FREE Care Packages for Veterans!

Please call today......
Care Packages of Personal Items for Veterans who might be homebound or on a tight budget are available at Fort Villanow.
Only 8 left.
Call the Fort at 706-397-2116 to meet one of the Veterans there.
These packages were prepared by a group of concerned students from UGA whose mother lives in the LaFayette area. The goal was to ship to active soldiers, but the postage was too expensive.
They asked us to distribute them. Includes toothpaste, brushes, deodorant, powders, some snacks, etc.
Each package is labeled with the contents.

Remembering 9/11

9/11 STAIR CLIMBS

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are not timed race events, but a way for firefighters and the community to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live.

Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows that we will never forget. The proceeds of these events help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support fire service survivors. Your support of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb events provides assistance to the surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Click here for full article

Free Toolboxes for Veterans, Mission Roll Call, Sleep Better

#VetResources - for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors

Have a resource to share? Tweet it using #VetResources

ONE MISSION. ONE VOICE.

Roughly half of Veterans in this country aren’t connected to VA or a Veteran Service Organization. Mission Roll Call is trying to reach all Veterans, to learn how to better serve them. Every Voice Matters. Stand and be counted, make your voice heard.

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

“America is best when it takes care of those who have taken care of America,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie

On the final day of the 2019 VA/DoD Suicide Prevention Conference, Secretary Wilkie called upon all Americans to work together to prevent suicide among service members and Veterans. “The most definitive answer that we can give to our fellow Americans and to our Veterans, is that this is a task that we will all conquer together.” September is Suicide Prevention Month and an opportunity for Americans to ask themselves how they can Be There for a Veteran.

LEARN MORE

REAch Veteran Toolbox Program has shipped more than 8,000 Free Toolboxes

In 2012, WWII Veteran and former POW Clarence Robert “Bud” Shepherd created the REAch program to assist Post-9/11 combat wounded with the Veteran Toolbox Program. He provides Vets with free toolboxes filled with tools to assist with their transition into civilian life. Although Post-9/11 Purple Heart Veterans are priority for the program, all Veterans can apply.

LEARN MORE

VA Podcast: USMC Veteran Todd Boeding talks Carry the Load

Marine Veteran Todd Boeding talks about Carry the Load's volunteer opportunity to honor heroes this September 11th at VA National Cemeteries.

LISTEN

Finding Your Path to Better Sleep

If you have problems falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, you are not alone. For many Veterans, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is a great option. To make CBT-i available to all Veterans, VA has developed a free, anonymous online course called Path to Better Sleep.

Discuss: Do you have trouble sleeping or relaxing at the end of a long day?

LEARN MORE

Did you know the National Resource Directory has more than 14,000 vetted resources available to you right now? Featured Resource: Legacy Corps

Legacy Corps is a community-based caregiver support program by and for Veterans of all wars and Veteran/Military families. Legacy Corps utilizes highly trained volunteers to provide a range of caregiver support services including in-home respite care, information, and linkages to other community support systems, hospital to home transition services, and other related services.

Find a VA Facility near you.

 FACILITY LOCATOR

Not sure where to start?

 VA WELCOME KIT

 

WEBINAR 3: How Safe Firearm Storage Can Prevent Veteran Suicide

Encouraging safe firearm storage to prevent Veteran suicide

Thursday, September 5, 2019 from 2–3 p.m. ET / 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PT

Webinar for visual & chat: https://va-eerc-ees.adobeconnect.com/partnerships

Audio Only: VANTS: 1-800-767-1750; participant access code: 52655

RSVP: Please send your name and email address to OMHSPpartnershipinfo@va.gov

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? 

Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource Locator

Talk with other Veterans who have walked in your shoes on RallyPoint.

Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)

Let’s Roll: NCA and Carry The Load host a National Day of Service on September 11

On Wednesday, September 11, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and Carry The Load (CTL) will partner on a national day of service (Headstone/marker cleaning and grounds beautification) at 40 national cemeteries across the country.

Volunteers clean a headstone during a previous event.

Eighteen years ago, four coordinated attacks against the United States on the morning of September 11 took the lives of 3,000 people, injured over 6,000 others, and destroyed both World Trade Center buildings and severely damaged the Pentagon. Since that time, many others have died from 9/11-related cancers and respiratory illnesses. There is no other single day in our lifetime when Americans from every corner of our nation put every difference aside and embraced one another. September 11 joined Dec. 7 as a “day of infamy” calling forth the resolve of our nation. It was our Pearl Harbor.

And just like after Pearl Harbor, the world did not stop. The stories of heroism and selfless acts of courage inspired us. We remember the numerous police and fire department first responders who rushed in toward danger to save lives in New York; the military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.; the courageous group of airline passengers who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 (“Let’s Roll,”), somewhere over western Pennsylvania, thwarting what was to be another attack on our nation’s capital. For all that was witnessed that day, what came forth was a new group of heroes who met the challenge and saved countless lives.

And since that day, our 9/11 heroes have inspired a new generation of service – one that will forever link first responders and the military. Their humility showcased a new generation, in the mold of every generation before them, who answered the call when freedom was threatened. Like the over 400 first responders of 9/11, many of these young men and women gave their lives for freedom, blazing a path they never had a chance to walk.

Where to volunteer

To honor our men and women buried in VA national cemeteries and commemorate the heroism of September 11, 2001, consider volunteering on this National Day of Service. NCA/CTL National Day of Service Registration:

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery (Elwood, IL)

Alexandria National Cemetery (Alexandria, VA)

Annapolis National Cemetery (Annapolis, MD)

Baltimore National Cemetery (Catonsville, MD)

Calverton National Cemetery (Calverton, NY)

Cave Hill NC – (Louisville, KY)

Chattanooga National Cemetery (Chattanooga, TN)

Culpeper National Cemetery (Culpeper, VA)

Dayton National Cemetery (Dayton, OH)

DFW National Cemetery (Dallas, TX)

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (San Antonio, TX)

Fort Bliss National Cemetery (El Paso, TX)

Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery (F. Leavenworth, KS)

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – (San Diego, CA)

Fort Scott National Cemetery (Fort Scott, KS)

Fort Snelling National Cemetery (Minneapolis, MN)

Fort Smith National Cemetery (Fort Smith, AR)

Georgia National Cemetery (Canton, GA)

Golden Gate National Cemetery – (Bruno, CA)

Houston National Cemetery (Houston, TX)

Los Angeles National Cemetery (Los Angeles, CA)

Leavenworth National Cemetery (Leavenworth, KS)

Little Rock National Cemetery (Little Rock, AR)

Marietta National Cemetery (Mariettta, GA.)

Marion National Cemetery (Marion, IN)

Memphis National Cemetery (Memphis, TN)

Miramar National Cemetery – (San Diego, CA)

New Albany NC – (Albany, IN)

Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (Seville, OH)

Omaha National Cemetery (Omaha, NE)

Philadelphia National Cemetery (Philadelphia, PA)

Prescott National Cemetery (Prescott, AZ)

Quantico National Cemetery (Triangle, VA)

Raleigh National Cemetery (Raleigh, NC)

Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Dixon, CA)

San Francisco National Cemetery – (San Francisco, CA)

Tahoma National Cemetery (Kent, WA.)

Washington Crossing National Cemetery (Newton, PA)

Wood National Cemetery (Milwaukee, WI)

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery (Louisville, KY)

Fort Veterans Visited A Disabled Veterans Home

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Fort Villanow Veterans visited a disabled veterans home in Fort Oglethorpe Georgia this week to offer the lap blankets. We met a director who introduced us to three Veterans, we will return in the future with the person that made the blankets to deliver.

We also delivered three care packages of personal supplies. These (care packages) were given to us to distribute by Jessica Rook of Athens, Georgia and ‘her’ service dog group. Their goal was to send 15 packages overseas to active soldiers. Due to the expense of postage, she has allowed us to offer these to local Veterans in need. We have 12 care packages left. If you know anyone in the local community we would be glad to visit and deliver these to them personally.

Handmade Crochet “Lap” Blankets Free Of Charge To Any Disabled Veteran

For Disabled Veterans Only
(with a DD2-14)

Local woman of La Fayette, Georgia is offering her handmade crochet “lap” blankets free of charge to any disabled Veteran in physical need at home, in a hospital, in a wheelchair or a bed. She can make full size afghans with special request, one at a time (takes more time to make).

Veterans (or family members with photos of Veteran) must submit their DD2-14 or Military Card to Fort Villanow Veterans Project first to schedule an appointment to coordinate and pick up the blanket at Fort Villanow from the nice lady who is offering this ‘gift’.

If shipping cost is required, this nice lady will even cover the cost (or Fort Villanow will deliver in person).

Lap blankets are great for those in wheelchairs, bed, and lounge chairs at home.

You can donate money or 4-ply acrylic yarn to Fort Villanow or crochet. Other Crocheters are invited to participate, Contact Fort Villanow.

Please call the Fort at 706-397-8860 to request yours today or donate.

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REMEMBER D-Day

75 years ago on June, 6 1944 was an unforgettable day for our country. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those who can remember WWII and families of those passed on. May we NEVER forget what the FREE world suffered then to maintain our FREEDOM TODAY!

To see the speech of President Trump as he joins world leaders in marking 75th D-Day anniversary click the link below:

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/trump-d-day-75th-anniversary-portsmouth-queen-elizabeth-2019-06-05-live-updates/

May 18th: Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is a special holiday for people all over the world to come together and thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
First conceived by President Harry S. Truman, the holiday was established in 1949. The creation of a single day celebration for all five branches of the United States military made sense due to its recent unification under the Department of Defense.
Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of every May.
Be sure to mark your calendar & support our military!

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Illegal Robocalls Targeting Americans, Including Veterans And Their Families

Dear Veterans and Stakeholders,

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to team up to combat illegal robocalls targeting Americans, including Veterans and their families.

Each year, the FCC receives more than 200,000 complaints about unwanted calls. While this may seem like a big number, it pales in comparison to the millions of robocalls being made each day. The calls interrupt dinners and family time; they flood landline and mobile phones. Scam calls frequently solicit money for fake charities, including ones claiming to support America’s Veterans - some even claiming to be VA representatives.  

We know that scam activity increases during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so the FCC and VA urge you to be vigilant. We offer the following tips to help you avoid unwanted calls and scams.

  • Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers may spoof their caller ID to display a fake number that appears to be local.  If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.

  • Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, or passwords in response to unexpected or suspicious calls.

  • Be sure to set a password for all voice mail accounts to avoid being hacked.

  • Register your number on the Do Not Call List to block calls from legitimate telemarketers.

  • Ask your phone company about call-blocking tools and services for your landline phone, and check for helpful apps that you can download to your mobile phone.

Please help spread the word about robocall fraud among those who may need assistance particularly those who are frequently targeted by phone scams.  

For more information, visit: fcc.gov/robocalls.

Sincerely
Veterans Benefits Administration

Local LaFayette Military Veteran Needs Our Help To Save His Grandsons Life

Please read this e-mail from our friend Ken Rushing:

My grandson is Brantley Palmer currently at Egleston Childrens Hospital in Atlanta awaiting a heart transplant. He was born with a defective heart, had his first heart operation at 7 days old, his second at one year old and when the heart cath was done to determine the date for the third operation the doctors told his parents he needed a transplant due to a leaky heart valve that cannot be fixed. He is now 5 years old and has to stay in the hospital until a heart is available and several weeks after the operation. Several fund raisers are being planned in our local area to raise money to help his family in keeping the bills paid, travel expenses, food and personal items. If you would like to make a personal donation it can be made @ Bank Of Lafayette--101 W, Patton St.--LaFayette, Ga. 30728 phone number 706-638-2520 made payable to Marshall K Rushing--Benefit for Brantley Palmer--Brantleys Heart . If you would like to know more about the local fund raisers call Marshall K. (Ken) Rushing. Please forward if you would like to.            Ken Rushing

DONATIONS FOR A VETERAN IN NEED

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Help us help our fellow VETERAN and La Fayette resident, Mr. Bill Mullins, US Army. Bill is on dialysis and stays COLD after his treatments and needs constant warm heat in his home. He uses more than the normal amount of propane gas per household. He owes: $1,200.00 to Blossman Gas.

Fort Villanow, neighbors and a local church have made contributions this year. He remains to be in need. Can you and your friends or businesses help him please?

Ways To Donate:
Contact Blossman Gas directly (Credit Card Cash or Check) 706-638-2540
Stop by the Fort on Saturdays with your donation (cash or check to Blossman gas).

Share this with your friends and other Veteran Groups!!!