Bill McCann

From Service to Selfless Giving

Bill McCann grew up in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 shortly after graduating high school. He trained with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington, and deployed to Vietnam in 1966. After serving for a year, Bill returned home with honors, including the Combat Infantry Badge and the prestigious Purple Heart for his bravery.

After his military service, Bill spent 35 years running a construction company. Upon retiring, he shifted his focus toward helping others. In 2014, he founded Vittles for Vets in his home state. He later moved to Radford, Virginia, in 2015 to expand the program’s reach to Southwest Virginia and beyond.

The Birth of Vittles for Vets

Bill’s inspiration came from a meaningful encounter with a homeless veteran in 2014.

“I took him to lunch in the cafeteria at the VA, gave him a $50 gift card to a supermarket, and this big guy grabbed my hand and started crying. That was the very second Vittles for Vets was born,” Bill recalls.

The organization provides $50 grocery gift cards to veterans who meet specific criteria. To qualify, veterans must have a discharge other than dishonorable, live at or below the poverty line, and remain free of drugs and alcohol. This support ensures they can purchase healthy food, while receipt monitoring prevents misuse for alcohol, tobacco, or junk food.

Expanding the Mission

Since its founding, Vittles for Vets has grown significantly. The program now serves 67 veterans and their families each week, with a goal to help 70 veterans this year. Impressively, 96% of all donations go directly toward food gift cards, with only 4% covering overhead costs.

Beyond meeting physical needs, Vittles for Vets also delivers emotional benefits. Bill recalls a moving moment with the family of a veteran in the program.

“At the wake and funeral, his brother and sister told me that after joining the program, Roger’s depression lifted. He felt a sense of purpose and belonging. I hadn’t realized the emotional impact Vittles could have alongside its nutritional value.”

Recognition for a Life of Service

Bill’s dedication to serving others has earned him widespread recognition. In 2019, he received the Red Cross Military Hero Award in the Roanoke Valley. That same year, ALCOVA Mortgage honored him as a Hometown Hero for his selfless contributions.

Branch Manager Jonathan Sweat and the Legacy Team from ALCOVA’s Roanoke branch presented Bill with his Hometown Hero award. The award included a $500 check, which Bill chose to donate to Vittles for Vets. Additionally, the team treated Bill and his wife Sandra to a celebratory lunch.

Looking Ahead

Bill McCann continues to fight against veteran hunger with determination.

“These people should not be going hungry. We are the greatest country in the world, the richest country in the world, and we have starving veterans and children. I figured on a grassroots basis I would try to do something.”

Bill McCann’s devotion to his fellow veterans and his community exemplifies the spirit of a Hometown Hero.

Pictured left to right: Jonathan Sweat, Sandra McCann, Bill McCann, Helen Boitnott, and Cat Eakin