What's New
March 29/31, 2008 - Operation Welcome Home: Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is honored to host a retreat for returning OIF/OEF veterans.
Aug 1, 2007 - LinkVet goes live: your link to experts!
There are many organizations and ways to help our troops and their families. Find out here how you can help! Most of the organizations are charitable ones and your donation will be tax deductible.
50 Heroes from 50 States
Heroes in the Global War on Terror come from all parts of the country and every state. These are the stories of just a few of our nation’s sons and daughters, completing history’s great task on behalf of human freedom - 50 heroes from 50 states.
Minnesota's hero - www.defenselink.mil/home/dodupdate/heroes/50heroes/MN.html
AAFES Gift Certificates
Send a "Gifts from the HomeFront" gift certificate to an individual military family member, friend or loved one. They can use it for Exchange Catalog and Exchange Online Store purchases, and at any AAFES retail and food facilities around the world including those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
If you aren't able to purchase at an AAFES facility or don't have a family member deployed, you can donate via the American Red Cross or Operation Interdependence. See below for information.
Adopt-a-Chaplain
Adopt-a-Chaplain, Incorporated is a California non-profit corporation which began as a grass roots ministry designed to provide support to chaplains serving in the Middle East. Adopt-a-Chaplain is completely volunteer run. 100% of all contributions go for the purchase of care package supplies and postage. Support of chaplains is completely non-sectarian.
Adopt-a-Platoon
Founded in 1998 by volunteer mothers to ensure that deployed United States Service members in all branches of the military are not forgotten by providing needed mail support and to promote patriotism in our schools and communities. To provide a better deployment quality of life, lift morale, and assist military families, the AAP created projects that meet the need of military requests, established special projects for holidays, and assigns individual morale lifting mail support to service members of all branches of the U.S. military serving their Nation around the world.
American Freedom Foundation
A public benefit corporation organized to honor veterans of America's armed forces and raise money and awareness for various veterans' organizations with special emphasis directed to welfare and educational issues facing those wounded in action, amputees and families and children of veterans killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
American Freedom Festival is a concert event that features country music performers, actors, athletes, dignitaries and other supporters, joining together to help support and fulfill the mission of the American Freedom Foundation, Inc.
America Supports You
"America Supports You," a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, recognizes citizens' support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
All across America, thousands of individual citizens, businesses, and groups - from local schools and establishments to nationally-known corporations and organizations - are hosting events and undertaking projects to support America's Armed Forces, especially in forward-deployed areas of the Global War on Terrorism.
American War Heros
Make a difference in the Lives of Our True American War Heroes! "Help Our Severely Injured Heroes Rebuild their Shattered Lives!" American War Heroes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for our injured War Heroes by providing them with emotional, financial and career support from our grateful USA citizens.
Angels 'n Camouflage
Angels 'n Camouflage was founded in late 2002 on the belief that "No Veteran will be left standing at 'Mail Call' with empty hands nor empty hearts." Whether it be a mere card or a 'forget-me-not' package, our Angels have committed their lives making sure the Veterans and Troops in our Program will never have to spend another day alone and forgotten. In a Society where one is quick to forget what these men and women have done for our Country, the sacrifices they made and continue to make to this day.... it is heart wrenching to realize that as a Society we have failed them. No matter what war or conflict they served in, they all share one common thing; they may have left the war but the war has not left them. Just as our Military in Iraq are finding out now, once they hit American soil after a deployment, life as they once knew it is never the same.
Whether our Veterans are deployed overseas, in group homes, VA hospitals, Incarcerated or on the streets, they can be rest assured in knowing that there will always be an Angel 'n Camouflage looking out for them. But we cannot do it alone! We are all Angels 'n Camouflage.... even though one might not be able to commit to adopting a deployed Service Member, Veteran or Wounded, there are so many areas of need where you can make a difference! We are always in need of donations to supply emergency back packs to our homeless Veterans or purchase items such as CD Players, board games, stamps, phone cards, snacks, and books for Veterans and Troops. One can never fully appreciate these items unless they've had to do without them, which is often the case with our Heroes. There is also a huge need for Sponsors willing to sponsor our 'Operation Wish Lists' and 'Operation First Responders' Programs.
Armed Forces Foundation
The Foundation is committed 100% to serving the needs of our men and women in uniform and assisting them in their time of greatest need. It is our honor, our duty and our privilege to aide those men and women, in their selfless sacrifice of service to our country. Programs include Housing Assistance; Injury Assistance; Death Benefits; Hilary Duff Charity Partnership; Classic Outdoor Sports; Morale / Welfare / Recreation; Support of other Organizations.
Armed Forces Service Center
The Armed Forces Service Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located at the MSP Airport, since November 22, 1970. The Center serves as an oasis for "active duty" military personnel and dependents. As well as, Reservists, National Guard, DoD and PHS (on any orders), as they travel through the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The Center is open 24/7, three hundred and sixty-five days a year ... to make sure our doors are never closed to a serviceperson in need of food, shelter or assistance.
The Armed Forces Service Center is not a "USO." Our one-of a-kind facility is unique to Minnesota, we rely on our funding from various veterans organizations, their auxiliaries, as well as, private organization and individuals. The AFSC was founded by Maggie Purdum, as a tribute to those who serve -- after her son died in Vietnam. In November 2005, we celebrated our 35th Anniversary and, 700,000th military guest.
On September 11, 2001, we were able to provide this valuable service to "sixteen" Marines stranded at the MSP Airport for five days -- when all flights were grounded. The Center offers a variety of complimentary food, beverages, TV (w/CNN), a fax machine/printer/copier, two computers with high speed Internet access, phones cards, a bathroom, toiletries, magazines and separate sleeping bunks for servicemen and servicewomen.
Army Outreach
Many independent organizations are ready and willing to help support the troops. Although the military no longer accepts mail addressed to "any Soldier," there are still dozens of ways you can show your support to the American Soldier and the U.S. Army. This site provides many resources to help.
Become a Volunteer Driver for the VA / DAV Transportation Program at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center
We need more volunteer drivers desperately…and volunteers can volunteer one or more days a week. Volunteer drivers representing the various veterans’ organizations logged over 2.3 million miles in 2006 and volunteer over 80,000 hours.
Books for Soldiers
BFS is a non-profit corporation, operated as a ministry of a non-denominational church in North Carolina. The group ships books to service men and women so they have something to do in their off duty time.
Buddy Bowl
The Buddy Bowl was founded in 1977 in San Diego, CA as a fun way to annually reunite friends who had a common interest in playing football. In 1999 the Buddy Bowl’s focus changed from simply a reunion of friends to that of raising money for a worthy cause. In June of 2003 Buddy Bowl Inc. was incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to raising money for military, law enforcement, and children’s related charities through the annual flag football tournament.
The Buddy Bowl is unique because it is the only annual event in the U.S. that raises money for military and law enforcement personnel and their families through a community based flag football tournament that includes both physically challenged and able-bodied participants.
Buddy Bowl, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to raising money for military, law enforcement, and children's related charities through an annual flag football tournament.
Cell Phones for Soldiers
This group hopes to provide as many soldiers as possible with prepaid calling cards for now with an ultimate goal of providing banks of satellite phones, video phones and VOIP communications. Through generous donations and the recycling of used cell phones from drop-off sites across the country, they have already distributed thousands of calling cards to soldiers in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
Founded in 2004 the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is partnering with corporate sponsors, individual contributors, and volunteers to provide an easy and meaningful way for individuals and corporations to help these veterans and their families rebuild their lives. You can help by means of direct tax-deductible donations, participating in programs that raise money, giving your time, as well as corporate sponsorships. Ninety-one percent of all money contributed goes directly to service-members and their families. And because we verify our eligibility requirements with the Department of Defense, incidences of fraud are rare to non-existent.
Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota
Donations provide support, encouragement and a better life for Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota. The Minnesota DAV has two donation programs:
Vehicle donations - The MN DAV will accept cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles and motorcycles. More information is on the website below.
Household goods donations - Items accepted include new or gently used clothing, small household items in good condition. A complete list of items accepted and those not accepted is located on the website below.
Give2TheTroops®
To support the physical, moral, and spiritual health of America's armed forces in combat zones around the world through the letters and packages prepared and shipped by caring volunteers. GIVE2THETROOPS is a nonpartisan, non-political, patriotic organization aimed at supporting U.S. deployed and wounded troops in harm's way. We are managed by patriotic volunteers who ensure that deployed U.S. military members in all branches of service are supported with letters and care packages. We need donations to send our care packages. Our funds are low and we have more than 20,000 troops waiting for our help. The packages are ready to ship, we need your financial support to ship them.
Elks Veterans Leather Program
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission is the major source of hides and tanned leather used for recreational and occupational therapy throughout the Veterans Administration health care system. Elks Leather has become a national by-word among veteran patients everywhere.
Time between visits from friends and families can make hospitalization a drudgery for our veterans. Leather provides a form of relief by keeping minds active as well as providing exercise for injured and unused muscles. Veterans often enter wallets, clothing, belts and moccasins in Arts and Crafts shows sponsored by the Elks.
Recently, a program was initiated by Elks whereby tanned leather is cut and sewn into specially designed gloves which are furnished to veterans confined to wheelchairs, thereby protecting their hands during movement.
Flags Across The Nation
Promotes patriotism through the arts. We recognize the importance of educating kids about flag etiquette and the importance of learning to give to those who serve. Flags Across The Nation creates opportunities for children and adults to get involved in creating patriotic art, letter writing and demonstrating respect for the American flag and giving support to the troops and veterans. We support our deployed troops and wounded veterans through a myriad of creative programs that demonstrate patriotic love for America.
Hearts Across The Miles
Our goal is to make sure no Service Member goes to mail call only to feel forgotten. Please help us support our troops, so they never feel lonely and disheartened. We owe our freedom to them. They are our Nation's heroes!
Hero Hugs
Our Heroes.....American Soldiers! American soldiers are men and women who serve their country with pride and honor. They often leave their homes, families and friends and go to far away places to make the world a better for kids everywhere just like us! They are sons and daughters, husbands and wives; and perhaps most importantly, moms and dads. Our American soldiers are ordinary people who take on extraordinary tasks. They are always willing to serve and protect no matter when or where that may be. Our soldiers deserve to know we appreciate them and the sacrifice they make for our country and our world, even when we don't agree with what they were called to do. Our mission is to make sure as many soldiers as possible know someone back home is thinking of them because.......Every hero deserves a hug!
Home of the Brave Quilts
If you would like to donate a quilt block for the Home of the Brave Project, make pillowcases, Christmas stockings, baby “cuddle-ups”, provide supplies, or make a cash donation to help with expenses, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
The Fund previously provided unrestricted grants to the families of those who were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2000 they have given out over $14 million to military families. New legislation enacted in May 2005 has significantly increased the death gratuity and the Service Members Group Life Insurance support to these families. At that time the Fund redirected its efforts to support the catastrophically disabled military personnel and their families.
Military Mom in Action
Our mission is to reach out and touch the lives of as many U.S. soldiers with support and encouragement as we can. We do this by sending them boxes of goodies and letters weekly wherever they are around the world. We especially want to encourage those not receiving any or little support from home. We desire to lift them up giving them hope and the knowledge that someone cares.
Military Pets FOSTER Project
A NationWide & Global network of Individual Foster Homes that will house, nurture and care for
the dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for all the Military personnel Only.
Military,Veteran and Family Assistance Foundation (MVFA)
Provides services and resources beyond the budgetary and mission capabilities of the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other National, State and Local veterans’ agencies. MVFA serves the military, veterans and families affected by war and acts of terrorism by providing funding, in-kind referrals and other resources towards the treatment of the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and economic needs of soldiers, veterans and their families through the use of integrative and alternative health care combined in a holistic, family-based approach. MVFA’s focus is to supplement medical care, services and resources that support and enhance health, wellness, and quality of life for military service members, veterans and their families.
Minnesota Vietnam Veteran's Vehicle Donation Program
Car donations to Veteran's Car Donations Program will benefit the area veterans. Donations presently are taking in the Twin Cities and Rochester area.
Operation Ensuring Christmas
Operation Ensuring Christmas provides financial, moral and rehabilitative support to the Children of Fallen American Troops by providing them Christmas Gift Cards during the holidays and a 'Christmas in July' VIP theme park vacation in Orlando, Florida. This support is a token of our respectful appreciation for their sacrifice and to help them recover from the grief and trauma caused by the loss of a parent in war.
Operation Ensuring Christmas was formed with the express purpose of bringing a little extra joy to children who have lost a parent in service to our nation in a time of war. For many of these children it will be their first Christmas without a father or mother.
Operation Family Fund
To assist the injured and families of the those who have been injured or killed as a part of the Global War on Terrorism, whether domestic or abroad, military or civilian, with financial grants for transitioning to their new circumstances and achieving financial self-sufficiency.
Operation First Response (OFR)
To assist the wounded military and their families with personal and financial needs who are serving our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and forward. OFR sends backpacks (OFR backpacks) filled with a t-shirt, boxer shorts, sweat pants or shorts, socks, and a complete array of hygiene items (all hygiene items should be travel size) along with a handmade lap quilt in each OFR backpack. OFR backpacks are sent to the combat support hospitals (CHS) in Iraq, Landstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Germany, and other locations when contacted by military liaisons that are in need of our service. OFR asks for donated airline miles from the public to make it possible to provide family members and wounded heroes airline flights. OFR uses donations to pay for transportation for wounded heroes and their families to and from the airport (most times in the DC area).
Operation Homefront
A national nonprofit that provides emergency support and morale to our military troops, the families they leave behind during deployment and wounded warriors when they return home. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has provided critical assistance to more than 40,000 military families in need. Our goal is to expand assistance to an additional 15,000 families in 2006.
Operation Interdependence
Help keep our military's deployed Armed Forces well trained and on the line by assisting America in supplying, preparing and posting civilian rations® to our heroes overseas. Maximize our military's efforts by minimizing their delivery & handling tasks. Supply our deployed men and women with items they miss everyday: Games;Grooming aids; Letters; Magazines; Sports clippings; and Videos.
Operation Military Support
Operation Military Support supports all the men and women in our military overseas. We receive names of men and women who do not receive regular mail from home and connect them with volunteers who want to boost the spirits of military personnel. This will ensure that they can do their best with confidence that we in the United States are appreciative of them for keeping peace throughout the world. They are doing the job they are asked to do and we support them for serving.
Operation Minnesota Nice
We provide support and comfort to those serving in our armed forces. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of those that are serving abroad in a time of conflict. Operation Minnesota Nice does not take a position on where or why the troops are deployed. We are simply here to offer a reminder that they are our heroes.
Operation Thank You
More than ever, our troops need to know that we still support them! A great way to show your support is to write a few sentences on a specially designed and professionally printed thank you or get well card for our troops. Our goal is to send 150,000 cards to our troops! Please help us meet that goal.
Operation Thankful Nation
Please join us in thanking the families of the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country through Operation Thankful Nation (O.T.N.). In their honor we would like to send a free keepsake package to the closest next of kin who has lost a loved one at no charge to them, made possible with your donations. Included in the package is a beautifully hand painted porcelain keepsake with stand along with a Comfort CD.
The "Hugs" Project
Our "mission" is to give a "hug" (handmade items for warmth or cooling depending on season) to every American serving in the Middle East. We want every deployed troop and American civilian to know we support their mission to protect our freedoms & to provide freedom to the people of the Middle East. This is our way of saying "Thank you, we appreciate you for the difficult job you do".
Salute Our Services
We have nationwide programs connect the community with ways to support military families and the men and women who serve such as: Kids Serve Too; Ask Judith; Military Mentors; Virtual Family Readiness Sites; Yards for Youth.
Serving Those Who Serve
The program was created to assist injured veterans and soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We hope you take the time to learn about our program and about the veterans and their families that we help. Thank you for your support!
Sew Much Comfort
"Sew Much Comfort" is an organization whose mission is “to provide custom-made adaptive clothing to our injured service members free of charge, to aid in their recovery and to provide a tangible reminder of our gratitude for their sacrifice and give them an added measure of comfort and freedom as they recover from their injuries and return to everyday life."
Snowball Express
In December 2006, Southwest Airlines, Oakley, Quiksilver, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Starwood, Marriott, Best Western, Disneyland and countless other partners and sponsors, combined with Rotary volunteers in Southern California and all across America helped create what was the largest single gathering for the families of our fallen warriors ever held.
The project is designed to help single mothers and single fathers pick up the pieces. To help them get on with their lives. These people died as Americans. Let’s step up as Americans and help their families. They deserve no less.
Southeastern Guide Dogs' Paws for Patriots program
Southeastern Guide Dogs offers the Paws for Patriots™ Program for veterans who have been blinded during their service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The program also offers therapy and companion dog placements to returning injured soldiers through Southeastern’s Gifted Canines® program.
To meet the growing demand for our services among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, we have joined forces with General Tommy Franks. General Franks is the spokesperson for the program, and is featured in both a radio and television public service announcement in support of the initiative. A Southeastern Guide Dog costs about $40,000, from birth through training, before being matched with its partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs has been a proud supporter of American veterans. Over the past 23 years our expertise in training guide dogs to work with people who have multiple disabilities has led many disabled veterans to seek our services. There is no cost to our veterans for either a Southeastern guide dog or a Gifted Canines dog. The Paws for Patriots Program, like all of Southeastern Guide Dogs' programs, is funded exclusively through the generosity of private individuals, civic organizations, foundations and corporations.
Support Our Troops License Plates
This license plate requires a $30 contribution above what ever fees are needed for the vehicle. The minimum annual contribution is $30, which is due with your initial application and each registration renewal. You may contribute more if you wish. Your contribution is split between the Department of Military Affairs for financial support of military families and the Department of Veteran Affairs for grant programs for homeless and needy veterans.
Support Our Troops Plates: www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/PlBrochure/SupportOurTroops.htm
Support Our Troops Plates: Fact Sheet
Tee it up for the Troops
Created to help support the fallen and disabled members of our Armed Forces, and their families. The vision of the 2006 event has expanded to make the 8th of September a national TEE IT UP FOR THE TROOPS DAY. The goal is to annually make the Friday closest to September 11th a national day of golf saluting all those who have answered the call to duty. A day to acknowledge and honor the sacrifice of the military veterans and their families.
United Service Organizations (USO)
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress — and enduring style of USO delivery — is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens located in the continental United States and overseas. Overseas centers are located in Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Qatar, Korea, Afghanistan, Guam, and Kuwait. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.6 million times each year.
www.usocares.org - USO Care Package
Vail Veterans Program
Since 2004 the Vail Veterans Program has hosted military service men and women who have lost a limb (limbs) while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The amputee Veteran is invited to Vail and receives private instruction to learn to ski and snowboard with their new disability. The program focuses on their abilities not their disabilities and allows them to discover confidence in themselves. Family members and the staff of Walter Reed Army Medical Center are invited to attend which allows them to be a part of this life-changing experience for the Veteran. During the summer the Vail Veterans Program invites amputee Veterans to the Vail area to enjoy fly-fishing, rafting and other outdoor activities allowing them to enjoy a true mountain experience.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) - Household Goods Donation Program
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a national veterans service organization primarily serving the needs of veterans of the Vietnam War era throughout the nation and elsewhere. The Vietnam Veterans of America will accept:
- Clothing of all types & sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s)
- Clothing accessories
- Shoes (all kinds)
- Baby items
- House and glassware
- Books, toys, bikes
- Stereos, radios, portable TV
- All bedding, draperies, curtains
- Kitchenware
- Usable small furniture & rugs
- Small appliances
- Tools (all kinds)
- Jewelry and cosmetics
- ALMOST ANYTHING!
Wounded Heros Foundation
Wounded Heroes Foundation Inc, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded to provide needed support to the men and women of this great nation that sacrifice their lives for the good of their country.
Scores of men and women return home from battlefields with physical wounds that are treated by the valiant doctors of our armed forces. However, the medical treatment, while healing the broken bones and lost limbs, fails to treat the financial wounds inflicted upon our heroes.
Wounded Heroes Foundation provides care packages to our injured men and women of the armed forces. In addition, Wounded Heroes Foundation, through charitable contributions, provides financial and other assistance in situations where the military is not equipped or unable to assist.
Wounded Warrior Project
Dedicated to serving the needs of a new generation of veterans and ensuring that the United States government and the American public live by our motto, "Putting Veterans First in America." The WWP provides vital assistance to severely injured service members at the critical time between their hospital recovery and their transition to civilian life back home. Our work begins right at the hospital bedside of the severely injured as they undergo treatment and rehabilitation in Department of Defense facilities and continues through their rehabilitation.
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