VIDEO (2019 Heroes at Home & VSAP): Community Action Documentary by Sanai Abell

The Veteran Support Network (VSN) was established in 2013 to provide a network of support for Veterans, service members, and their families / caregivers. To celebrate our hometown heroes and to remember the service & sacrifices of our military brothers & sisters, the VSN hosts an annual “Heroes @ Home” on ARMED FORCES DAY (3rd Saturday in May) which includes free food, live music, a resource fair, and a silent auction in partnership with the
Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) run, walk and/or RUCK!

​SAVE the DATE: May 17, 2025 ~ Armed Forces Day (SHARE on Facebook!)
2024 Photo Album
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****** SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE DETAILS ******

2025 VSAP registration is OPEN!

Armed Forces Day is May 17th. Once again, the event will be held at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History. The route will run through Ft. Missoula Park and includes a 3-mile loop awareness walk, 6-mile Ruck event and 12-mile run. The VSAP helps build community which is one way to help combat suicide. Montana consistently has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, per capita. This event will help raise awareness and promote prevention about this issue by bringing the community together to memorialize those lost, letting Veterans, friends, and families know they are not alone. SIGN UP AND/OR DONATE! SHARE on Facebook!​​​

• DONATE ~ Please help if you can: VSAP Online Donations

  • Grand Canyon University is donating 220 VSAP race bags!

• If you're a service provider, and you’d like your brochures or swag added to the VSAP race bags, please order enough for 250 racers, and contact Erick for pick up: kahilaem@gmail.com

  • Dog Tag Buddies mailing new brochures/FAQ & stickers for bags (can't make event).​

• Our next VSN Events Committee PLANNING MEETING will be at the event site 5/7 at 2pm (testing canopies for silent auction). We'll be having our "Pizza Shindig" to fill VSAP race bags w/swag on 5/14 at 2pm (American Legion Post 27). See "Schedule of Events" below for more info.​

• VSAP VOLUNTEERS (Set up, check in, water tables, food service, road guards, medical, etc. - Must be between 10-100 yrs old). THANK YOU to Bitterroot Valley Military Program (BVMP) for providing 7am VOLUNTEERS to help set up race equipment! USMC Recruiting will also be assisting...

  • Water tables as of 4/10/25: ​

  • All Star Nutrition

  • Missoula Therapy, PLLC

  • Walmart Supercenter + water/snacks/swag

  • Other tables listed under VSP/VFE/VOB below: 

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HEROES at HOME ~ DONATE, TABLE, VOLUNTEER / QUESTIONS:

• EVENT SITE: Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316), Fort Missoula "If you enjoy our exhibits and programs as much as we enjoy bringing them to you, we will welcome you to the ranks of our sustaining members." (MAIL check donations or membership dues to P.O. Box 7263, Missoula, MT 59807) Questions: Tate 406-239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

• Heroes at Home BBQ: Check donations ~ Please make out to "VFW Post 209" and note "Heroes at Home" - Drop off or mail to 245 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802. Questions: Tom - GM & Event Gatekeeper, currant1973@gmail.com

• BBQ & Opening Ceremony Logistics / Marketing & Media Contact: Anton - Xsports4Vets (406) 396-8390 

BBQ Donations as of 4/10/25:

Jim (Legion Commander) & Robin - Smoker, Pork, Baked Beans

PEPSI CO OF MISSOULA ~ Soda & Water

Ruben (Fred's Appliance) - 2 Patriotic Cakes​ + Chips

• SILENT AUCTION: Please contact Jeni, Jennifer.Keys@va.gov, Sara.Ball@mt.gov OR Rebecca for questions and/or to coordinate donation pick up 406-241-3542, rebeccastancil@hotmail.com (they will provide you with a donation receipt / Tax ID). 

Donations as of 4/30/25 (Pictures on Facebook):

ALPS ~ Cooking sauce's, grill mitts, skewers, beef injection mixtures, burger press etc.

Back Home Crochet ~ Crocheted Afghan (Blanket)

Barb Vandercook (Trenton, MI) - Beautiful Fleece Blanket & Lap Quilt

Bellamah Aesthetics ~ Photo-Fabulous Laser Treatment

Creative & Celtic (Pending - Woodwork)

Fred's Appliance (Pending - might donate freezer)

Keely M. Zimmerman Photography (VOB) ~ Miss Montana Print

Kelly Palmer ~ Guided Flyfishing Trip  

Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383 ~ Date Night Basket (Pending)

Missoula Scuba & Snorkel ~ 4 Discover Scuba Pool Exp + 1 Padi Open Water Scuba Certification

Montana Honor Guard/Walking for the Fallen & PGA HOPE - In the Company of Heroes (Framed/signed artwork by Matt Hall)​

RMEF - Montana Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - Team Elk Backpack

RMMMH ~ War Themed Package (Pending - gift basket from the museum)

TruGreen of Missoula ~ $250 Gift Cert (Lawn Care Service)

Taylor’s Lake Creek Cabins & Events Rentals ~ 2 Night Stay in Troy (Pending)

TrailWest Bank (Frenchtown) ~ Picnic Swag & Cutlery Set

Two Dog Garage ~ Two Auto Care Buckets (2 Oil Changes each + Car Care Products) 

UM Golf Course ~ Gift Cert for 18 holes with Cart for 2 People. 

VFW ~ Liquor Basket (Pending)

• VSP/VFE/VOB TABLING: Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers (VFE), or Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) are invited to table for FREE! You MUST bring own canopy, table, and chairs. Set up by or at 9am (Parking INFO under Schedule of Events below). 

  • ​RSVP to Shannon, snoble@mt.gov

VSP/VFE/VOB tabling as of 4/29/25:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

American Legion Post 27

American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana & E. OR ~ Service to the Armed Forces and International Services-US

Art and Movement Summer Camp + Kid's Activities

Be SMART ~ "Secure storage" + Gun Locks

Bitter Root Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Bitterroot Valley Military Program (BVMP) ~ They will be selling raffle tickets for a firearm at their table!

​Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans

Brain Injury Awareness of Montana​ ~ Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Veterans

Canine Companions

Grand Canyon University (GCU)

Hellman Insurance Agency

Housing Montana Heroes ~ The Poverello Center's Veteran Services Team

Marine Corps League (MCL)

Medicare Advocates / HUMANA

Military OneSource

Missoula Acupuncture

Missoula Aging Services ~ Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

​Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383

Missoula Housing Authority (MHA)

Missoula Scuba ~ VOB

Montana DPHHS ~ Vocational Rehab and Blind Services (VRBS)

Montana Honor Guard/Walking for the Fallen ~ VOB / POW-MIA Table & PGA HOPE

Montana VA Health Care ~ Congressional Liaison/Chief Compliance Officer, Public Affairs Officer, 2-3 Peer Specialists, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (Transitional Work/Community Based Employment) + MORE!

Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD)

Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA)

Patriot Pin Up

Primrose Station / Victory Gardens ~ VOB

Ravalli County Veterans Service Center

Red Willow Learning Center, Inc. ~ Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP)

Serengeti Care

Sport Clips ~ VOB Franchise

Tamarack Grief Resource Center (TGRC)

US Senator Tim Sheehy's Office ~ Director of Military and Veteran Affairs​

VA Mobile Vet Center

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies (VOANR)

Walmart Supercenter

Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC)

• Xsports4Vets (FOOD, Monte, etc.) Anton (406) 396-8390 (New website coming)

​OR contact any of the other VSN Events CMTE members:

Clayton D. Keys, CBHPSS - Peer Support, clayton.keys@va.gov

Nancie Wittmier – HVRP Program Manager, Volunteers of America, nancie.wittmier@voanr.org

Tim Garrison – GSUSA, Scouting America, American Legion, Marine Corps League & VFW, muxchief@hotmail.com

 

Schedule of Events: ​​​

12th Annual Heroes at Home BBQ and 9th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP)

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May 16th ~ VSAP PICK UP (EARLY walk/run CHECK IN): Package pick-up will be Friday at the Missoula Vet Center from 1000 to 1800. Please pick-up event package (T-Shirt, Swag) on this date to ensure smooth participant flow the morning of the VSAP Event.

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May 17th ~ Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316):

• 0900 VSP / VOB / VFE SET UP ~ YOU ARE welcome to PULL UP TO THE MUSEUM TO UNLOAD; however, please park away from the museum afterwards because we need room for the Mobile Vet Center, firetruck & disabled parking. PLEASE DO NOT set up in the lawn of the military museum (this area is reserved for the bands, attendees/picnic tables, silent auction, and the entire lawn by the tank is reserved for the kid’s activities). Set up around the perimeter (by the trees at RMMMH) or in the grass in front of the CCC Warehouse, Building T-312 (the long building right next to RMMMH).

• 0900 VSAP Check In ~ If you were unable to pick up your race bag Friday at the Vet Center, it will be at the event (gazebo at HMFM).

• 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Montana Honor Guard (Chuck); Legion Color Guard & VFW Honor Guard (3-round volley) and Bugler; Welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; Prayer by Rob Ellis - Chaplain; Reading of Names by VSN Leadership (Our brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide).

• 1030 Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK - Registration / MAP: https://runsignup.com/vsap

• 1100 FREE FOOD while supplies last ~ THE LEGION COMMANDER IS PROVIDING HIS SMOKER & BRINGING the PORK! There are limited picnic tables at the event, so don’t forget your chairs or blankets!

• 1100 - 1500ish

  • LIVE MUSIC: TBD

  • 1200: Monte Appearance

  • Activities for the KIDDOS: Corn-Hole, "Family-Friendly, plastic, Axe Throwing” game, Face Painting by the Missoula High School Robotics Team, and additional games & crafts by Art and Movement Summer Camp.

  • Resource Fair, Silent Auction & OPEN HOUSE at Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (indoor restroom closed - porta potties available outside).

• 1400-1500 VSAP Awards

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4/16/25 Meeting:

• Erick said Tom is still working on getting music. Tom is the GM at the VFW and uses Daisy Chain (promoter). However, if you know a band or solo act that might be interested, please have them reach out to Erick ASAP: kahilaem@gmail.com

• Bronson delivered the VSAP race bags (220 donated by Grand Canyon University). Thanks again, ROCK STAR!

• Erick’s working w/the Legion Commander to get 80lbs of port butts & loins (They’ll be shredding the butts and slicing the loins LOL). He’s also working w/Scheels for VSAP awards (gun safes and gift certificates) & USMC Recruiters are bringing their “poolies”

• Legion Color Guard & VFW Honor Guard (3-round volley) and Chaplain are confirmed – they’re also bringing The Bugler.

• Anton stepped up to help Tate get the roof repairs done and provide money for general operating costs of the military museum. He also confirmed Art and Movement Summer Camp is working w/ Amy (MAS) for additional kids’ activities (games, bowling, bubble machine, crafts, etc.)

• DVOP announced that our Mineral County Veteran Liaison is promoting the event with the Chamber of Commerce (to circulate with their members), posting on the “best-read cork boards in the county” and going to VFW and American Legion for distribution.

• Our next VSN Events CMTE Meeting is 5/7 at 2pm at the event site (testing large tents for silent auction); Then, 5/14 filling VSAP race bags with swag/t-shirts, etc. at the American Legion; 5/16 Vet Center all day for VSAP early check in (10am-6pm). Kristian volunteered to help w/check in. Thank you!

4/9/25 Meeting:

• Erick confirmed 85 registered VSAP participants, and the Bitterroot Valley Military Program is camping at Fort Missoula, so they can help Erick & Team set up the race equipment EARLY AM on 5/17 (so awesome!) Barry Naylor is running the timer, and the MYCA cadets will be there to assist w/VSP set up.

• Jim & Robin (Jim is the Legion Commander) volunteered to bring their smoker & provide the pork (as well as baked beans)! Also, Ruben from Fred's Appliance might donate a freezer for the silent auction (They're also seeking non-cdl drivers if you know anyone looking…they’ll need to be able to load/unload as well: Careers | Fred's Appliance Rebecca said they have a lot more tentative silent auction donations than what’s listed (above).

• Anton confirmed that Michelle (Art & Movement Camp) is going to table and provide additional kid’s activities.

• Tate said the museum needs some minor roof repairs (NEED to confirm Anton’s putting a work party together). He could also use some help w/operating costs of the museum ($2K). Additional updates have been added above.

3/19/25 Meeting:

• Erick, Clayton & Tom are getting music locked in (Tom coordinates w/Daisy Chain – Promoter he uses for VFW entertainment). Erick will contact Cabela’s. He said there’s a corn-hole game at Valor House we can use for the kid’s activities, and Bronson will bring corn hole and a “Family-Friendly, plastic, Axe Throwing” game.  

• Erick confirmed we have FOOD! Jim – Legion Commander has offered to provide his smoker and pork butts. We’ll need to get salads, buns, etc. The Gazebo is reserved, and we discussed having the silent auction off the walking path to the VSAP race start.

• Erick’s working on getting water tables locked in – Missoula Therapy is confirmed, Clayton said Sports Clips is a “possibility” and Tom uses Star Nutrition, so he’s confirming w/them. Erick's looking into the “Army Camo” theme for t-shirts (250th birthday in June). We’ll be using leftover VA Suicide race bags, but we may need additional donations.

• Unfortunately, Competitive Timing doesn’t have the staff to set up the race equipment, so we’re asking for additional VOLUNTEERS (Shannon asked Bitterroot Valley Military Program if they could be there at 7am, and Sean Smothers is confirming).

• Welcome back Jen! She’s going to talk to the Stretch Lab & GGH.

2/19/25 Meeting:​

• We have several silent auction donations already, and the pictures have been added to the Facebook event page.

• Tom’s donating a VFW liquor basket for the silent auction. He’s also going to check w/Rob & other VFW members that were interested in BBQing – if they decide not to, Anton will contact Holiday Inn Catering. The Army’s 250th birthday is 6/14, so we discussed a possible theme “Army camo!” Rebecca said the silent auction team will be raffling off the smaller items.

• Anton will invite the East Missoula Fire Dept (old school truck), but they might be consolidating w/one of the Missoula Fire Departments.

• Erick’s working on LIVE MUSIC (Erick couldn't make it to the meeting, but we discussed t-shirts / Space Force black or "Army Camo"). 

• Skylar & crew did an amazing job w/the kid’s activities last year! Skylar’s no longer at VOA, but Nancie will ask others.

• HEADS UP: We usually fill the VSAP race bags at the May VSP Meeting; however, the meeting is after the event this year.

1/15/25 Meeting:

• Erick got the permit / insurance for the VSAP route (3 mi awareness walk/run $15; 12 mi run / 6 mi RUCK $45). 

• ​Tate discussed roof repairs needed on the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History. DVOP reached out to Mighty Dog (Veteran-Owned). If they can’t help, Anton will be organizing a work party in the spring (Tate’s already been in touch w/SBA, FEMA, and getting quotes from local contractors).​

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LINKS TO ALL PHOTO ALBUMS (2014 - 2024):

2014 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2015 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2016 Heroes @ Home BBQ & Music Festival

2017 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

​2018 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2019 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2020 Heroes @ Home & Military Appreciation OPEN HOUSE

2021 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2022 Heroes @ Home & VSAP

2023 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP​

2024 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

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TAKE A LOOK BACK at our event & supporters in 2024:

​11th Annual Heroes @ Home BBQ and 8th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP)

• 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Colors presented by the American Legion Color Guard, welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; Prayer by Rob Ellis; National Anthem by Trisa; Reading of Names by VSN Leadership (Our brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide); 3 Round Volley by VFW Honor Guard 

• 1030 Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) DONORS/MAP: https://runsignup.com/vsap

• 1100 FREE FOOD while supplies last ~ THANK YOU, HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN (DONATED dogs, buns, and all the fixins), PEPSI CO OF MISSOULA (donated pop & water) AND Nestle (donated cakes, Nesquik & water).

  • LIVE MUSIC in 2024: Mike Johnston and Jaden Decker

  • Activities for the KIDDOS in 2024: Face painting, corn hole, cotton candy machine, bubble art, and more!

  • Resource Fair & Silent Auction (SEE 2024 DONATIONS below)  ​

VSP, VFE & VOB - Tabled in 2024: 988 Suicide Prevention ~ Western Montana Mental Health Ctr; American Financial Network, Inc.; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) & Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk; American Legion; American Red Cross of Montana; Art and Movement Summer Camp ~ Crafts for kiddos; Be SMART; Bitterroot Valley Military Program; Canine Companions; East Missoula Rural Fire Department ~ Fire Engine; Farmer Veteran Coalition of Montana; Greater Good Health; House District 97 ~ Republican Candidate (Veteran); HydroLogistics Montana ~ Wheelchair Accessible Willie Boat; The Learning Center at Red Willow ~ Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program; Marine Corps League; Medicare Advocates / HUMANA; Military OneSource; Missoula Housing Authority; Missoula Public Health & Project Tomorrow MT / United Way of Missoula County; Mobile Vet Center; Montana Army National Guard *& Risk Reduction; Montana Department of Corrections; Montana Honor Guard ~ Flags & POW/MIA Table; Montana VA Health Care ~ Behavioral Health Recovery Program, Congressional Liaison, Eligibility & Enrollment, HUD VASH, M2VA, MHV, Patient Advocate (Veterans Experience Office), Peer Support, Public Affairs, Social Worker, Travel Benefits, and Whole Health; Montana Veteran Affairs Division (MVAD); Montana Veterans Association (MVA) / United States of Hope (USOH) & Gideon Land and Center for Warriors; Montana Voc Rehab and Blind Services; NW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Camp Ponderosa; Patriot Pin Up; Penta Verve ~ VOB; Poverello Center ~ Veteran Services Team; Ravalli County Veterans Service Center; Tamarack Grief Resource Center (TGRC); U.S. Army Reserve Unit - 672nd Engineer Utilities Detachment; U.S. Senator Daines Office ~ Deputy Director of Constituent Services, Missoula Area Field Representative (No table / walked around); U.S. Senator Jon Tester's Veterans Liaison (No table / walking around); Veterans Inc.; Veterans Victory Alliance (VVA); Walmart Supercenter; WWP - Montana Wounded Warriors; Xsports4Vets.​

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2024 SA DONORS:  ALPS ~ Gift Basket (Fishing); AM Scott, Author ~ Veteran's Book Series; Art and Movement Summer Camp ~ Gift Basket & Tuition; Aveda ~ Boom Swagger; Barb Vandercook ~ Quilt, runners and place mats; Becky Pederson ~ Gift Basket (Spirits); Cindi Laukes ~ Gift Basket (Camping Gear); Complete Dental Care (Kellogg) & The Mercado Family ~ Dental Basket; Creative & Celtic ~ Woodwork; Holl Doll Creations ~ Warmers; Imagination Station ~ Toy Basket; Jen Guerrero ~ Artwork; John Goosman ~ Wood & Steel Art (Hot Rod on Saw); Kelly Palmer ~ Guided Fishing Trip; Kate, "My Boozy Nutz”; Keely Zimmerman ~ Print (Vintage Aircraft); Papa Murphy's; Penta Verve ~ Bracelet, Candle Box & Tumbler; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) ~ Large Welded Flag & Pull Saw (wall displays); Rocky Mountain School of Photography (RMSP $150 GC); Skin Chic; Stacked Stone Photography ~ Louis Matteau Print; Star Shower Designs ~ Earrings by Rella Lembke; Twigs ~ Megan Parker Haircut; UM Golf Course ~ 18 holes with cart for 2 people; Wear Your Roots ~ Apparel (Zootown SEO / My Montana Roots); Wildfire Ceramics

• VSAP Donors / Medical Tents & Water Tables: Hills (HUD VASH / Missoula Therapy, PLLC); Life Chiropractic; Montana VA Health Care ~ 988 RACE BAGS; Out of the Darkness Walk (AFSP); Project Tomorrow Montana; Target.

• VSAP - THANK YOU, MONTANA VA FOR PROVIDING THE 988 RACE BAGS in 2024!

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5/29/24 Certificate of Appreciation sent ~ THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU (We can’t say it enough 😊) to Xsports4Vets, Montana VA Health Care, Holiday Inn Catering, Nestle, Pepsi of Missoula, AND ALL OF OUR OTHER DONORS, musicians, ALL of the VSP/VFE/VOB, VSAP participants / BBQ attendees, and volunteers WHO HELPED MAKE OUR EVENT A SUCCESS! Events like these take a community effort, so it would not happen if there was not support from people like YOU!

Also, thank you to everyone that has shared their pictures – we’ve combined them into the 2024 Heroes at Home & VSAP album - Check ‘em out (IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ADD MORE, SO PLEASE SHARE YOURS): https://www.facebook.com/veteransupportnetwork/photos_albums

A couple of early comments (Thank you for the kind words):

❤ Our family had a wonderful time and it was all for a great cause! Thank you for putting this on and everyone’s times was certainly appreciated. Thank you!

❤ Another great one! The best veterans event in Missoula. Has a lil bit of everything for everyone!

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY BROTHERS & SISTERS!!!

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