When Ray Cornell's stepson made the transition from military to civilian life, he wanted to do more than just "wish" that greater support was given to local veterans.

Mr. Cornell, of Houston, Washington County, decided to raise awareness and money to help veterans overcome some of the roadblocks they face when they come home -- such as lack of transportation.

Jonathan Cornell, 25, recently left the Air Force after four years of active service. He completed law enforcement training and is interviewing with local police departments.

Ray Cornell had read newspaper reports about people at schools and corporations across the country donning red shirts as a silent sign of solidarity for the men in women in the service.

"I wanted to show we were behind them 100 percent," he said, adding that his employer, Joy Mining Machinery in Houston, contributed more than 300 red T-shirts for employees to wear.

Mr. Cornell said he and his colleagues collected donations for the local Amvets chapter, and the fundraising effort culminated in a companywide, red T-shirt group photo Friday, where it was announced that $2,000 has been raised so far.

Becky Vinton, human resources director at Joy, said the company also has purchased radio spots on three local stations to ask for donations for the local AMVETS Post 911 and it will match all pledges.

Ms. Vinton said Joy has not placed a cap on the amount it will match, and all donations will go specifically to the needs of local veterans.

She said people may not realize that basic needs can turn into major hurdles for military men and women trying to transition into civilian life.

Organizations such as Amvets Post 911, she said, helps provide them with everything from transportation to phone cards.

"We wanted to do something that impacted our community directly," Ms. Vinton said.

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