Helping Veterans Build Their Dream: Insights from Our Housing & Training Seminar with OceanFirst Bank and Prudential

GI Go Fund hosted a powerful and practical virtual seminar as part of its Veteran Dream Project, focused on helping veterans make informed decisions about housing, finances, and their next chapter in civilian life. The session "Mission: Home – Helping Veterans Find the Best Places to Live, Work, and Thrive", presented in partnership with OceanFirst Bank and generously supported by Prudential, EY Foundation, and JobPaths, brought together veterans, industry leaders, and financial experts to deliver timely guidance at a moment when many veterans are weighing their options in a changing housing market.

Leading the session was Tom Vogel, Residential Loan Officer at OceanFirst Bank, whose experience and clarity helped veterans navigate key housing fundamentals—from understanding VA loan options and mortgage basics to evaluating the true cost of living in various communities. Tom spoke directly to the challenges veterans face when choosing where to live, emphasizing that homeownership is about selecting a community that fits your career goals, family needs, and long-term financial vision. His insights were especially valuable for first-time buyers and transitioning service members trying to map out their futures with confidence.

We were also honored to be joined by Will Huang of Prudential, who spoke directly to participants about Prudential’s longstanding commitment to supporting veterans through financial education, career development, and community investment. His remarks underscored Prudential’s belief that supporting veterans doesn’t end when they leave uniform—it means providing the knowledge and tools needed to build lasting financial security and opportunity. Will’s contribution added depth to a session already rich in practical advice, and his presence reflected the deeper commitment Prudential has made through its continued sponsorship of the Veteran Dream Project.

This session builds on the momentum of GI Go Fund’s broader initiatives at the Jackson Drysdale Veterans Training Center in Newark, NJ, where veterans can access career training, job placement services, and entrepreneurship resources. Thanks to the ongoing support of partners like Prudential and the EY Foundation, the Veteran Dream Project has become a national model for integrated veteran support, combining financial readiness, housing assistance, and employment programming into a seamless experience.

The Housing & Training Fundraiser reaffirmed a core truth that drives our mission: when veterans are empowered with knowledge and surrounded by the right support, they make decisions that transform their lives and the lives of their families. We’re proud to continue offering resources like this session, and we are grateful to everyone who made it possible—from Tom Vogel and Will Huang to the many veterans who joined, asked questions, and shared their goals with us.

As we look ahead to future sessions and continued outreach, GI Go Fund remains committed to building not just awareness, but real-world outcomes. Our thanks again to OceanFirst Bank, Prudential, and the EY Foundation for believing in this work and helping us turn information into impact. Together, we are opening doors and building futures—one veteran at a time.