Delaware Veterans Trust Fund – Signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell in September 2013, the Delaware  Veterans Trust Fund, under the auspices of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, assists Delaware’s honorably-discharged veterans of all generations who find themselves in emergency financial need. It has been used for many purposes, including stopping evictions, prevention repossession of vehicles needed for work, emergency housing repairs and sometimes food vouchers. All applications for assistance are screened by a committee and if approved, bills are paid directly to the vendor.

One hundred percent of contributions to the Trust Fund are tax deductible and because the facilities of the Commission of Veterans Affairs are used to support the effort; similarly, one hundred percent of contributions are returned to veterans without deduction for overhead, salaries or any other purposes. To assist in this work, the Friends of Delaware Veterans, a 501 (c) 3 entity, was created in 2014. The Friends purpose is to help get the word out and raise funds for the Veterans Trust Fund. The Friends board are volunteer community leaders from across the state who works with the Commission. The Friends create events like the annual dinners featured on this post and other Friend and fundraising activities.

The Friends would be please to address your private or community organization about our work. You may contact us by calling the DE Commission of Veterans Affairs at (302) 257-3117 or email Mrs. Sherri Taylor at sherri.taylor@delaware.gov to make a connection.

The Veterans Trust Fund not only assists veterans in paying emergency bills, but also follows through by connecting them with other services, including financial and other types of counseling as needed, as well as to outreach organizations that can provide furniture and household items for those in transition.

Please join us for a black tie optional affair to help benefit veterans of this great state of Delaware. There’s two dates and location to join this great cause.

Dover – Friday, November 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue

New Castle – Saturday, November 14th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Clarion Belle Hotel, 1612 N. DuPont Hwy.

Dinner tickets are $100 and include a plated chicken or steak dinner, entertainment and guest speaker. Earn program credit for 8-person sponsor tables at $1,000.

Tickets may be ordered by mailing a check made to Friends of Delaware Veterans, 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904. Please make sure you indicate Nov. 6th or 14th to include dinner choice in the memo area.

Please RSVP by Nov. 2nd. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets will be held at the Will Call table at each event. Sponsorships are available. The deadline for sponsorships is Oct. 24th. Email Sherri.taylor@delaware.gov or call 302-257-3117.

When/Where: Saturday, July 4th, 2015 @ 9:00 AM/ Kent Country Memorial Park

Let’s start the 4^th of July celebration with helping those who have served our beautiful country! Start the morning with a great work-out and have no guilt trips when you enjoy your cookouts!

The FREEDOM 5K Run/Walk/Roll will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2015, 9:00 AM, at the Kent County Memorial Park (near Kent County Administration building & Blue Hen Mall (rain or shine). Registration starts at 8:00 AM. You can also register online @ www.trisportsevents.com. All participants will receive a quality “Freedom 5K” tee shirt. Post-race festivities include free food and beverage. All proceeds will benefit the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund that provides assistance to Delaware’s veterans in financial crisis. Can’t make the race, but would still like to support this event! Register as a Silent Hero! Thank you all for your support!

As Memorial Day approaches, the Delaware Veterans Home Memorial Brick Program is a meaningful way to honor those who have served our country and support the mission of the Delaware Veterans Home (DVH).

All net proceeds received from this effort will support DVH in providing additional amenities and homelike comforts for the more than 130 residents. The Delaware Veterans Home, located in Milford, opened to residents in 2007, and has served more than 400 residents since that time.

The first 200 memorial bricks purchased will be placed in the flag plaza at the front of the home, with additional bricks being added in other locations around the property.

Supporters may choose between a 4×8 brick with three lines of text for $200, or an 8×8 brick with six lines of text for $300. Purchases can be made by completing this brochure. Brick purchases are 100 percent tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

To learn more about DVH, visit vethome.delaware.gov.

8×8 Brick:

4×8 Brick:

Where/When: Dover Downs Conference Center on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“Joined Voices, Shared Journeys; The Brain Injury Experience”

Be a part of the Joined Voices! Register today either on line at www.biaofde.org or download, complete and mail the attached registration form.

For more information call the BIAD office at 1-800-411-0505.

Dover –The 4th Annual Mental Health Summit will be held September 10, 2014 at the Embassy Suites, 654 S. College Ave., Newark. Registration opens at 8:00 AM; the program begins at 8:30 AM. The Summit is sponsored by a multi-agency coalition, including the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. The event provides continuing education credits for healthcare professionals. There will be several organizations providing outreach and resource materials. The Summit will include breakout sessions for crisis intervention, post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, and more. General Francis D. Vavala, Adjutant General, will make a key note address in support of Delaware Joining Forces; a state-wide initiative to develop a coalition of military and community partners to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families. Following the Summit, there will be a Military Veterans and Family Carnival of Wellness from 5 – 8 PM; food, prizes, and entertainment provided for families.