Military Heroes Program

Last month, I posted a number of entries containing information on how we all can help those that sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms, our way of life and our lives. The Christmas season is known for the time of giving so it seemed appropriate. However, now that the holiday season is a recent memory, we cannot forget that the needs of our military personnel and their families are still very real.

Tens of thousands of soldiers and marines have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 7 years. The citizens of this great country have not been asked to sacrifice much in these endeavors, unlike the sacrifices everyone made in World War II. Our military men and women not only need our thanks and appreciation, but some of them need our help.

The Military Heroes Program, which was created by The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation in 2003, provides wounded soldiers with services that the Defense Department cannot offer due to budgetary and regulatory restrictions. These unmet needs, which are identified by Military Command, the Military Severely Injured Center and others, include a variety of activities, including the following:

• Wireless laptops in Fisher Houses at military hospitals;
• Child care for the families of hospitalized soldiers;
• Emergency financial support for families of the wounded facing crises;
• A hospice room and a patient and family lounge in the Walter Reed Army Medical Center;
• A short-term outpatient housing facility for severely wounded military personnel and their families; and
• Support for military families and retirees rebuilding their lives after natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Not all of us can donate our time to help those in need, but we all can donate some money, albeit a small amount if necessary, to help those that help our soldiers. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union covers all of the administrative expenses of the foundation and, therefore, 100% of your donations go to cover the foundation's various programs. Support comes from the Military Heroes Golf Classic and the Night of Heroes gala, from corporations, foundations, military associations and thousands of individual donors worldwide. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization so your donations are fully tax deductible.

Christmas is not the only time of the year we should be willing to give to others, especially to those who are willing to give everything for us.

To learn more about the Military Heroes Program and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation in general click here.