(KANSAS CITY) – He is a marine and has been the voice and face of countless military heroes in film and television. Now, Hollywood legend R. Lee Ermey has joined Vermont American Power Tool Accessories and the VFW Foundation – the giving arm of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – to become the voice of a program that serves military families in need. Ermey, best known for his film roles in “Full Metal Jacket” and “Toy Story” and as host of the History Channel’s “Mail Call,” is now serving as official national spokesperson for the Unmet Needs Program as its official spokesperson.
The program, launched in June 2004, helps military families meet unexpected financial challenges that are further complicated by a family member's deployment. Since its beginning in June 2004, more than 200 families have received grants that have helped pay for unexpected home or auto repairs, mortgage payments, child care and medical expenses, groceries and more.
“This program has an immediate and positive impact on military families,” said Ermey. “With more soldiers being deployed every month and with extensions in those deployments as well as large numbers of National Guard and Reserves members called up, this program fills a real and pressing need. I am honored to be part of this program and urge others to join me in supporting our military families.”
One of Ermey's first duties was to join a group of injured service men and women in October for a free steak dinner at Fran O’Brien’s Stadium Steakhouse in Washington, DC. The restaurant hosts the weekly dinners to offer wounded troops time out of the hospital for a great dinner and company of family and friends. Vermont American and the Unmet Needs Program are underwriting one of the Friday night events each month for the next year.
“It was a thrill to be part of this evening and be able to talk to the very soldiers and families this program will help,” Ermey said. Ermey is also representing the program at conventions, trade shows and promotional appearances in radio and on merchandising.
“Can you think of a better spokesperson to represent this program,” asked Chris Connington, Director of Brand Marketing, Vermont American Brand Power Tool Accessories. “Mr. Ermey is the American soldier and is a beacon of strength, pride and self-reliance - the same things that every military family clings to as their loved ones serve in harm’s way.”
Vermont American established the Unmet Needs Program with the VFW Foundation last summer, with a five-year, $1.25 million corporate contribution. That contribution ensured that 100 percent of private donations would go to support families in need. Vermont American is also supporting the program through its own marketing efforts nationwide.
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
· Donate online at www.unmetneeds.com.
· 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.