The Veterans Resource Center in Freeland has hired an executive director.

Dr. Fred McCarthy, former public schools superintendent and a community leader, will take on the challenge of helping the nonprofit center re-establish its presence on Whidbey Island, according to a press release.

The VRC’s mission is to promote efforts within the community to heal the effects of war on veterans, family members and their communities.

“I am honored to take on this work with the VRC,” McCarthy said. “We have the mission of helping the courageous men and women and their families, who have served our country and given so much, to return to an active, contributing life in their home communities.”

McCarthy, well known on Whidbey Island for his work in public schools and other community and nonprofit groups, is also a veteran. He served during Vietnam as an Army Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot.

“A month and a half after I arrived in country, the Tet Offensive of 1968 occurred, he said. “I flew 1,300 hours of combat missions during my year in Vietnam and had my share of adventures during that memorable time in my life.”

McCarthy said he looks forward spreading the mission and services of the VRC throughout Whidbey Island and to meeting with groups and individuals interested in helping returning veterans. Contact him by calling 360-331-8081 or by email at info@vrcwi.com.

The VRC is planning a Veterans Standdown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at American Legion Post 141 in Bayview.