We are well underway on our program and I thank you for all your
hard work! Reports are coming in and I am amazed at all you
have already done. I want to give you a review of our program
and also provide you with some new information.
National Military Services (NMS)
This particular program is where we can best support our
heroes. It includes Unmet Needs, MAP, and Operation Uplink.
Wherever possible, donations should be made to NSM – rather than
the individual subgroup – so that money can be allocated to each
program as needed. Where special events are held to raise money
for the donation, this information should be included in the
report.
·
Unmet Needs offers grants of up to $2500 to service members and
their families facing a hardship due to deployment or military
service. Applications can be found on the
vfwdepartmentresourses.org website. Encourage members to
give application forms to any service member or family that
might be eligible for this grant.
·
MAP efforts include any events help for the troops as well as
sending packages to Troops. If an Auxiliary wished to put on an
event for a unit, they can apply to the VFW MAP program for
funds to pay for the event. This is also for Adopt-A-Unit.
·
Operation Uplink funds are used to pay for internet cafes
wherever possible and phone cards where internet phone access is
not workable.
California National Guard
– The service members and families of the National Guard have
some unique issues not faced by regular military. They don’t
live on military bases and don’t have the support structure in
place that regular military families do. When they come home
from deployment, they go back into the regular work force until
deployed again. These days, with forest fires, search & rescue
missions, and military deployments, they are as “full time” as
the regular military yet do not have the same rights or
benefits. Attached is information for contacting the Family
Readiness Group Coordinator in your area.
Continuing Education Scholarship
This scholarship is NOT the Marie Klugow Scholarship. Donations
to this scholarship must be earmarked “Continuing Education
Scholarship”. Members of at least 1 year, their spouses, sons
or daughters are eligible. The application for this scholarship
is due to National Headquarters by February 15, 2011.
Applications can be downloaded from the National website.
VFW Department Service Officer
Funds are needed to keep this program working well. We can also
be trained to assist the Service Officers by taking initial
applications. This frees them up to resolve issues with those
claims. We can also work to ensure that the public is aware of
the assistance these officers provide to all veterans.
Buddy Poppy
I am looking forward to receiving reports on how you have used
your buddy poppies. Activities such as Flag Day, 4th
of July, Auxiliary and Post installations and standowns are just
of few examples of where poppies can be used. Don’t forget we
are having a Buddy Poppy Bonnet Contest for all District
Presidents to be held at one of our future Council of
Administrations. It is not too soon to get started and you may
want to have your own contest!
National Home
I encourage you to continue to support the VFW National Home.
The “Buy A Brick” program is going very well. I hope all of
your auxiliaries have purchased one. If you are planning to
attend the National Convention you might want to consider taking
a tour of the Home. You can make reservations by calling
(866)483-9642. The cost is $50.
**********************************NEW
INFORMATION*********************************
Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay
The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established
Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay providing $500 for each
month/partial month served in stop loss status. Service
members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service menbers whose
service was involuntarily
____________________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
____________________________________________________________________________________
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PROGRAM
Veterans and Family Support
Program
National Home
Information
Buddy Poppy Bonnet Contest Info
BLACKOUT SHEET
As of July 31, 2010
As of August 31, 2010
