****** SAVE THE DATE: MAY 18, 2024

11th Annual Heroes @ Home BBQ and 8th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK

Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316), Fort Missoula

• 0900 VSP / VOB / VFE SET UP ~ See "TABLING" below

• 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 (between the race start & military museum).

• 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; Prayer; National Anthem; TAPS & 3 Round Volley by VFW Honor Guard 

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

• 1100 FREE FOOD while supplies last ~ Anton confirmed Holiday Inn Catering (probably burgers & brats). There are limited picnic tables at the event, so don’t forget your chairs or blankets! THANK YOU PEPSI CO OF MISSOULA (donating pop & water) AND Nestle (donating cakes, Nesquik & water)

• 1100 - 1500ish

  • LIVE MUSIC: Mike Johnston and Jaden Decker

  • 1200: Monte appearance

  • Activities for the KIDDOS: Face painting, corn hole, cotton candy machine, squirt guns, Pink Grizzly fun, Cabela’s bow & arrow, bowling, hula hoops, and more!

  • Silent Auction (SEE DONATE below) & Resource Fair: VSP/VFE/VOB will be set up around the perimeter and OPEN HOUSE at Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (indoor restroom closed - porta potties available outside).

• 1400-1500 VSAP Awards

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****** 2024 FACEBOOK EVENT - PLEASE SHARE: https://www.facebook.com/events/396630959488025

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5/2 VSN Events CMTE Meeting ~ For anyone that would like to see the event site, we’ll be meeting May 2nd at 3pm (Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History is at 2975 General Foster Ave. BLDG T-316).

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5/15 VSAP Pre-Party ~ We will NOT have a speaker at the VSN's Monthly Veteran Service Provider (VSP) Meeting (VFW Post 209, 245 W. Main St., Missoula, 3pm) because we will be filling VSAP RACE BAGS! If you're a service provider, and you’d like your brochures or swag added to the race bags, please order enough for 400 racers, and drop the items off at the Vet Center on Brooks by 5/10 

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5/17 VSAP PICK UP (EARLY CHECK IN) ~ Friday, May 17th: Package pick-up will be 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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TABLING - Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers (VFE), or Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) are invited to table for FREE! (MUST bring own canopy, table, and chairs) RSVP to Shannon, snoble@mt.gov

Set up is at 9am ~ 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 & 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).

Confirmed as of 4/23/24:

• 988 Suicide Prevention ~ Western Montana Mental Health Ctr

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) & Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk 

• American Legion

• Art and Movement Summer Camp ~ Crafts for kiddos & Camp Discount for American Legion Members!

• Be SMART

• Bitterroot Valley Military Program

• Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans

• Congressman Zinke's Office

• Farmer Veteran Coalition of Montana

• The Learning Center at Red Willow ~ Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program

• Marine Corps League

• Military OneSource

• Mobile Vet Center

• Montana Department of Corrections

• Montana Honor Guard ~ Flags & POW/MIA Table

• Missoula Housing Authority

• Montana Army National Guard

• Montana National Guard Resilience & Risk Reduction

• 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 Voc Rehab and Blind Services

• NW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Camp Ponderosa

• Patriot Pin Up

• Penta Verve ~ Veteran Owned Business

• Poverello Center ~ Veteran Services Team

• Ravalli County Veterans Service Center

• U.S. Air Force ~ 368th Recruiting Squadron, Missoula

• U.S. Senator Daines Office ~ Deputy Director of Constituent Services, Missoula Area Field Representative

• Veterans Inc.

• Volunteers of America Northern Rockies

• Walmart Supercenter
• Wounded Warrior Project ~ Montana Wounded Warriors
• Xsports4Vets

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DONATE, VOLUNTEER / QUESTIONS:

• Event Site: Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (MAIL to P.O. Box 7263, Missoula, MT 59807 https://lnkd.in/dedhkwq) If you enjoy our exhibits and programs as much as we enjoy bringing them to you, we would welcome you to the ranks of our sustaining members. Questions: Tate (406) 239-7738,  militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

• Heroes at Home BBQ ~ Check donations - 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

• Logistics / Media Contact: Anton - Xsports4Vets (406) 396-8390 OR Mobile Vet Center, Anton.Johnson@va.gov

• Silent Auction Donors ~ Please contact Rebecca for questions and/or to coordinate donation pick up (406) 549-4113, ext. 106, Cell (406) 241-3542,  rstancil@missoulahousing.org; SA Donors as of 4/25/24:

  • ALPS ~ Gift Basket

  • AM Scott, Author ~ Veteran's Book Series

  • Art and Movement Summer Camp ~ Tuition for a Week

  • Barb Vandercook ~ Quilt, runners and place mats

  • Becky Pederson ~ Gift Basket

  • Cindi Laukes ~ Gift Basket

  • Creative & Celtic ~ Woodwork

  • Kelly Palmer ~ Guided Fishing Trip

  • Kate, "My Boozy Nutz”

  • Papa Murphy's

  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) ~ Large Welded Flag & Pull Saw (wall displays)

  • Skin Chic

  • Stacked Stone Photography ~ Louis Matteau Print

  • Twigs ~ Megan Parker Haircut

  • UM Golf Course ~ 18 holes with cart for 2 people

• VSAP VOLUNTEERS (Check in, water table, food service, road guards, medical, etc. - Must be between 10-100 yrs old): https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MT/FtMissoula/VSAPVeteranSuicideawarenessandprevention

• VSAP Medical Tents & Water Tables:

  • Greater Good Health

  • Hills (HUD VASH / Missoula Therapy, PLLC)

  • Life Chiropractic

  • Out of the Darkness Walk (AFSP)

  • Project Tomorrow Montana

  • Target

  • Team Rubicon

• VSAP - ONLINE donations: https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY; Questions: Erick - VSAP Coordinator, kahilaem@gmail.com

• Xsports4Vets - ONLINE donations: http://xsports4vets.org; Questions: Anton (406) 396-8390

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4/17/24 Meeting:

• Anton & Erick confirmed Opening Ceremony details (prayer, 3 round volley, etc.) 

• VTS will be transporting Veterans from the Valor House

• Xsports4Vets are donating additional kids’ activities (bowling, hula hoops, etc.)

• Simkins-Hallin Lumber’s banner is done (Erick’s sister is an annual donor)

• Chuck will also be providing an iPod with all the "Bugle Calls" (to do with National Anthem), and he’s thinking about setting up a net and letting folks hit golf balls!

4/12/24 Meeting at RMMMH:

• Skyler (VOA and owner of “The Pasture” event planning) had quite the update on kids’ activities for the BBQ! Her and Jackie would like to provide face painting, corn hole, a cotton candy machine, squirt guns, Pink Grizzly fun, Cabela’s bow & arrow, and more! Does anyone have extra canopies they can provide for the kids’ activities section? (ASK in VSN update / listserv 4/16/24) If so, please let her know: skyler.shauvin@voanr.org

• The men tested out a large canopy for the silent auction; Anton confirmed Sweet Pea & Holiday Inn Catering (probably burgers & brats); Tate’s going to get the Civil War Re-enactors; Erick confirmed the t-shirts will be Air Force blue this year; Shannon confirmed Monte’s appearance 12-1pm.

3/27/24 UPDATE - We talked to John from the fire department, and he’s going to try and bring the fire engine w/his dalmatian, so the large parking area in front of RMMMH will be reserved for him and Anton – Mobile Vet Center (and handicapped parking ONLY).

• 3/25/24 UPDATE - Jerry confirmed PEPSI products & water will be donated "Luke will be in touch with you to line up everything you need for the BBQ."

3/20/24 Meeting:

• Erick confirmed Mike Johnston and our beloved Jaden Decker will be playing again! (Clint will be setting up, and we’ll make sure there’s not a long pause between) He also has medical tents (Jen – GGH & Chiropractor) and 4 water tables confirmed: Target, Project Tomorrow MT, Team Rubicon (Paul confirmed 3/21).

• Anton is working on BBQ (possible burgers & brats) and scheduling time to be on Newstalk KGVO. Clayton confirmed Tish is promoting our event in the Run Wild Missoula newsletter.

• Nancie confirmed Goat Guns will be donating again, but we’re not sure how many.

• Jackie & Skyler volunteered to take over the kids activities, and we discussed having face painting, games, Your Fairy Godmothers, and more.

• Daryl (UM Military & Veteran Services Office) would like to table as his Veteran Owned Business, and we discussed possibly having a Veteran-Owned vendor section in the future. In the past, Veteran owned vendors were allowed if they donated a silent auction item and/or a percentage of their profits. Daryl said he’d be willing to manage the area if we decide to do it next year.

2/20/24 Meeting:

• Permitting is complete and VSAP registration is open: https://runsignup.com/vsap . Erick also confirmed 30+ people registered for VSAP already (in line w/last year’s numbers). Run Wild Missoula will be advertising for us, and MYCA confirmed they'll be providing volunteers again. Erick also contacted Veterans Matter (musicians) - We’re SEEKING different bands, and Skyler (VOA) provided Erick with some ideas (Wild Prairie Smoke).

• We’ll have alternative payment methods for the silent auction utilizing Xsports4Vets (Venmo, square, etc.), and Jeni’s working on getting excursions for the silent auction (Timmy also contacted Kelly Palmer for a fishing trip).

VSAP Update - Dr. Austin Davis, Life Chiropractic, "We just wanted to reach out and introduce ourselves. We noticed you have the Veteran Suicide Awareness Run coming up in May and would appreciate the opportunity to volunteer chiropractic services, free of charge. We specialize in athletes (and people of all types) and would love to provide care before and/or after the race!"

1/17/24 Meeting:

• Erick got the permit for the VSAP run/walk/RUCK route & updated the reg page (minor increase in walk price $10 to $15). Erick’s also going to investigate possible VA 988 race bags. Anton & Erick discussed prizes (safe for 1st place and SCHEELS gift cards for other prizes).

• Service providers that want to donate swag for the race bags should order enough for 400 racers and have the items to the Vet Center on Brooks by 5/10.

• We need someone to take over the kids’ activities, and Bre has agreed to announce VSAP awards.

• Dr. Deakins would like to provide a medical tent (Jen from GGH may also have one).

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TAKE A LOOK BACK....

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PHOTOS ~ 2023 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP

LINKS TO ALL PHOTO ALBUMS (2014 - 2022):

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

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May 20, 2023 Thank you to the following supporters last year:

Chuck and LouAnn Ball of Helena ~ VSAP Water Table; Competitive Timing ~ Race equipment; Goat Guns; Highlander (Stage); Humana + Race Bags & $500 Donor; Missoula Therapy PLLC / HUD VASH ~ VSAP Water Table; SCHEELS (safes); Starbucks ~ 250 cold cups; Poteet Construction ~ Cones & Signage.

DONATIONS and/or Support: AARP Montana ~ $1,000 towards BBQ; Anonymous donation of 30 folding metal chairs; Costco ~ Water + Treats; Holiday Inn Catering; Nestle ~ Drinks & Luau & Patriotic CAKES from Albertson's; PepsiCo of Missoula ~ Water, sodas and Hawaiian Punch; VFW & Xsports4Vets

2023 SILENT AUCTION (Rebecca reported $2,920 was raised which will be used to support future events & Veteran programs ~ THANK YOU!): ALPS ~ Under armor cooler,  sunscreen, ball cap, golf balls, glove & UM Golf Course (2 passes + golf cart); AM Scott, Author ~ “Bitter Haven ~ Bitterroot Montana Veterans” Book Series; Anonymous ~ Vietnam Wall (Print); Black Rifle Coffee; Cheerful Quilts ~ 2 Quilts; Creative & Celtic ~ Woodwork; Elite Sports ~ Expandable Duffle Bag. Checkout Viking Bags, Elite Sports and Born Tough!; Float Missoula ~ Float Therapy; Grizzly Gulch Publications, LLC / Montana 4x4 Trails ~ 4x4 Routes of Western Montana; Kate, "My Boozy Nutz” ; Keely Photography ~ Framed Print (Vintage Aircraft); Lake Missoula Tea Company; Lavana Connection ~ VOB Gift Basket; Missoula Therapy, PLLC ~ Counseling Session; apa Murphy's ~ Russell St. (Vouchers); Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) ~ YETI Backpack Cooler; Rocky Mountain School of Photography ~ $250 gift certificate towards Summer and/or Professional Intensive; Skin Chic ~ “Jane Iredale” Products; Stacked Stone Photography ~ Louis Matteau Print; Stockman Bank ~ “Home Sweet Home” Gift Basket (Spirits); UM Neural Injury Center (NIC)  Director ~ “Summer Kick Back” package (2 GC: Conflux & Tamarack) +more; Wildfire Ceramic Studio ~ Bowl by Bruce Kitts & YETI River Cooler from Mary Thomas

2023 VSP/VOB/VFE: AARP Montana; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) + Swag (Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk); Be SMART and Moms Demand; Bitterroot Valley Military Program; Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans; Cabela's ~ Kids Activities, Archery Range; Costco; Grand Canyon University; Herd 2 Human; Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program at The Red Willow Learning Center; Humana; Lavana Connection, LLC - VOB; Marine Corps League (MCL); Military OneSource; Missoula Housing Authority; Mobile Vet Center; Montana Army National Guard ~ Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist; Montana DLI Registered Apprenticeship Program; Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA); Montana VA Health Care System ~ Enrollments, healthcare benefits, etc.; Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD); Montana Veterans Association (MVA); Montana Vet Program (MVP); Montana Vocational Rehabilitation; Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA) ~ VOLUNTEERS; Patriot Pin Up Montana; Ravalli County Veteran Center; UM Military and Veteran Services Office (MVSO); U.S. Senator Steve Daines ~ Field Representative / Casework Liaison; U.S. Senator Tester's Office Field Representative (no table / walking around); Veterans Inc.; Volunteers of America Northern Rockies; Walmart South & Supercenter; Wounded Warrior Program (Montana Wounded Warriors) ~ Anton w/ Xsports4Vets; CANCELLATIONS (FE, illness, etc.): IAWP, MANG Substance Abuse Coordinator, NW MT Veterans Food Pantry; NO SHOW: Easterseals-Goodwill​ Northern Rocky Mountain Inc.; Operation Next Montana.

OPENING CEREMONY: American Legion Color Guard; Prayer by Rob Ellis (VFW Chaplain) and National Anthem by Trisa Paul; VSAP Presentation (Sam Bashaw read the names of our military brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide); TAPS & 3 Round Volley by VFW Honor Guard

HUGE SHOUT OUT to Michelle & her team of servers (Michelle Johnson, REALTOR®, PSA - EXIT Realty Missoula (406) 721-1010, michelle@exitrealtymsla.com

We had LIVE MUSIC by Jaden Decker AND Kyle Hunter & the Mountain Standard and Cabela's provided their archery range! We had VSAP Medals for participants / walkers and SCHEELS SAFES: 1st Place run & RUCK - Under the Bed; 2nd Place run & RUCK - House Safe; 3rd Place run & RUCK - Pistol Safe; 4th Place run & RUCK - Gun Lock

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Sincerely, VSN Leadership Team ~ Anton, Erick, Rebecca, Shannon, Tate & Tom