Warrior Homes of Collier has announced that former U.S. Marine Ben Cassidy has joined the nonprofit's board of directors. Cassidy is currently the managing partner at The BLC Group, an organization providing government relations consulting services for defense, aerospace and homeland security clients in areas of policy and budget.

Cassidy served in the Marines for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2001 with the rank of Colonel.

Prior to his work at The BLC Group, Cassidy spent many years working at government and military related organizations, including as commissioner at the American Battle Monuments Commission, assistant secretary with the Department of Homeland Security, senior director and chief of staff at Boeing, and vice president and director at Raytheon.

Cassidy was also the defense and foreign policy legislative assistant to U.S. Senator John Warner of Virginia from 2001-2003. He served as the senior advisor on all matters related to defense and foreign policy with specific emphasis on Virginia constituents and the shipbuilding industry.

"It is an honor to have someone of Ben's stature as a part of Warrior Homes of Collier," said Dale Mullin, a retired Vietnam veteran, founder and president of Warrior Homes of Collier. "His distinguished career in the military, with defense contractors and with the federal government will be a great asset to our organization and the veterans we serve."

Based in Naples, Warrior Homes of Collier is a nonprofit that operates six residences for local veterans: Alpha House, a short-term, transitional home for those in recovery from substance use issues; Delta House, a supportive housing complex with 10 apartments for up to 20 veterans; as well as Bravo, Charlie, Echo and Foxtrot Houses, which provides long term supportive housing for Veterans.

Additionally, it connects its residents with support services like mental health counseling and peer support. It also provides educational opportunities, including college scholarships.

About Warrior Homes of Collier

Founded in 2014, Warrior Homes of Collier is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the needs of veterans and their families, with a focus on housing, mental health and education. The vision of Warrior Homes of Collier is to ensure that no veteran in need is left behind in the county. Through its work and efforts, and community awareness and collaboration, Warrior Homes of Collier provides much-needed resources and programs to meet the needs of local veterans who served with dignity and honor. These brave warriors need the support of the community and deserve safe, clean and accessible housing, as well as support with mental health and wellness. To learn more, visit https://wwcollier.org.