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

With the help of corporate sponsors like Vermont American, the VFW Foundation receives funding to establish, administer and promote the Unmet Needs Program.

But these corporate gifts will fall short of military families’ critical needs, and the program will be mostly funded by individual donations from people like you.

Funds from donations are available to the five branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Funds awarded by the program are offered in the form of grants--not loans--so recipients don’t need to repay them. As they are typically less than $1,500, there is little chance that they will affect the recipient’s taxes.

Vermont American has committed $1.25 million over the next five years, along with advertising and promotional support of the program. That money covers administrative costs, so 100% of public donations received over the website or through the mail goes directly to our military families in need.

A portion of every purchase of Vermont American Power Tool Accessories (drill bits, saw blades, etc.) also goes to support the Unmet Needs 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 $50,000.00.

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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 using the Program Reporting (Form 12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters

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, 2008.

A Post may receive an additional 10 points by submitting at least $100.00 to the Department MAP Fund prior to April 30, 2008.

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.