Veterans Voices: Richmond organization helps veterans transition from ‘Boots to Suits’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Leading up to Veterans Day next month, 8News is honoring our veterans -- amplifying their stories and voices. 8News reporter Sierra Krug visited an organization located on North Hamilton Street in Richmond -- "Boots to Suits," which has been providing professional clothing to local veterans for a decade. Walking into the Boots to Suits building, you'll meet Don, Bill, Mary, Sue and Joe Farrell. "They could write a very interesting book of stories and experiences," said Sue Farrell when asked about the different people she meets through her program every day. "They've had good and bad." Sue said the organization began with a love story. "I fell madly in love with [Joe Farrell] and married him," Sue Farrell said while reminiscing about her late husband and former Navy commander Joe Farrell. "I actually met him after his military career, as a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company. When he passed away, he left a beautiful corporate closet of divine apparel." Farrell was a nuclear engineer and served as a submarine commander early on. Wanting to keep her late husband's memory alive while helping young servicemen and women transition from military life to civilian life, Sue Farrell founded "Boots-to-Suits." "[Joe] didn't have an issue transitioning, but his young sailors did," Sue Farrell said. Program participants get two free career outfits each — styled and tailored personally for them from a selection of donated clothes. "It's very touching," Farrell said. "And we get out a lot more than what we give these veterans." There are all sorts of sizes, fits and styles to make sure each person who comes through feels their best and ready for success, but Farrell only accepts the most high-quality pieces. The organization has already dressed more than 5,300 veterans and continues to grow every year. "We now do approximately 850 to 900 veterans each year," Farrell said. Jeff Moody stopped by the site on Tuesday. He was born in the Philippines and comes from a Navy family. "When I speak to my other colleagues, a lot of people don't really understand what we go through," said Moody. "To be able to relate that to everyday citizens is very difficult, so the sacrifices we make are really unknown to the mass of us population." Moody followed his dad's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Navy -- spending more than 30 years serving. Now, he's a professor at Old Dominion University and traded in his boots for suits. "[It allows me to be] confident and being able to wear these outfits and be able to be in front of people on a regular basis, and that helps with continuing the story," Moody said. The program draws in veterans from North Carolina, Maryland and even Florida. What may look like clothes, shoes and accessories to some represents a loved one's legacy living on and a lifeline for young military men and women making a jump into a new life — and a new pair of shoes. "We touch a lot of lives, and I can't tell you how gratifying it is," Farrell said. Farrell said every day she counts her blessings and is thankful for the volunteers that continue to show up for her team. If you're interested in donating to the organization or making an appointment, visit their website.