BROOKINGS In an effort to help support American troops and veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, George Dokken Post No. 2118 is accepting donations for a program that is designed to help active-duty military personnel as well as veterans.
This reorganized effort comes under the name of “Veterans and Military Support Program.”
The services that are included under this new umbrella are the UnMet Needs program, VFW’s Sports Clips Help-A-Hero Scholarship, and the Military Assistance Program.
All of the donations received for these support services goes to help the active duty and veteran population; there are no administrative fees involved.
“Our troops are sacrificing so much to serve this nation. Many of them will deployed for a year or more,” said Darwin Toizin, post commander. “The least we can do is ensure they can get the help they need when they need it. “
An update from the national VFW headquarters states that the UnMet Needs program had a record year this year assisting more veterans than ever before.
For the fiscal year, just ending, the program, assisted 895 veterans and their families with grants totaling $2,023,748.92, which is almost four times greater than last year.
The main reason for the increase is the application is now only available online and the criteria has been opened up to allow more veterans to qualify for assistance.
Also, the VFW has assisted 590 veterans totaling $589,007, which includes 488 grants for military personnel and veterans facing financial hardship. Also, there were 253 military families who received assistance with housing needs.
In South Dakota, the UnMet Needs program has helped 31 service members and their families totaling $42,958. The Military Assistance Program has helped sponsor morale-boosting events such as homecoming celebrations, send-offs and other special events.
There are opportunities for VFW posts and auxiliaries to take part in Adopt-A-Unit, which helps establish ongoing relationships with the unit and helps deliver the vast network of resources the VFW has available for the military community.
As a part of this fundraising effort, participating Burger King restaurants will raise funds throughout November and beyond for the VFW’s UnMet Needs program.
Patrons are encouraged to donate $1 or more to the program when paying for their food.
The VFW also assists all veterans and their families obtain veterans’ entitlements and other services. In addition, the organization works for the wellbeing of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard, and the Reserves. The VFW was founded in 1899. There are 1.4 million members of the VFW and auxiliary located in approximately 5,667 posts worldwide.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more, go here or call the VFW Post at 605-692-6771. Donations may be mailed to VFW Georga Dokken Post No. 2118, 520 Main Ave., Brookings, SD 57006.
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