MILITARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the VFW and active duty, Guard, and Reserve military units. MAP offers grants to VFW Posts who participate in military unit functions, such as sponsoring "Farewell and Welcome Home Activities," "Family Readiness Group" events, or other sponsorship ideas.

MAP also links with VFW’s Operation Uplink and Unmet Needs programs to create an all-star team of military assistance. MAP and Operation Uplink have provided more than 200 computers to set up Internet Cafes where service members’ families may e-mail their deployed loved ones.

In addition, MAP has forged partnerships with various service providers, including www.vetjobs.com  aimed at providing the transitioning service member with relocation and employment assistance.

For more information, call the MAP office at (816) 756-3390, ext 211; Fax: (816) 968-2728 or email: map@vfw.org

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OPERATION UPLINK

OPERATION UPLINK is a unique program that provides free phone cards to active-duty and hospitalized veterans so they can keep in touch with their families and loved ones. This is perhaps the premier program that supports our service troops and veterans. It is helping thousands of service members and it also helps ease the loneliness of our hospitalized veterans. This program provides an easy way for individuals and organizations to make an immediate difference in their lives. The VFW has something to offer our young troops, our future. It is a useful tool in recruiting membership. Operation Uplink is a program supported solely by donations and volunteer efforts. Continued success requires commitment, hard work and generosity of so many dedicated Posts, individuals and more. Your contributions are the only way that this fine program is able to provide this desperately needed phone time to friends in need. HELP A HERO CALL HOME

Note: All requests for operation uplink cards shall be requested through the State Chairman.

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UNMET NEEDS

According to the Department of Defense, our country has over 700,000 military spouses across all services - 93 percent of whom are women. In addition, almost half are married to enlisted members who make less than $20,000.00 a year in basic pay. When you include Reservists, the average yearly pay per individual drops much lower. It's easy to imagine how financial hardship can increase for the spouse and children when the service person is sent overseas. The Unmet Needs Program is set up to alleviate stress during such hardships

Since 2003, the VFW Foundation - with the generous help of corporate sponsors like Vermont American Power Tool Accessories - has provided millions of dollars of support to Americans serving in harm's way. But, as the risks to our country increase, so do the needs of these families. Donations will go a long way toward helping with everyday, but critical, expenses. While our military troops are working to keep us out of harm's way, the Unmet Needs Program is attempting to do the same for their families. remember, 100 percent of your donation will benefit the program..

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EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The VFW may provide emergency financial aid to qualified military personnel or their dependents for the purpose of avoiding financial hardships resulting from military deployments. Emergency aid would he in the form of a "one time grant" to service members. The National Headquarters may furnish matching funds to the local Post’s contribution for emergency aid up to an amount of $500.00.

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ADOPT-A-UNIT PROGRAM

Adopt-A-Unit Program is an initiative where veterans and their families can become involved in sponsoring active military Units or ships. The VFW Post will keep in touch with the unit and can assist with family and community needs.

VFW Posts participating in the Adopt-A-Unit Program may apply for up to $250.00 in Matching Funds to provide assistance for VFW Family Sponsored events for members of the armed forces and their families. Events that qualify are events such as family dinners for returning units, VFW Military Spouse’s Night Out or Welcome Home Rallies.

HOW TO REPORT

All activities should be reported on-line via the Department website under Military Services at http://www/vfwca.org/membertools/programform12rpt.html or by submitting a report (Form-12) to the Department Chairman.

Important! - To qualify for awards, a Post must send a copy of the (Program Reporting (Form 12) to the Department Chairman with all applicable attachments. 

ALL-STATE POINTS

To receive all-state credit and receive 1 point, the post must submit at least one Program Reporting (Form 12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters prior to April 30, 2009.

A Post may receive an additional 10 points by submitting at least $100.00 to the Department MAP Fund prior to April 30, 2009.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented as follows unless otherwise noted elsewhere in this guide

1st, 2nd and 3rd overall (Post & District) will be awarded a plaque, based on Chairman recommendation.