Who are We?
Empowering Veterans, Uniting Communities, Creating Change
SOV WILCO is a military-owned non-profit dedicated to community service. Headquartered in The Shenandoah Valley, we sell unique military-themed clothing and apparel to support our initiatives. Through our events and donations, we aim to promote unity, provide assistance to veterans, and foster community growth.
Discover SOV WILCO’s efforts in supporting veterans, fostering community growth, and driving impactful change. Learn more below.
Consider the Trends
Well over 500,000 children in 2022 alone were discovered fighting a mental and emotional battle in homes where their safety & development was a second priority.
In that same year over 30,000 veterans were discovered to be living in a difficult situation and surrounding them wasn’t family or friends.
Every day you yourself are a witness to hardship, and the ways it can lead anyone irregardless of age towards even greater struggles. It is easy to give up, even more so when you don’t feel worthy.
At SOV WILCO as long as you can respect the rules governing our stores, staff and programs, you may participate in our events and enjoy the various products we sell. The respect we hope to earn we give, and there has never been a more qualified recipient than the least that entered our store.
According to security.org between 2022 and 2023 alone, homelessness increased throughout over 40 states. This 12% shift has bridged racial divides more thoroughly than any civil rights movement.
Security.org
Research and Education Firm
Over 70,000 drug overdose deaths occur in the US annually. This number grows ominously by 4% each year. There are 9.5 million or 3.8% of adults over the age of 18 have both a substance abuse disorder (SUD) and a metal illness.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
Statistics and Government Research Analysis
More than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023 — more than any year on record.
The U.S. surgeon general calls mental health the “defining health crisis of our time.”
NBC News: Kristen Welker
National News Network
The eagle Experience
How did this all begin? Afghanistan Veterans, World War II Veterans, and so much American History breaking forth suddenly to the forefront.
How did Senior Veterans somehow escape bondages of a boring retirement and the dull monotous rituals of life after the service? You honestly wouldn’t expect a Military Veteran to tolerate tapioca and a TV screen for their remaining 15-20 years right? These Eagles will FLY, it’s what they do best.
“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
The Origins
A big story with small beginnings, countless veterans and organizations witnessed the catalyst of Senior Veteran Treatment spark The American Spirit in their daughter and beloved little sister, and this small spark became a tall flame.
It was the year of 2015, and The VFW refused to help a Vietnam Veteran that was homeless staying at a Valley Mission. Despite his sacrifices, he had not been prepared during his service for his COPD Medicine during retirement which was $491 at the time.
Entering the story SOV WILCO owner Natalie Butler was the top fundraiser for The VFW, passionately leading from the frontlines for operations in Waynesboro, and creating great impact throughout The Shenandoah Valley. Her and legions of American Veterans gathered together in assisting the forgotten to access funds reserved for their retirement long ago.
Naturally, she could not understand how a veteran could be denied services simply because they weren’t a member. Her response: a small fundraiser to cover a small number of months expenses between medicine and lodging.
Being a reputable VSO Veterans Services Officer she expertly navigated the paperwork for his disability claim under The Ramp Program which none had helped him with thus far.
In a short time, the forgotten Vietnam Veteran went from being homeless sleeping in an abandoned trailer park to having a residual income of $3,200/mo being 100% disabled. Not only this, but she fought passionately out of respect for all the Vietnam Veterans and her fellow Afghanistan Veterans so that his Social Security Pension knew where to find him and who this man was to this country.
An All-American Love story
This American Hero and Legend after this mysterious act of divine intervention fell deeply in love with an amazing patriotic woman that saw past the parade rest, war-weathered appearance, and military uniform and discovered the face of a man that would change her life forever.
Her Husband.
This Vietnam Veteran and the love of his life eloped, and found their slice of The American Dream in the beautiful landscapes of Florida. She of course does not want for a thing, and The Armed Forces are honored in her house second only to God. The Veteran Community of Florida as a result has a beautiful cord of many strands connecting it to The Shenandoah Valley. These strands are The American Spirit, True Love, and Divine Intervention.
He is a reputable member of the Florida community now, bringing the fire of The American Spirit wherever he goes in humble acts of kindness. He still reaches out to SOV WILCO owner Natalie Butler to this day. The Shenandoah Valley and Florida will always share something beautiful, the sight of a veteran rising as a Eagle and discovering true love in the land he calls home.
SOV WILCO is passionate about resorts and travel. If you have never been to Universal Orlando Resort you have to do it at least once. If you could take your favorite group of veterans here what would you do first?
Serving in The Armed Forces will challenge you, and everything you once used to be and believe. If you can overcome what does not serve a united presence in hard times and great difficulties, you will become an Eagle. Able to march through what divides communities without losing The American Spirit. Whether veteran or civilian, you can enter the workforce and create positive impact.
“May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears. And, above all, may silence make you strong.” –Native American Chief Dan George.
Join us in serving others
Support SOV WILCO and bring hope to military families. Together, we create positive impact and uplift communities.
Let’s Work Together
SOV WILCO: Support Our Veterans
Welcome to SOV WILCO, a military centered non-profit organization bringing awareness to Veteran issues in America while uplifting its citizens.
Touch a life
Important Information
SOV WILCO is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit