VFW DISPATCH – August 2016
The first Desert Storm veteran to be elected VFW National Commander, Brian Duffy is encouraging the VFW’s nearly 1.3 million members to better educate others on exactly what the VFW does for veterans, service members and their families.
Many Americans, including those in uniform, aren’t familiar with who we are or what we do because we don’t “shout it from the rooftops.” With 40% of Americans believing half of all veterans are experiencing mental health challenges, it’s up to us to push a message that the VFW is an organization that has always been rooted in service to others, that we are an organization of doers, and an organization comprised of men and women who returned home from their wars and conflicts as better, more compassionate and confident human beings.
We have a year full of many challenges and obstacles ahead, and we must face them head-on. Arm yourself with the latest VFW Priority Goals and contact your representatives to ensure they don’t forget about America’s heroes!
Remember, working together, we can continue to stand up for veterans’ benefits and ensure that No One Does More FOR VETERANS!
Respectfully,
Your VFW Membership Team
Mental Wellness Campaign: Day to Change DirectionVFW and the VFW Auxiliary are uniquely poised to address this critical issue. |
To support our service members, veterans, and families coping with invisible wounds, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy and VFW Auxiliary President Colette Bishop have hit the ground running and have announced their 2016-17 Mental Wellness Campaign. Together with Give an Hour, on October 8, 2016, we’ll be hosting the first annual “Day to Change Direction,” which will be a day to share resources with your Post and Department members to “Know the Five Signs” of emotional distress, then join together to complete a community service project of your choosing. For more information and to pledge your support, visit http://www.changedirection.org/VFW-service-project. |
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Highlights from the 117th VFW National ConventionIf you couldn’t make it to Charlotte, N.C., we have a full recap online. |
More than 12,000 VFW and Auxiliary delegates were in attendance for the 117th VFW National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. The week was a success, featuring visits from many notable guests, as well as the election of new VFW leadership. Watch this year’s video highlights to see what you missed. |
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VFW, Sport Clips Help 136 Student Veterans with TuitionApplications for spring semester are now being accepted. |
The VFW proudly announced that 136 service members and veterans were selected as 2016 fall semester recipients of the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” The student veterans will be awarded a grand total of more than $630,000 in combined aid, setting a new program record for assistance provided. See a complete list of this semester’s winners and find out more about the Help A Hero scholarship program today! |
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VFW, VA to Host #ExploreVA Vet Center Tour & ChatGet the opportunity to chat directly with a subject matter expert. |
The VFW and VA are teaming up once again for an #ExploreVA chat to provide service members, veterans and their families with the opportunity to learn about VA Vet Centers. Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at 7 p.m. EDT for the #ExploreVA Vet Center Video Tour and Facebook Chat to learn about the counseling and community referral services offered through a network of more than 300 Vet Centers across the country. Get the details today! |
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VFW, SVA Now Accepting 2017 Fellowship ApplicationsOpportunity allows 10 student veterans to address issues on Capitol Hill. |
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program. Now in its third year, the fellowship offers 10 selected student veterans with the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with their members of Congress during the annual VFW Legislative Conference. This program also provides additional opportunities for fellows to address veterans’ issues in their communities. Interested student veterans can find out more on eligibility criteria and apply here. |
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VFW Member and 17 Other Military Athletes Compete in RioArmy Sgt. 1st Class Josh Richmond is a member of VFW Post 5180 in Ala. |
Army Sergeant First Class and VFW member Josh Richmond is one of 18 military athletes competing in the 2016 summer Olympic games currently being held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. A member of VFW Post 5180 in Fort Mitchell, Ala., this will be Richmond’s first trip to the games as he competes in the double trap shotgun event. Read more about the other service members currently competing in this year’s XXXI Olympiad games. |
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THIS EDITION’S VIDEO FEATURE:
Watch VFW National Commander Brian Duffy deliver his acceptance speech:
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THIS MONTH’S STORE FEATURE:NEED A NEW FLAG?
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MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHTSave on Your Next Rental Car Save on your next rental car with discounts from Alamo, Enterprise or National Car Rental. For rates, contact: Alamo Rent A Car at 1-800-462-5266, contract ID 7014176; Enterprise Rent-A-Car® at 1-800-736-8222, customer #VFWERAC; National Car Rental at 1-800-227-7368, contract ID 5026156, or visit: vfw.org/Join/New-Member-Benefits/Travel-Services/. |
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