* * * NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES (NMS) * * *
Our nation's defenders
answer the call to duty selflessly, without hesitation. But all too
often, deployments can create
incredible financial and emotional
hardships for them and the families they leave behind. Increasingly,
our heroes
turn to the VFW National Military Services. Through VFW's
proven programs and services, America's defenders
are receiving the
help they need to weather tough times and make it through the rigors
of deployment.
VFW National Military Services unites three successful, longstanding
programs:
VFW Military
Assistance Program, VFW Operation
Uplink and the
VFW Unmet Needs.
These initiatives make an incredible difference for our troops and
their families.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
MAP gives our troops and
their families the critical support and resources they need during
deployments.
Through this innovative program, troops and their
families can visit local VFW Family Assistance Centers
across the
nation to learn about benefits, access computers and relax with
friends and comrades who understand
what they're going through. The
program also sponsors major military homecomings and send-offs
across the country.
MAP is the link between the VFW
and the military community. In 2008-09, MAP events provided
interaction with
more than 300,000 service members and families. It
also opens the door for new initiatives. MAP grants promote
VFW
Post, District and Department involvement and interaction with local
military community. Adopt-A-Units
increased 30% over 2007-08. Almost
700 units are currently adopted by VFW Post and Auxiliaries.
All MAP forms (grant requests, reports, and Adopt-a-Unit requests)
may be found in the Forms section of "Documents
& Forms".
VFW Operation Uplink was
launched in 1996 to connect deployed troops and hospitalized
veterans with their loved ones.
The program uses contributions from
supporters to put free phone time in the hands of America's heroes.
The VFW is taking advantage of latest technology and offering "Free
Call Days" to troops stationed overseas.
Using Internet telephony in "Internet cafes", VFW Operation Uplink offers unlimited calls home
on special holidays throughout the year.
This program means so much to the grateful defenders. The young
father hearing the cries of his newborn child for the first time ...
the anxious parents waiting to hear "everything is ok" ... the
ailing veteran recuperating far from home.
Since 1996, VFW Operation Uplink has distributed millions of free
phone cards to America's heroes.
It has connected over 11 million troops through phone cards and
Free Call Days. In 2008-09, Operation
Uplink provided over 1.6
million connections.
Operation Uplink provides Free Call Days on a monthly basis.
Alternative methods to provide connections are available for
troops
overseas in Germany, Korea, Japan and Africa. Sprint virtual PINs
are available for VA Hospitals and wounded warriors.
Phone card request form may be downloaded
here.
VFW Unmet Needs
helps service members and their families who run into unexpected
financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other hardships.
Fact is, basic military pay doesn't always cover basic needs,
mortgages, health care, groceries, the list goes on. VFW Unmet Needs
provides emergency grants to military families who need temporary
help making ends meet.
Since program began in 2004, Unmet Needs has assisted over 2000
families with grants totaling over $3.2 million. In 2008-09, Unmet
Needs assisted over 390 families with grants totaling over $610,000.
Grants are paid directly to creditors, with maximum payment of
$2,500.
The department can assist applicant with immediate need by verifying
applicant's eligibility and need. Then the department can contact
NMS Director for pre-approval and submit completed Unmet Needs
application for reimbursement.
Unmet Needs applications and donation forms may be found in the
Forms section of "Documents
& Forms".