Our Mission
Veterans’ Communities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed BY veterans FOR veterans.
Mission Statement:
We are an organization founded by veterans with a mission to provide veterans in crisis the connections, resources and tools to change their lives for the better. We are committed to restoring hope and dignity to those who have given so much on behalf of this nation.
Vision Statement:
By empowering veterans in crisis through residential, occupational, counseling and legal help, we seek to get them off the streets and into a better life. We will accomplish this by partnering with agencies, organizations and individuals on the local, state and federal level to meet the needs of America’s veteran community.
Officers and Board of Directors
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Bob Harmon
President and CEO
Robert Harmon is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan College (TWU) in Ft. Worth, as well as holding both a Master of Divinity degree from SMU and a Juris Doctorate from TWU School of Law, which he founded and served as President and CEO. His varied executive experience has spanned a number of fields, including business, higher education and the legal education. Through it all, Harmon’s career has been marked by his dedication to faith, education and service to others. As a VA Chaplain and later as a Chief Chaplain, he has served U.S. veterans for a number of years. He is also a licensed Methodist minister. He now resides in Colleyville and is serving as the president and founder of Veterans Communities, Inc.
Corey Harris
Vice President
Corey Harris was born in New Orleans, before a job opportunity ultimately brought him to Arlington, Texas. Corey received a B.S. in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2011, before going on to establish a Real Estate business in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. He and his wife are the proud parents of three beautiful children, and have made an effort to actively serve in their beloved city of Arlington. Corey is an active member and past president of the Greater Arlington Lions Club as well as the various bodies of the Masonic Fraternity. Corey frequently participates in municipal events and local voting efforts.
Jim Ames
Jim Ames is a graduate of Baylor University, where he earned both his BBA and his law degree. He also holds an MBA from Arizona University. He served in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973. He has served as a judge in the communities of Bedford, Colleyville, Haltom City and Lakeside. He currently resides in Bedford.
Bill Brandt
Judge Bill Brandt is a proud graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he was commissioned into service upon his graduation in 1977. During his distinguished military career, including active and reserve service, he has served in numerous flying, staff and command positions all over the globe--including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would receive his MBA before attending Texas A&M School of Law and earning his Juris Doctor, eventually opening his own practice. Since 2018 he has served as a Justice of the Peace in Tarrant County.
Jake B. Schrum
Jake B. Schrum has spent his entire career in higher education. As a fundraiser, first at Yale and then as a VP at Emory University, he then served as President of Texas Wesleyan University, Southwestern University, and Emory & Henry College. Presently, he is the President of the Wesley House Cambridge Foundation in Cambridge England, and is a consultant at Yale Divinity School.
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Matthew J. Staton
Since 2016, Matthew J. Staton has served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas and as a Judge Advocate in the Texas Army National Guard. Additionally, he has served for over 20 years in the United States Air Force and United States Army. Matthew has worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Counterdrug Task Force, and various Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
Phil Chandler
A native Oklahoman, born in Ardmore but raised primarily in the central portions of the state. He completed two undergraduate degrees at Oklahoma City Southwestern College (now Southwestern Christian University), an MA at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), and a Master of Divinity at Duke University. Later he completed an MBA through Touro University International and a Master in Military Art and Sciences at the United States Army Combined Arms Center. Philip earned his JD at Oklahoma City University and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 2019.
He is a retired Pentecostal Holiness minister and focused on church planting prior to accepting a commission as a Chaplain in the US Army, obtaining the rank of colonel before retiring. As a clinically trained chaplain, Philip served 30 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring after tours as Chief, Chaplain Service at Amarillo VAMC and OKC VA Healthcare System. As a permanent and totally disabled combat veteran, Chaplain (Colonel) Philip Chandler has a focused interest in veterans' issues that impact their wellbeing.
Message from the President
Friends…
I helped found Veterans’ Communities, Inc., (VCI) for one reason: to make a difference in the lives of fellow veterans who are hurting and in need of our help. These men and women gave so much by serving our country, yet have encountered many obstacles on their path to transitioning back into society.
Please join me in this critical mission. As we raise money for VCI and our upcoming Stand Down event, any donation you can make will help make an impact. All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me… caring about our vets who gave so much for all of us!
Sincerely,
Bob Harmon