The Founder and CEO of “Celebrating Our Veterans,” Derick Glenn is the February recipient of the Millville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen award.
“My grandmother instilled in me the importance of helping people less fortunate.” said Derick.
The desire to help veterans became a vocation and an avocation for the man once known as “Derick ‘D’ Clown. “I work in the activities department of the Vineland Memorial Home in Vineland, my paid job, and I founded “Celebrating Our Veterans,” which is composed of volunteers and is completely a separate organization from the memorial home,” he said.
Citing the great need for helping veterans in this area, Derick said: “Celebrating Our Veterans’ outreach programs assist veterans and their families in finding resources including food, clothing , employment, temporary and permanent housing, medical treatment and transportation.”
“Derick is a great person, an amazing person,” said Roberto Ortega. A navy veteran, Ortega spent four years in active duty, including time in Iraq and five years in the navy reserve. He and his wife Iolymary have five children.
“Derick is like a father to me,’’ Ortega added. “I have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Several of the children have health problems attributed to the housing in which they formerly lived.
Citing the great need for help for veterans, Derick hopes to expand the services to other South Jersey counties and to work with other agencies helping veterans. The non-profit group has cooperated with homeless shelters, food banks and other agencies.
Activities of Celebrating Our Veterans are featured on a 30-minute program Fridays from 6 to 6:30 p.m., On channel 22 . The organization now has its corporate office at 1011 Buck St.
A 1990 graduate of Millville High School, Derick began his entertainment career in Sarasota, Fla. Where he said he was “mezmerized” by a magic shop. His entertainment work has included performing “Derick ‘D’ Clown’’ routines. In 1994, he was hired by Trump Entertainment to perform at the Taj Mahal Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. His ability to dance and sing while walking on stilts led to performances in many theme parks, concerts and at a variety of special events.
A resident now of Maurice River Township, Derick and his wife Michelle have three sons.
Derick Glenn
Getting the word out about our veterans:
Activities of Celebrating Our Veterans are featured on a 30-minute program Fridays from 6 to 6:30 pm on cable channel 22 . The organization now has its corporate office at 1011 Buck St.
