Greetings Teammates, my name is Rick Bower and I am the new Veterans & Military Support Department Program Chairman. Prior to this appointment I really did not have a good understanding what the VMS Program entailed.  That said, I am sure many of you do not either.  The VMS program oversees the Military Assistance Program (MAP), the Adopt-a-Unit Program, Unmet Needs program and the VFW’s "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship”.  We also oversee the donations which go to the VMS programs which provide the monetary support for most of these programs.  One of the other ways we earn money for these programs is by selling pins which you will see shortly at one of your district meetings.

Adopt-a-Unit Application

https://www.vfw.org/community/troop-support/adoptaunitapplication

MAP Grant Application

https://www.vfw.org/community/troop-support/mapgrantapplication

          In addition to the above programs VMS also two certificate programs.

The VFW National Headquarters has the Legacy Citation of Merit available. Order the Legacy Citation of Merit to commemorate and memorialize our Service Members Killed In Action. Recognize, celebrate, and honor them with your post, auxiliary, and Gold Star Families. Step-by-step instructions on how to order the Legacy Citation of Merit to commemorate and memorialize our service members killed in action.

https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/MY_VFW/Training-and-Support/Veterans-and-Military-Support/Reports/Legacy-Citation-of-Merit-Instructions.pdf?v=1&d=20220318T155511Z&la=en

The VFW National Headquarters Military Working Dog Recognition Program has a new citation available. Order the Military Working/War Dog Citation to recognize their service, bravery, and devotion to their fellow troops. Step-by-step instructions on how to order the Military Working War Dog citation to recognize their service, bravery and devotion to their fellow troops.

https://vfwprograms.formstack.com/forms/us_mwd_recognition_citation

          Lastly, and most importantly we need to share how we are taking care of Veterans.  Our Motto "No One Does More For Veterans” needs to be seen by all.  We need to report all the things we are doing for Active, Guard, Reserve and Retired Vets.  The Department of PA has not submitted a report to National in years.  On the next few pages are examples and blank forms for districts to submit to me monthly.  We need to highlight what we are doing for vets, weather it is doing a horror guard for a funeral, a homeless Vet’s stand down, a Golf tournament that supports Vets or a Welcome home ceremony.

District Reports: Click Here

Example District Report: Click Here