On Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, speakers at ceremonies in Delaware will rightly remind us of the men and woman who have taken up arms to defend our country. The eldest fought in Europe and Korea. Their sons remember the jungles of Vietnam. Our most recent veterans recall battles in the mountains and deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. Their sacrifice is shared by families who waited and prayed for their safe return.
Today some who honorably served our state and nation are in emergency financial straits. As we approach the holiday season many businesses, social organizations and individuals wanting to reach out to those in need opt for highly visible organizations that spend a lot on advertising. A search on www.guidestar.org will provide IRS Form 990 information on fundraising organizations and the difference between money raised and what is paid out in grants after expenses. It some cases veterans receive only a small fraction.
The newly-created Delaware Veterans Trust Fund will return 100 percent of what it raises to our veterans. Established under the Commission of Veterans Affairs in September with Gov. Jack Markell’s signature, it was designed to help Delaware’s honorably discharged veterans and their families facing financial challenges. Contributions are also tax deductible on state income tax forms. The fund is administered by the Commission of Veterans Affairs.
Friends of the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, a board of volunteer community leaders, works to encourage support through contributions to sustain the fund. Contributions will be used to assist veterans, including those facing eviction, cutoff of utilities, emergency repairs to a vehicle needed for work or, as in one case, a pair of prescription glasses. Because the Veterans Trust Fund is not supported by state funds, grants are completely dependent upon contributions. More information, including board members and a video about this unique fund, can be seen at www.DelawareVeteransCoalition.com. The coalition is not part of the Veterans Trust Fund, but supports its efforts and has temporarily posted information about it.
In addition to the annual ceremonies, please make Nov. 11, Veterans Trust Fund Day in Delaware by making a contribution to the Veterans Trust Fund, c/o Commission of Veterans Affairs, 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904, or by calling 302-739-2972. It’s hard to imagine a better way to thank those who have faithfully served us.
David Skocik
president, Friends of the Veterans Trust Fund
Dover