News

FRANKLIN, NH – On Thursday, September 18, Easterseals NH officially opened the state’s first Military & Veterans Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together over 1,000 Veterans, service members, dignitaries, community leaders, and families from across New Hampshire. The event marked the completion of Phase I of the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus that was designed and built by PROCON, which is set on 15-acres located at 27 Holy Cross Road in Franklin, NH, a transformative space designed to support service members, Veterans, first responders, and their families through housing, services, and community.

“This marks a profoundly meaningful day for Service Members and Veterans across our community and the State of New Hampshire,” said Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO of Easterseals NH & VT. “I’m truly moved by what we’ve accomplished together. The dedication and care reflected in this campus inspire great optimism for the next phase of support and innovation in Phase II and what Easterseals New Hampshire can do.”

Attendees enjoyed tours of the newly renovated buildings, a preview of Phase II campus plans also designed by PROCON, and a festive All-American BBQ with live music from the Adam Ezra Band. The celebration was a powerful tribute to those who served, with many guests proudly wearing red, white, and blue. In attendance were current Governor Ayotte and local leaders from across New Hampshire, all showing their support for this groundbreaking initiative. The ceremony was made even more memorable by the dramatic arrival and flyover of an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, a powerful tribute to the military community.

The Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus is designed to be a one-of-a-kind hub for service members, Veterans, first responders, and their families, offering affordable housing, on-site support services, and access to outdoor recreation. It also serves as a collaborative space for Veteran-serving organizations to work together under one roof.

“On behalf of all of us at PROCON, we are truly honored to be Easterseals' design-build partner on such a meaningful project for New Hampshire and our veterans. Our incredible PROCON team, several of whom are veterans who served on this project, transformed this historic site to something truly extraordinary.  The results we see here today are more than just a design or construction project; it is a community and place of healing built to honor and serve those who serve our country. My great-grandfather and grandfather, the first and second generations of PROCON leadership, were both veterans, and it gives me such a great sense of personal pride to honor their legacy through PROCON’s involvement. Congratulations to our veterans, Easterseals, and the entire community,” said John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON

“This campus is more than buildings, it’s a promise kept. A promise to honor, support, and uplift those who’ve served”, said Al Aldenberg, Chief of Military & Veterans Services Officer for Easterseals NH & VT.  “As a Veteran and a member of this community, I couldn’t be more proud to see this vision come to life right here in Franklin.”

Looking ahead, Phase II of the campus will include the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center, the Solinsky Empowerment Center, Swim with a Mission Aquatics and Fitness Center, and additional affordable housing, further expanding the campus’s ability to serve service members, Veterans, first responders, and their families holistically. To complete Phase II, an additional $40 million needs to be raised. A paver campaign was announced at the event as part of Easterseals NH’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who serve. Attendees were invited to support the Military & Veterans Campus by purchasing engraved pavers for the walkway outside the Bernadine Herron Center. These personalized tributes recognize the legacy of Veterans, service members, and first responders, creating a lasting path of remembrance and gratitude. To purchase a paver, visit: www.MilitaryVeteransCampusNH.org/Purchase-A-Paver

Also on-site, the Bernadine Herron Center offers a flexible event and retreat space with 22 hotel-style rooms, ideal for trainings, corporate gatherings, and wellness retreats. Proceeds from bookings directly support the campus’