Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania Honors Chris “Topher” Bower at June Stand Down

A Day of Service, Support, and Remembrance

The Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania (VCOP) welcomed veterans, their families, community partners, and supporters to its June Monthly Stand Down at City Park in Reading. While the event continued its mission of providing resources and assistance to local veterans, it also served as a special tribute to one of VCOP's founders and most dedicated advocates, Chris “Topher” Bower.

The large turnout on a beautiful Saturday morning reflected the tremendous impact Topher had on countless lives throughout the veteran community. Friends, family members, fellow veterans, and supporters gathered not only to access services and resources, but also to celebrate a man whose generosity and compassion helped shape VCOP from its earliest days.

Continuing the Mission

As with every VCOP Stand Down, veterans had access to a variety of essential resources and support services. Food, dry goods, clothing, pet food, and other necessities were available to help veterans and their families meet everyday needs.

Representatives from the Veterans Affairs were on hand to provide information and assistance, while local churches offered free Bibles and encouragement to those who wished to receive them.

The event also welcomed several pets accompanying their owners—and even a horse made a special appearance, bringing smiles to attendees throughout the morning.

Community Partners Step Up

The success of the event was made possible through the generosity of community partners and volunteers who came together to support local veterans.

Weis Markets and several of its suppliers helped provide lunch for attendees, serving hot dogs and hamburgers. Additional donations included beverages from Coca-Cola, chips from Dieffenbach's Potato Chips, and sweet treats from Tastykake.

Empire Beauty School donated their time and talent by providing free haircuts for veterans, a service that was greatly appreciated by many attendees.

These partnerships demonstrate the power of community support and the shared commitment to honoring those who served our nation.

Remembering Topher

The memorial tribute began with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, led by a fellow veteran, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the gathering.

VCOP President Chris Spon offered remarks reflecting on Topher's life, service, leadership, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Throughout the event, friends and fellow veterans shared stories, memories, laughter, and heartfelt reflections about a man who dedicated so much of his life to helping others.

One story often shared by Topher perfectly captures his character and the spirit that helped build VCOP. When asked how Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania got started, Topher simply replied: "It started with a sandwich. I'm the type of guy that if I have a sandwich and you don't have a sandwich, we both have half a sandwich."

That philosophy of sharing, caring, and looking out for one another became the foundation of VCOP's mission and continues to guide the organization today.

As one attendee remarked, the number of people who arrived early on a Saturday morning was a testament to the lives Topher touched and the respect he earned throughout the veteran community.

A Legacy That Lives On

While Chris “Topher” Bower may no longer be with us, his legacy remains visible in every veteran helped, every meal shared, every resource distributed, and every act of kindness extended through VCOP.

The June Stand Down was more than a memorial service. It was a living example of the values Topher championed throughout his life: service, fellowship, generosity, and a commitment to ensuring that no veteran stands alone.

And if Topher were here to see it, he would probably remind us that it all starts with sharing the sandwich.