VFW National Military Services Update
VFW Unmet Needs disbursed $91,500 to military families victimized by tornadoes after more than 1,200 swept across the United States this year. In April alone, there were 875 confirmed tornadoes, tripling the previous April high of 267, in 1974. Damage is widespread across the nation, from the Midwest and the South to the East Coast.
VFW state departments spread word of the VFW Unmet Needs program in storm-stricken areas throughout tornado season, and applications for financial assistance poured in. TheUnmet Needsprogram responded and was able to lessen the burden for many military families.
Tornado relief was given to families living on military bases across the nation that were damaged, including Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.
Military families living off-base also received help. Grants were administered to families in Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Aid was also sent to Joplin, Mo. to assist Guard and Reserve families following the devastating EF-5 tornado that struck the town on May 22. The tornado was the deadliest since 1950 and demolished everything in its path.
“VFW is here to help our service members and their families, and these storms have been devastating to so many of them. The Unmet Needs program is here to help them cope with the damage and the financial hardship they now face,” said Mike Penney, Director of VFW’s National Military Services.
VFW Unmet Needs was created in 2004 to assist military service members and their families who face unexpected financial difficulties as a result of their service to our country. The financial assistance is in the form of grants, so recipients never need to repay the money.
To learn how you can support VFW Unmet Needs, contact us at 816-968-2784.