Earlier this year we hosted a webinar on initiatives within the community foundation community to support veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. That program focused on the challenges ahead as veterans return to their communities in need of a range of services to ensure a rapid reintegration into civilian life. Those challenges are even more significant for wounded veterans and their families.
As we discussed this issue here at MSCF, we were looking for some way we could help address the needs of our veterans returning from combat. Fortunately, Herbert Andrew helped connect us with two members of the Sons of the American Legion — Royce Ball and Marion Gannon — who were already working to sponsor events for wounded veterans here on the Mid-Shore.
The Mid-Shore Wounded Veterans Fund has now been estabished at MSCF through the leadership of these three individuals. A Committee has also been created to organize activities and raise funds in support of wounded veterans in the Mid-Shore region. Yesterday, the Star Democrat featured the new fund and we have already had individuals indicate an interest in helping to support this important initiative. You can find the full article in our pressroom on our home page.
We are very excited about this new fund. We are also hopeful that the community will support this fund and eventually establish an endowment to ensure ongoing support for our wounded veterans in the years to come. These needs are going to grow significantly as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down and veterans return to our community. Let me know if you would like to learn more about this initiative or get involved in the program.
Stuart
