Read All About It In The Zebra Press
ALEXANDRIA, VA–LJ Raspler resigned from teaching in 2019. An energetic woman with a passion for inspiring change, Raspler needed a new outlet for that energy. So she started a new nonprofit: Cook For Vets, supporting Veterans and fighting against hunger, but this is not her first year of nonprofit work.
She has been a girl scout leader for eight years; from 2004 to 2007, she spearheaded a committee of interfaith communities in New York helping the homeless community, preparing and cooking meals, setting up toiletry bags for donation, and conducting coat drives.
With this experience already under her belt, following her retirement from teaching, Raspler embarked on personal development and transformation programs, aligned with other like-minded individuals, to further her philanthropic experience and expertise.
“I literally woke up one morning and made the decision that I wanted to start a nonprofit to serve Veterans in need,” she explains. “I felt called to serve those who have risked their lives in service to their country and to show my appreciation for all the good in my life. As the daughter of a Naval Officer, I believe it was a fitting tribute to honor my father’s memory.”
Originally from New York, and the daughter of a Korean War Navy Veteran, LJ grew up with a true appreciation for military service, and she also saw firsthand what the life of a Veteran could look like, mentally and physically.
“My mission, my passion, my purpose is to serve the underserved,” asserts Raspler. “I am the daughter of a navy Veteran; my father served from 1948 to 1952 in Korea and he never talked about his service. There is a lot going on in this world, and coming from the background of a father and father-in-law being in the military I felt called to it. I have always been a person of service. The Veterans are my true heroes. They sign on the dotted line, put on that uniform, are willing to risk their lives. It is at very heart of who I am to give back to those who have risked their lives.”
Raspler was raised with a grounded character, but that is not to say her personality dictated otherwise. Raspler is a true people person and a true service person in her own right.
“My nature is one of altruism, empathy, compassion, charity,” she says.
(Click on the link below to Read More)
https://thezebra.org/2022/10/01/alexandrias-newest-Veteran-and-food-focused-nonprofit-cook-for-vets-hosts-inaugural-fundraiser-at-river-farm/