(KANSAS CITY) – During a speech on December 7, 2004, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California, President George W. Bush called for Americans to continue supporting military personnel and their families.
“A time of war is a time for sacrifice, especially for our military families,” said President Bush. “Being left behind when a loved one goes to war is one of the hardest jobs in the military. It is especially hard during the holidays.”
President Bush added, “I urge every American to find some way to thank our military and to help out the military family down the street.”
Vermont American and the VFW Foundation – the giving arm of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – have taken a lead role in helping to support the military family with the creation of the Unmet Needs Program. This program provides financial assistance to families that face unexpected hardships, such as home or auto repairs, medical costs, mortgage or rent assistance and even child care costs that become overwhelming and are further complicated by the deployment of a family member.
“The Unmet Needs Program has touched the lives of military families across the country,” said Chris Connington, Director of Brand Marketing for the Vermont American Brand of Accessories. “Over the past four months, $100,000 has been sent to more than 100 families that were facing financial challenges complicated by the deployment of a family member. These challenges are not only faced by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard families, but also encountered by our National Guard and Reserves families as well. They often leave civilian employment and are faced with wage cuts in some cases of 50% or more.”
Vermont American, a manufacturer of drill bits and saw blades, established the Unmet Needs Program with the VFW Foundation last summer with a five-year, $1.25 million contribution. In addition, advertising and promotional support will be aided by Vermont American’s radio and print ad plans as well as product distribution across the country.
Individuals can participate in a number of ways, including:
• Purchasing Vermont American products, as a portion of each product purchased goes to support the program
• Visit unmetneeds.com and donate online, as 100% of your donation goes directly to our military families (a small portion of the Vermont American corporate donation takes care of all administrative costs)
• Mail donations to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Room 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111
Families in need can visit www.unmetneeds.com or call 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333) to request assistance.
"It is the season of giving and all of us together, as Americans, have a lot to be thankful for,” added Connington. “Please commit to helping our military families withstand the unexpected financial stresses and strains of everyday life.”