
Vermont Adaptive’s Veteran Ventures: Vermont Adaptive is proud to offer programs specifically designed for injured service members, veteran’s with disabilities, and their families. Since the organization’s inception, Vermont Adaptive has worked with veterans with disabilities and evolved their programs to match the changes in the needs and interests of men and women who have been…
Vermont Humanities
A statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1974, Vermont Humanities seeks to engage all Vermonters in the world of ideas, foster a culture of thoughtfulness, and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. A state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Vermont Humanities believes that engagement with the world of ideas, in interaction…
Vermont Veterans Fund
The Vermont Veterans Fund was created in 2010 to provide grants or support to individuals or organizations engaged in activities that provide services: Under the guidance of the Veterans Fund committee, a group of veterans and veteran service providers with wide ranging experience in veteran services, the Fund supports large and small programs developed by…
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter One
Rutland’s own Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter One was the very first chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America formed. The organization’s aims include promoting and supporting the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, creating a new identity for this generation of veterans, and changing public perception of Vietnam veterans. Learn more here.