(Mount Prospect, IL) – If a picture is worth a thousand words, the illustration developed for the Unmet Needs Program is an elegant essay about the courage and sacrifice of families with loved ones serving in the military.
In a style reminiscent of the patriotic posters of World War II, a mother, son, and daughter are depicted in the top center of the frame. While the children are smiling, the mother’s face portrays a calm confidence.
In the lower front foreground are five figures representing each branch of the military. The individuals are shown in their “working” uniforms to call to mind the day-to-day duties they undertake. The military figures also reflect the ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity of the various branches.
The military personnel are separated from the family, yet connected by a flowing American flag, symbolizing that although they are apart, they remain united through their love and belief in their country. The family is placed above the military personnel – “on their minds” as they perform their duties.
The dramatic artwork has been well received by those with military backgrounds as well as civilians. It poignantly yet succinctly illustrates the purpose of the Unmet Needs Program, which was created by Vermont American Brand Power Tool Accessories and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation to ease the financial hardships that many military families bear.
Created collaboratively by Cincinnati-based Strata-G Communications and nationally-known illustrator Patrick Faricy, the final version of the illustration was achieved after much work and many revisions. Each detail of the military uniforms was meticulously researched and then approved by the VFW.
The artwork now represents the Unmet Needs Program in numerous communications vehicles, from posters, to window signs, to the program’s Web site.
“The illustration is important because it tells the story of the Unmet Needs Program in one glance,” said Chris Connington, Director of Brand Marketing for Vermont American. “The image is very powerful, because it helps all of us better understand the strength that these families must have to endure the separation, and the anxiety that goes along with it. It also helps us become more aware of the bravery and pride that these families have in the face of the uncertainty involved with our American heroes serving in harms way.”
Vermont American established the Unmet Needs Program with the VFW in June 2004 with a five-year, $1.25 million commitment. Because of this corporate support, 100% of individual donations go right to our military families - Vermont American covers all administrative costs.
Individuals can participate in the following ways:
· Purchasing Vermont American products, as a portion of each product purchased goes to support the program
· Visit www.unmetneeds.com and donate online
· Mail donations to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Room 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111
· Donate your time and skills via www.unmetneeds.com.
Families in need can visit www.unmetneeds.com or call 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333) to request assistance.