Veteran Networking, Recreation & Support
Everyone Can Make a Difference
****** PLEASE NOTE: SOMEHOW ORGANIZATIONS "A through M" GOT DELETED, SO WE'RE WORKING ON ADDING THEM ALL BACK ******
American Legion Posts:
District Meeting is the 2nd Thursday of Every Month,
Corvallis Post 91 Legion Riders
Their Monthly Meeting is the 1st Tuesday of Every Month at BJ's Restaurant, 900 N. First St., Hamilton, 6:30pm. Anyone can come and join us. Come on down to BJ's and have dinner and a drink with us. We are accepting new members so please come check us out.
Questions: Don Goodnight, Corvallis Legion Riders President, (406) 360-5275
LOLO: Chief Joseph Post 135 (chiefjosephpost.org), Come find out about our organization and all that we do for Veterans and our community. Questions: Commander, Alex Vogel, or Join:
MISSOULA: AL Post 27, 825 Ronan St., Missoula; John, American Legion Post 27 Commander, (406) 544-2583,
MISSOULA AL Auxiliary: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27 Monthly General Meeting Theresa Woomer’s Home, 313 S. 2nd St. W., Msla Membership is open to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States. Membership: Sandy, ALA Unit 27 Secretary, Questions: Senta, ALA Unit 27 President,
STEVENSVILLE: Fort Owen Post 94, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Rd., Stevensville. Questions: (406) 777-3834; Auxiliary Questions: Cheryl, (406) 531-4132
Camp Ponderosa ~ Veterans Retreat in the Swan Valley
Daily Interlake 6/9/19, “Mission Possible — Food pantry founders turning former Swan Valley boot camp into veterans center”
Questions: Allen Erickson, (406) 756-7304, allen@veteransfoodpantry.org
Outreach questions: Cinnamon Davis-Hall, Community Outreach Specialist, NW MT Veterans Food Pantry & Stand Down, (406) 250-2394, cdhall03@gmail.com
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) ~ Montana
TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM & PROSPERITY WE & OUR FAMILIES FOUGHT & SACRIFICED TO DEFEND.
Questions: Henry Kriegel, CVA – Montana, (406) 581-5410, hkriegel@afphq.org
Montana Warriors on the Water
“We take veterans on fishing and hunting trips out in eastern Montana. I’m trying to start having events in this part of the state to help veterans.” (Missoula & Ravalli Counties)
Contact: Colin, (315) 405-2020, cmarcoux7199@gmail.com
National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass
~ FREE for Disabled Veterans:
Operation Veteran Strong
https://www.operationveteranstrong.org/
Questions: Veteran Coalition of NW MT, (406) 407-8423, info@vcnwm.com
Or, Jim Higgins (Brig Gen Retired), (406) 291-0356, higginsjw.1@gmail.com
Patriot Guard Riders of Montana
pgom.org
The Patriot Guard of Montana is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.
If you share this respect, please join us.
State Captain: Lewis Wendt,
Contact (Western District): Jeff “Jeffrow” McClanahan, (406) 239-0982, jsmcclanahan@gmail.com
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.
https://projecthealingwaters.org/freedomranchforheroes/
Freedom Ranch For Heroes – located in Wise River, Montana – hosts military heroes who have served our country, as well as young heroes who are fighting disease. During their ranch visits, these courageous heroes are able to have some fun, learn new skills, and spend quality time with their families.
Questions: (866) 251-7252, info@projecthealingwaters.org
Or, Rachel, Freedom Ranch for Heroes, Trip Host: (406) 925-1104, rachel.stepan@projecthealingwaters.org
*** NEW Chapter in the Bitterroot ~ There is going to be a meet and greet on Dec 16th at 6:30pm at Sapphire Homes, 519th N. 10th (conference room), Hamilton. They will be starting out with teaching fly tying. Basic materials will be provided. The plan is to meet once a month on Mondays for the fly tying classes. It doesn't matter if you've never tied before, it's a fly tying 101 type class. You can get involved as a participant or a volunteer.
Participant Registration Form (Select Rocky Mountain Northwest and then Hamilton): https://www.tfaforms.com/4653180
Questions and/or RSVP for Meet & Greet: Scott Roberts, (406) 880-1149, scott.roberts@projecthealingwaters.org
Quilts of Valor
The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Quilts of Valor Foundation recognizes and acknowledges the “war demons” that plague soldiers from all wars. Thousands of quilters all over the US work daily to create quilts to cover warriors from all conflicts, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
REQUEST FORM: https://www.qovf.org/request-qov/request-qov-form/
Questions: Quilts of Valor® Foundation, info@QOVF.org
RallyPoint ~ Military Social Network
Nearly 2 million current and former members of the US military gather to discuss military life, share information, and exchange stories.
Questions: info@rallypoint.com
REAch Program ~ Post 9/11 Combat Transition
https://reainc.org/toolbox-sign-up/
WWII Veteran and former POW Clarence Robert “Bud” Shepherd created the REAch program to assist Post-9/11 combat wounded with the Veteran Toolbox Program. He provides Vets with free toolboxes filled with tools to assist with their transition into civilian life. Although Post-9/11 Purple Heart Veterans are priority for the program, all Veterans can apply!
Questions: (877) 570-2975 or (336) 227-0000, reach@reainc.org
REBOOT Combat Recovery ~ Become a REBOOT ALLY!
https://rebootrecovery.com/howtohelp
“I’d love to help but I don’t know how. “No matter who you are or where you come from, you have something to offer to those who are struggling with trauma. REBOOT ALLIES are on the front lines of our mission, responding to the needs of veterans and first responders in their own communities. Working together, we see families celebrating healing instead of mourning loss.
Questions: Buddy Hanrahan, REBOOT Montana Leader, (406) 438-6319, buddy@reboot-mt.com
Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History
Building T-316 at Fort Missoula (3400 Captain Rawn Way)
12/4/19: Participate in Oral History Project ~ 341st Missile Wing Historian Dr. Troy A. Hallsell at Malmstrom AFB is recruiting individuals to participate in an oral history project that he is conducting in conjunction with the Montana State Historic Preservation Office. Hallsell is seeking to interview people who were associated with the missile fields between 1959 and 2017. This includes, but is not limited to, former Army Corps of Engineers, Boeing, or survey and construction personnel who built the missile fields; former operations, maintenance, and security forces personnel who worked in, maintained, or defended the missile alert facilities and launch facilities; contractors who deactivated the 564th Missile Squadron facilities around Conrad; and local residents who lived near or were affected by the Minuteman program.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Hallsell at (406) 731-7034 or troy.hallsell@us.af.mil for additional information.
RMMMH SUMMER HOURS: 12-5pm Seven Days a Week - Museum exhibits on War of 1812, Frontier era, Civil War, Imperial Age, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Mideast conflicts, Montanans in battle, and Civilian Conservation Corps.
Questions: Tate, Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (RMMMH), (406) 549-5346,
(406) 728-3476
Sacred Mountain Retreat Center
12032 Sacred Mtn. Place, Deadwood, SD 57732
Zilis' Sacred Mountain Retreat Center provides a place to allow veterans, Gold Star families, first responders, and their family members to begin a personal journey of discovery through honest reflection and self-accountability. SMRC will create avenues for forward movement with new and reinvigorated paths to healing and re-established positive life building endeavors. We eliminate the noise, and encourage healing through exposure to nature, alternative healing methods, and brothers and sisters in arms. We create a network which opens up to a new family that has, and will always be available.
Questions: (406) 891-0024, jerrid.sacredmtn@gmail.com
“Silent Warriors: Submarine Warfare in the Pacific” (Novel for Naval History Buffs):
Historical fiction centered around a WWII submarine, USS Orca, her skipper, Lt. Cdr. Jake Lawlor, and her crew of grizzled regulars and raw recruits.
Pacific campaign, 1941 through to final victory in 1945, as it follows Orca through eleven war patrols.
Questions: Author, Gene Masters, masterseugene@gmail.com
Special Forces Association (SFA) Chapter 28 Montana
25685 Nine Mile Rd., Huson, MT, 59846
Members and Sponsors serve through education, training, and support for all members of Army Special Forces.
Officers: Bill Woon, President, C (406) 461-7485, ; Max Carpenter, Vice President, C (406) 531-8732, ; Bob Brugh, Sec/Treasurer, C (406) 240-7368,
CHAPTER OFFICERS NEEDED FOR 2020 ~ ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2019. 2020 NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Henry Bertrand, (406) 471-9854, ; Bob Hoth, (406) 595-3912, ; Ike Slaughter, (406) 207-1404,
Questions: Montana Special Forces Association Chapter 28,
Team Fastrax
Professional Parachute Demonstration Team ~ We are America's Skydiving Team
Members of Team Fastrax™ have served the United States of America as part of the Armed Forces, many in combat. There is nothing in the US Flag Code that prohibits the display of our Nations Colors in the manner with which we display Her. We are not lowering our Nations Colors from a staff. We fly our Colors below our parachutes with a great degree of pride and treat Her with respect and honor. Due to the large amount of lead used to weigh down the Flag, we are unable to safely stand with open arms to gather the Flag and prevent it from touching the ground. However, immediately upon landing, the Flag is saluted and gathered in a dignified fashion. Prior to repacking the Flag it is inspected for damage, repaired and cleaned for the next show.
Our goal is to do our small part to inspire American pride in others for this great country of ours
Questions: (513) 422-5867, info@teamfastrax.org
Team Red, White & Blue (RWB)
JOIN - it's FREE:
teamrwb.org/join/
Team Rubicon
http://www.teamrubiconusa.org/
TR Montana public group page - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178204389218402/
TR is collecting the availability of Greyshirts to create an Assignable Reserve of Greyshirts willing to deploy on operations in their local area. This system will enable TR to serve communities in need even faster than before.
THERE ARE 2 STEPS - In order to be good to go, WE NEED YOU TO DO BOTH:
1. Add the types of deployment opportunities you would be willing to serve in: https://rollcall.teamrubiconusa.org/profile/deployment-preferences/ (Add each capability one by one. Be patient & thorough)
2. Add the dates you are available to serve: https://rollcall-events.teamrubiconusa.org/resourceavailability [rollcall-events.teamrubiconusa.org]
Once you're done, standby for us to notify you about specific opportunities to deploy.
Questions: Anne Marie Scott, TR Region VIII Admin, (406) 381-9383, anne.scott@teamrubiconusa.org
Or, Gerald “GT” Auch, Gerald “GT” Auch, Team Rubicon, City Administrator -Missoula (Region VIII - CFC #59162) Cell (910) 603-6549,
TogetherWeServed.com (TWS)
https://www.togetherweserved.com/
Together We Served (TWS) is the online community connecting and honoring every American who has worn the uniform of the United States military. This is where you reconnect with old friends and share your service story as a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Questions: 1-888-398-3262, admin@togetherweserved.com
VA History in Brief
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/archives/docs/history_in_brief.pdf
Valor Worldwide
The trusted resource for military families, providing direct access to information procured specifically for active-duty military, retirees, veterans and their families.
Questions: (253) 503-7308, info@valorworldwide.com
VA Veteran's Canteen Service (VCS)
https://www.vacanteen.va.gov/ [vacanteen.va.gov]
Online shopping site: https://shopvcs.va.gov/
Questions: (800) 664-8258, vcs.canteen@va.gov
VA Veterans Experience Office
https://www.va.gov/ve/index.asp
National Veterans Intermediary (NVI) “PsychArmor school, Communities Serving Veterans."
https://psycharmor.org/courses-for-communities-serving-veterans/
Western US Rep:
Bob (360) 568-4592, robert.mortenson@va.gov
VET2VET
PTS Outreach ~ 24 hour hotline open for Veterans and military personnel.
1/10/20 update, Chris said he will start having PTS Support Groups at the Poverello & Valor House ~ Dr. Quentin Hehn will be an advisor.
Questions: Chris, Spartans Honour, Inc. and USMC Veteran (406) 214-0333
Veteran Art Connection ~ Share YOUR Art!
Many Veterans find the visual arts to be more than just a format for creative expression. ‘Art as therapy’ is a focus not on the disability, but on each Veteran’s possibility and potential… VeteranArtConnection.com, brought to you by MilitaryConnection.com, showcases the healing power of art and the products of that journey. The veteran artist receives 50% of the proceeds of each sale. Your purchase will make a difference in the life of someone who gave their all for our country.
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive online shopping benefits.
Questions, “Submit a request”: https://support.shopvcs.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Veterans Coalition of Northwest Montana (VCNWM)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7266, Kalispell, MT 59904
(406) 407-8423, info@vcnwm.com
www.vcnwm.org
Board Meetings (First Tuesday of Every Month): Bigfork VFW Post 4042, 8098 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, 1 – 3pm
****** Members of the coalition have been actively scheduling and providing Veteran Specific QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training. If you have an organization or group who would like to get this valuable FREE suicide prevention training, please email request to: info@vcnwm.com
Questions: Nan Wise (Spouse of Veteran), Executive Assistant, (406) 407-2153, nan@vcnwm.com
Or, Jim Higgins (Veteran), (406) 291-0356, higginsjw.1@gmail.com
Veteran History & Arts Initiative
920 Technology Ave., Bozeman
Doc is working to preserve Veteran History through Art by capturing the stories of Montana Veterans of all ages and eras. Veteran History and Arts Initiative has been modeled a lot after the Veteran History Project and “StoryCorps” with the interview focus, and they are modeling it after the University of Kentucky Louie B. Nunn Center with their archiving process. The aspect that makes VHAI different, is that they are also actively seeking out artists to create art that has been inspired by the stories collected or art that tells the Veteran’s accounts. They hinge on community involvement and outreach. He is seeking out Veterans, volunteers, and artists to make this initiative happen.
Questions: VHAI@montana.edu
Contact: Marcus “Doc” Cravens, US Navy Veteran and Director of the Initiative at MSU (406) 579-2154, marcus.cravens@montana.edu
Veterans History Project (VHP)
Or, http://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/for-veterans
Senator Daines Office partnered with the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to help collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of Montana's wartime veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. They are also seeking any females that took on the jobs of those that went away to war. Interviewers will be provided with training and will need to sign a waiver.
Questions: Robin Baker, Project Coordinator (406-453-0148 x11, robin_baker@daines.senate.gov)
Or, Denny Lenoir, Director of Veteran & Military Affairs, US Senator Steve Daines, Montana, 30 West 14th St., Suite 206, Helena, MT 59601, 406-443-3189, Denny_Lenoir@daines.senate.gov
Veterans Honor Guard ~ Polson / Ronan Area
https://www.facebook.com/VeteransHonorGuard/
We are Veterans from every branch with the mission to provide Military Honors for Active Duty, Reserve or Veteran Funerals in our area without charge. We perform final and full Military Honor Funeral Services. We work with funeral directors and/or ministers or directly with families to provide respectful memorial service for their deceased service members. This includes: Uniformed detail of veterans who will fire a three-volley salute using (blank-firing) M-1 Garand rifles and either a live Bugler or a digital Bugle (simulated Bugle) sounding the Honors (Taps).
Contact: Glen Sharbono,
Veterans Legacy Program ~ National Cemetery Administration
NCA & ABMC partnered with National History Day and George Mason University to create a unique program of teacher education. Through a competitive selection process, teachers from around the country joined the program, researching "fallen heroes" from their hometown and creating lesson plans about them.
These teachers also had the opportunity to visit the gravesite of their fallen hero and give a eulogy of them.
NCA – Veterans Legacy Program: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/legacy/
NCA – History Program: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/history/
Fallen Heroes: https://www.abmceducation.org/understandingsacrifice/soldier
National History Day: https://www.nhd.org/
Questions: Bob Mortenson, Veterans Experience Office (VACO), Veterans, Family and Community Engagement, Department of Veterans Affairs, (360) 568-4592, robert.mortenson@va.gov
Veteran News Network: Television for Veterans, by Veterans
While the Veteran News Network has not yet been rolled out to all VA facilities, it is accessible to everyone 24/7 at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA3X-ZxMTfg
VET TIX
The Veteran Tickets Foundation provides free and discounted event tickets (with a nominal delivery fee) to Veterans, active-duty military, their families, and immediate family survivors. VetTix provides these tickets to reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage local engagement. Vet Tix secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. There’s also:
Tickets For Troops https://www.VetTix.org
Hero's Wish https://www.VetTix.org/wish.php
Questions - Message VET TIX on FB: https://www.facebook.com/pg/VetTix/
VFW POSTS:
****** 3-Volley Salute VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Military Funerals ******
Active-duty military and Veterans with an honorable discharge are rendered last honors when they die. In Missoula, the local VFW Post 209 Honor Guard does the three-volley salute (They have six funerals in 3 days this week alone); however, you do NOT have to be a member of the VFW to be on the Honor Guard and you can pick which funerals fit your schedule. Providing the three-volley salute is an all-volunteer effort; however, the VFW Post 209 will provide the M1 rifles, blanks, white dicky, patches, name tag, Garrison hat, white web belt / gloves, and jacket for winter months (You only need to have blue slacks, white shirt, and black shoes). Please help us honor fellow Veterans, service members, and their families.
Contact (All military branches / areas are welcome to contact her with questions): (719) 661-4037, bluemountain@montana.com
Ole Beck VFW Post 209 ~ Missoula, MT
vfwpost209.org
245 W. Main St., Missoula, (406) 728-7749
Our VFW is DOG friendly and has Free Wifi!
Commander: Anton Johnson
Contacts: Jim Bobbitt 240-9742, Steve Hale 493-2264
VFW Post 209 Harley-Davidson Raffle!
Grand Prize: 2017 FXDL - Dyna Low Rider; 1 Ticket: $20 | 3 Tickets: $50 | 6 Tickets: $100 (Drawing held 7/27)
*Red/White/Blue Drawing Prizes: 3 Custom-Fit Harley Davidson Leather Jackets from Grizzly Harley Davidson for the Red/White/Blue bonus drawings (102 tickets available); 12 additional prizes valued at $250 also included in the bonus drawings (4 in 34 chances to win the bonus drawings); 4,000 Total Tickets Available.
*First 102 people to buy $100 will receive a bonus ticket to the Red/White/Blue drawing with a 3 in 34 chance to win prizes valued at $250 or more!
Tickets for sale, online, at VFW Post 209, and various locations around Missoula.
Reach Out: We invite you to reach out and connect with us. Whether you are looking to contact us for veteran related questions, to book our catering, inquire about our music venue, or our bar and canteen, we are here to help!
Questions: VFW (406) 778-7749, info@vfwpost209.org
VFW Post 3596 - Plains, MT
201 West Lynch Street
Plains, Montana
(406) 826-5960
Bill Warren VFW Post 5652 ~ Ronan
https://www.facebook.com/RonanVFW5652/
Post 5652 is the home Post for the Ronan VFW and the Ronan Ladies Auxiliary, 35981 Round Butte Rd, Ronan, Montana
Contact: (406) 676-5652
Or, Glen Sharbono,
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Bitterroot Chapter 938
https://www.vva938.com/
P.O. BOX 1391, Hamilton
President: William Beckman; VP: Walter Briggs; Treasurer & Membership: Al Sperry
(406) 961-0035 or per FB: (406) 381-7899, vva938@gmail.com “VVA Bitterroot Chapter 938 Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the Human Resources Building, 316 N. 3rd St., Hamilton (Enter through the north door).”
VETERANS HELPING VETERANS
Virtual Hope Box
Overview: http://www.vaat.pitt.edu/index.php/device-review/ecd-category/56-virtual-hope-box-application
Virtual Hope Box is a multi-media coping skill app designed for individuals struggling with depression (particularly military service members). The four main features of VHB include sections for distraction, inspiration, relaxation, and coping skill options. The app can be used in collaboration with a mental health provider through the “coping cards” feature, which can be programmed to address specific problem areas. The relaxation tools can also be used with a clinical professional or other meditation partner. Created in 2012 to be used specifically with the military and veteran population adjacent to their treatment for PTSD or other mental health conditions. VHB allows the user to customize and personalize the content that can be accessed on an “as needed” basis to support initiation or maintenance of positive coping behaviors.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.vhb&hl=en
APP Store preview: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-hope-box/id825099621
Warfighter Scuba
Nonprofit organization that offers scuba diving to Veterans that have been wounded in combat. Warfighter Scuba primarily operates in Roatan, Honduras, offering Veterans a seven-day experience where they become certified scuba divers and participate in swimming, diving, and fishing activities.
APPLICATION: https://www.warfighterscuba.org/become-a-warfighter-diver/
Questions: (602) 399-7243, info@warfighterscuba.org
Or, toll free 1-833-838-3483
Warriors & Quiet Waters (Bozeman)
warriorsandquietwaters.org
Through the experience of fly fishing in Montana, Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of post-9/11 combat veterans.
Contact: WQW, 1087 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 1, Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 585-9793, info@warriorsandquietwaters.org
Welcome Home, Inc. ~ Polson
Here to assist Veterans, their families, and Gold Star Families. Jeannie’s family is a Gold Star Family ~ they lost their youngest son at the age of 25, US Army Special Ops (SGT Crew Chief), 160th Night Stalker.
Contact: Jeannie Butler, Welcome Home, Inc., (406) 890-1405, jeanniebutleremail@gmail.com
Western Montana Military Officer’s Association
XSports4Vets
Extreme Sports for Veterans ~ xsports4vets.org
We are a group of current conflict veterans that strive to help other combat veterans succeed through extreme sports. We utilize as many veteran extreme sports as we can to take the edge out of civilian life.
Some of us have wounds left over from combat, others can't be seen - but we all benefit from getting out
and meeting people that have been in our shoes.
Contact: Anton (406) 396-8390 or Steve (406) 493-2264
****** YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS ******
Search Montana: https://www.yellowribbon.mil/event-listing
