Veterans and Family Support - Mary Cardinal-Vogt PDP Department Chairman 44760 Locust Ridge Court, Apt. T-1
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Veterans
and
Family Support
Mary Cardinal-Vogt PDP
Department Chairman
44760 Locust Ridge Court, Apt. T-1
California, MD 20619
301-706-7051
Veterans & Family Support
2021—2022
Hi,
S U PPO R TI N G H O M E L ESS I am Mary Cardinal-Vogt Past Department President 2000-
V ETERAN S 2001. I am so glad to be able to be your department chair-
man for the Veterans and Family Support program, For me,
this is the biggest mission that we as auxiliaries take on. Each
* year the theme of our Department President’s changes. This
year we will be anchoring up for veterans and their families
V F W V ETERAN S & and our mission is to continue, as in the past, to insure our
M ILI TAR Y S U P PO R T auxiliaries in Maryland have the tools they need, are the best
P RO G RAM informed, and remain focused to have another successful
year.
*
That’s where you come in. My Auxiliary Chairmen, I am
M ILI TAR Y A SS IS TAN C E planning on reaching out to all You to get your mailing every
P ROG RAM month from your auxiliary secretary and share the infor-
mation and build your program. I am so looking forward to
* promoting this program and hearing about all the wonderful
things each of the auxiliaries do for our veterans, military
V ETERAN & M IL ITA RY and their families. I will be recognizing a chairman each
S U IC ID E P REV EN TIO N month as a chairman of the month start-
AN D ing with August and through the month
M EN TA L H EAL TH of March, so it is important that your
A W AREN ES S reports are forwarded to me by the 10th
of each month.
M A RY E . C A R D INA L - V O G T
V E T E R A NS & F A MI LY S UP P O RT C HA IR M A N
D E PA RT M E NT OF M A RYL A ND
4 4 76 0 L O C U S T R ID G E C O U RT A P T T -1
California, MD 20619
301-706-7051
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National Family Caregivers Month is observed each November.
Month of the Military Caregiver is observed each May.
There are many ways for your Auxiliary to bring attention to
Veteran and military caregivers and their sacrifices.
Þ Listen to them. Be there for an in-person or phone
conversation, email or text.
Þ Give a gift card for person care. Massages, manicures,
pedicures and/or haircuts are great treats!
Þ Mail a card or brighten their day with flowers.
Þ Bring them lunch or dinner, or provide a gift card to a local
restaurant.
Þ Host a luncheon or dinner in their honor at your Post
home.
Þ Offer to play a game or cards with the patient to relieve the
caregiver.
Think about other creative ways to show
you’re thinking of them and appreciate all they do to
improve the lives of our veterans.
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Donations to NVS and Veterans & Military Support Program can be made online or by mail.
Donate online at vfw.org/ways-to-help and select National Veterans Service and/or
Veterans Support Program, click “Contribute”
Donate by mail by sending funds to the VFW earmarked for NVS or Veterans & Military
Support.
Mail check to:
VFW National Headquarters
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention and
Mental Health Awareness
The blue teardrop is the VFW Auxiliary’s symbol that we
can use to open a conversation to give this issue the attention
so desperately needed. Members have shown their creativity
in creating pins, necklaces, buttons, stickers, etc using the
teardrop. You can use the teardrop sticker template which
is available at vfwauxiliay.org/resources. Wear it when you
run errands, attend meeting, church, at work, etc. When
asked what the teardrop is, share that it’s to create awareness
for veteran and military suicide.
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their
families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans
Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online
chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255
and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive
confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
On May 13, 2020 the Senate passed S.2661, the National Suicide
Hotline Designation Act of 2020. This legislation would designate 9.8.8 as the telephone
number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
Mental Wellness Support and Resources
A staggering 20 veterans commit suicide each day, and the VFW and VFW Auxiliary are
committed to helping change the conversation and stigma surrounding mental health in
the United States. Change the stigma, improve research, support your community and
explore treatment options at the following resources:
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Veterans & Family Support
2021-2022 Report Form
Mary Cardinal-Vogt, PDP Dept. Chairperson
44760 Locust Ridge Ct., Apt. T-1
California, MD 20619
maryecardinal-vogt@earthlink.net 301-706-7051
Auxiliary_______ District_____ Chairperson____________________________________
Reporting period: From__________________________ To_________________________
Did your Auxiliary host/co-host a fundraiser with the VFW Post for VFW National Veterans Service? Briefly explain
Did your Auxiliary host/co-host a fundraiser with the VFW Post for VFW Veterans and Military Support Program?
(Military Assistance Program (MAP), Unmet Needs and VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship") Briefly explain
Did your Auxiliary participate in and or sponsor an event or project for homeless veterans? Briefly explain
Did your Auxiliary provide direct aid to Veterans, service members and or their family? Yes No
Total monetary value of donations and goods/services provided $
Total monetary donations provided $
Approximate number of veterans/military personnel assisted #
Did you promote veteran and military suicide prevention and mental health awareness? Briefly explain
Did you provide support for veteran/military caregivers? Briefly explain
Other Veterans & Family Support projects (use an additional sheet if necessary):
This month total - Hours____________ Projects Cost $__________ Mileage__________
Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
NELDA CLIFTON Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events
6020 E. 58th St. during which VA staff and volunteers provide food,
Kansas City, MO 64129 clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk
816-719-1198 veterans. In addition, veterans also receive referrals for
vfsambassador2122@yahoo.com health care, housing solutions, employment, substance
use treatment, mental health counseling and other
essential services.
For more information on local Stand Downs, contact
your local VA, or visit va.gov/homeless/events.asp
Other resources:
• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: nchv.org
Could you imagine not having a home – being on
the streets? Foraging for food, asking for handouts just • Help for Homeless Veterans: va.gov/homeless
to eat? In the article “Homeless Veterans in America” (877) 424-3838
published on June 12, 2020 in The Military Wallet, a
personal finance and benefits website for military National Family Caregivers Month and Month
members, veterans and their families, writer Ryan Guina of the Military Caregiver
states there are more than 630,000 homeless individuals National Family Caregivers Month is observed each
in America, and more than 67,000 are veterans. Veterans November while Month of the Military Caregiver is
comprise 10.6% of the homeless population. That is an observed each May. Both recognize and honor more
average of one in every 10 homeless individuals being a than 5 million caregivers in the United States. There are
veteran. innumerable ways for Auxiliaries to bring attention to
Studies show the veteran population is two times caregivers and the important role they play in the lives
more likely to become chronically homeless than any of veterans and the family members of veterans.
other American group. Contributing factors include long As the daughter of a deceased veteran and the
periods of unemployment, foreclosure, mental illness caregiver of my mother, I know how hard it is to receive
and poverty. More 968,000 veterans lived in poverty last assistance in this capacity. It usually falls to the parents,
year. Seventy-six percent (76%) of homeless veterans spouse, child(ren), other family members, a friend or
experience alcohol, drug, or mental illness struggles and acquaintance to provide emotional support and/or
30% of veterans ages 18-24 are unemployed. physical care for a veteran or family member.
Of homeless veterans: The VA has many support services to assist the
• 89% received an honorable discharge caregivers within the VA System. For more information,
please visit caregiver.va.gov. October 2020 was the
• 67% served three or more years in the military
first time that spouses have been able to file to receive
• 47% are Vietnam veterans benefits for being a caregiver to a veteran. The form is
• 15% served before Vietnam on the caregiver webpage provided at the link above.
• 5.5% are Iraq and Afghanistan veterans Don’t forget the family of veterans, that we, as an
This means nine out of 10 homeless veterans Auxiliary, need to assist as well. Show them respect for
received an honorable discharge and two out of three caring for the ones who were left at home or loved our
served at least three years. veterans after they returned. There are simple ways
to show our support of them and acknowledge their
Support for Homeless Veterans importance.
Assist a homeless veterans initiative in your area, • Be a good listener. Visit with them in-person, by
such as Stand Downs, Veterans Administration, local phone or electronically.
homeless veteran housing/assistance programs, faith- • Offer to take over caregiving duties for a short
based programs, etc. time or offer to assist them (respite care).
56 | 2021-2022 VFW AUXILIARY NATIONAL PROGRAM BOOK
• Bring or have delivered a meal or a gift card to a
local eatery.
• Mail a thinking of you card and/or send flowers.
• Provide personal care gift cards for a spa day.
There are many more ways to show your support of
the important position caregivers hold in their family
member’s life. Caregivers often lose themselves in
the care of others and stress levels rise, sometimes
unnoticed, until it is overwhelming.
Now is the time to contribute time and/or money
to programs and organizations that benefit homeless
veterans and family caregivers of veterans. Look into
options in your area and choose those that best fit
your Auxiliary’s Veterans & Family Support Program. As
always, keep yourself, your family, our Auxiliary Sisters
and Brothers and our veterans safe and healthy.
57 | 2021-2022 VFW AUXILIARY NATIONAL PROGRAM BOOKVeterans & Family Support Program
VFW National Veterans Service • VFW Veterans & Military Support Programs
Assist Veterans, Service Members and Their Families
Promote Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
Spread the Word about National Veterans VFW Veterans & Military Support Program
Service (NVS) Veterans & Military Support contains programs
The VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) helps initiated by the VFW: Military Assistance Program (MAP),
veterans, service members and their families obtain the Unmet Needs and the VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero
benefits they deserve – at no cost. Scholarship.” These programs serve active-duty and
NVS provides a nationwide network of nearly 300 recently discharged military.
VFW Service Officers who help veterans navigate the Donations to Veterans & Military Support can be
Veterans Affairs system. Those VFW Service Officers made online or by mail.
recover more than $1 billion annually in VA benefits
Donate online at vfw.org/ways-to-help, select
for veterans and their dependents.
Veterans & Military Support, click “Contribute.”
These highly skilled professionals assist all veterans,
whether they are VFW members or not, in filing Donate by mail by sending funds to the VFW
claims for: earmarked for Veterans & Military Support.
Mail check to:
• Disability compensation.
VFW National Headquarters
• Rehabilitation and educational programs.
Attn: Veterans & Military Support
• Pension and death benefits. 406 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor
• Employment and training programs. Kansas City, MO 64111
NVS also works to ensure veterans receive quality,
timely and accessible VA health care, including: Military Assistance Program (MAP) Funds
• Hospital care. Ways to Connect with Troops
• Outpatient care. MAP helps VFW and Auxiliary members give
more to their local military units. It helps forge and
• Specialized health care for female veterans.
nurture bonds with those units by providing financial
• Alcohol and drug dependency treatment. assistance for Posts, Districts and Departments to
• Medical evaluation for disorders associated with sponsor morale-boosting send-offs, homecomings and
military service, exposure to Agent Orange, casual get-togethers.
radiation or other environmental hazards. Post and Auxiliaries participating in Adopt-a-Unit
and Family Readiness Group events can also receive
Donations to NVS can be made online or by mail.
assistance. MAP keeps care packages circulating by
Donate online at vfw.org/ways-to-help, select covering postage costs.
National Veterans Service, click “Contribute.” For guidelines to apply for MAP funds, contact
Donate by mail by sending funds to the VFW the VFW Veterans & Military Support office at
earmarked for NVS. Mail check to: 816-756-3390.
VFW National Headquarters
Attn: NVS
406 W. 34th Street, 11th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
58 | 2021-2022 VFW AUXILIARY NATIONAL PROGRAM BOOKUnmet Needs Can Help in a Crisis Mental Wellness Support and Resources
A soldier is serving on foreign soil, but the rent is due A staggering 20 veterans commit suicide each
back home. A soldier is driving a tank on alert for IEDs, day, and the VFW and VFW Auxiliary are committed
and the family car needs a new radiator the family to helping change the conversation and stigma
cannot afford. These are the situations Unmet Needs can surrounding mental health in the United States.
address. Change the stigma, improve research, support your
Grants of up to $1,500 payable to a creditor can community and explore treatment options at the
bridge the gap to make a mortgage or rent payment or resources below:
to fund home and auto repairs, insurance, utility costs, • VFW Mental Wellness Campaign
food and clothing. To learn more, visit vfw.org/assistance/mental-wellness
vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants. • The Campaign to Change Direction
changedirection.org
VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” • Give An Hour
Program giveanhour.org
The VFW and Sport Clips are giving the gift of • Patients Like Me
scholarships to our nation’s heroes as a way of thanking patientslikeme.com/join/vfw
them for their dedicated service to our nation. The
VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” awards • One Mind
scholarships of up to $5,000 to qualifying veterans onemind.org
and service members to help them complete their • The Elizabeth Dole Foundation
educational goals without incurring excessive student elizabethdolefoundation.org
loan debt. To learn more, visit • Help Heal Veterans (Therapeutic Craft Kits)
vfw.org/student-veterans-support. healvets.org
• Veterans Voices Writing Project
Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention and veteransvoices.org
Mental Health Awareness
Make a difference in the life of a veteran or service
member in crisis by educating yourself and others
about the warning signs of suicide.
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis
and their families and friends with qualified, caring
Department of Veterans Affairs responders through
a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Veterans and their loved ones can:
• Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1,
• Chat online at veteranscrisisline.net, or
• Send a text message to 838255.
Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard
of hearing individuals is available. Tip: Add the Veterans
Crisis Line number as a contact in your cell phone for
easy referral.
Purchase the Auxiliary Suicide Awareness Prevention
Pin from the VFW Store. When someone asks you about
your pin, tell them that the VFW Auxiliary is concerned
about the rates of suicides among veterans and military
service members; we want everyone to be aware of the
unique stress they face.
59 | 2021-2022 VFW AUXILIARY NATIONAL PROGRAM BOOKVeterans & Family Support Program Awards
AWARDS FOR AUXILIARIES
1. Most outstanding activity and/or event that increases awareness of homeless veterans.
• Citation to every Auxiliary that hosts an activity and/or event to increase awareness of homeless veterans.
Criteria and entry form (required) available at vfwauxiliary.org/resources. Auxiliaries are to send entry form to
their Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman by March 31, 2022.
The Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman must send a copy of all submitted entry forms to
National Headquarters by April 30, 2022.
Citations will be mailed directly to participating Auxiliaries from National Headquarters.
• Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences with the most outstanding activity and/or
event that increases awareness of homeless veterans. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the
2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-
winning entry form to the National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador by April 30, 2022 for judging.
2. Most outstanding activity and/or event that supports veteran, military and family caregivers.
• Citation to every Auxiliary that hosts an activity and/or event that supports veteran, military and family
caregivers. Criteria and entry form (required) available at vfwauxiliary.org/resources. Auxiliaries are to send
entry form to their Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman by March 31, 2022.
The Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman must send a copy of all submitted entry forms to
National Headquarters by April 30, 2022.
Citations will be mailed directly to participating Auxiliaries from National Headquarters.
• Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences with the most outstanding activity and/or
event that supports veteran, military and family caregivers. Winners will be announced and awards presented
at the 2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-
winning entry form to the National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador by April 30, 2022 for judging.
AWARDS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN
1. Citation to each Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman for participation in this Program. Citation will
be presented at the 2022 Department Convention.
2. $25 VFW Store Gift Certificate to one Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman in each of the 10 Program
Divisions for the best promotion to increase awareness of homeless veterans. Winners will be announced and
awards presented at the 2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
3. $25 VFW Store Gift Certificate to one Department Veterans & Family Support Chairman in each of the 10 Program
Divisions for the best promotion of support for veteran, military and family caregivers. Winners will be announced
and awards presented at the 2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
4. Outstanding Performance Award in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria listed on Page 5 and for
the promotion of Program Goals listed at the top of Page 58. Winners will be announced and awards presented
at the 2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
60 | 2021-2022 VFW AUXILIARY NATIONAL PROGRAM BOOKYou can also read
