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Military Assistance Program |
Operation Uplink | Unmet
Needs | Emergency Financial
Assistance | Adopt-a-Unit
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MILITARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
| Department
Chairman |
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James E. Kokas
10040 Primrose Drive
Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 352-2726
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| District
Chairman |
Earle Johnston
(619) 778-5515 |
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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