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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 DEETS ******

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Experience the VSN at the Heroes @ Home & VSAP

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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!

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  • If you're a service provider, and you’d like your brochures or swag added to the VSAP race bags, please order enough for 300 racers, and contact Erick for pick up: kahilaem@gmail.com

  • Our next VSN Events Committee PLANNING MEETING will be at Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316), Fort Missoula on April 9th at 2pm

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

  • VSAP VOLUNTEERS (Set up, check in, water tables, food service, road guards, medical, etc. - Must be between 10-100 yrs old) 

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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 3/12/25:

Ruben - 2 Patriotic Cakes​

PEPSI CO OF MISSOULA (Soda & water)

Donations as of 3/20/25 (Pictures on Facebook):

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

Bellamah Aesthetics ~ Photo-Fabulous Laser Treatment

Creative & Celtic (Woodwork pending)

Kelly Palmer ~ Guided Flyfishing Trip  

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

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

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

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)

  • 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 - Set up at 9am - MORE INFO under Schedule of Events) RSVP to Shannon, snoble@mt.gov

VSP/VFE/VOB tabling as of 3/18/25:

Bitter Root Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Bitterroot Valley Military Program

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

Hellman Insurance Agency

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

Medicare Advocates / HUMANA

Military OneSource

Missoula Scuba ~ VOB

Montana DPHHS ~ Vocational Rehab and Blind Services (VRBS)

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

Patriot Pin Up

Ravalli County Veterans Service Center

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

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

Walmart Supercenter

​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

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

Schedule of Events: 

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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.

  • 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Colors, welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; Prayer by Rob Ellis; Reading of Names by VSN Leadership (Our brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide); 3 Round Volley

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

  • 1100 FREE FOOD while supplies last ~ 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: TBA

    • 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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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 Clip is a “possibility” and Tom uses Star Nutrition, so he’s confirming w/them. He’s also 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)  

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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 & Camp Discount for American Legion Members!

  • 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

  • Montana Army National Guard Resilience & Risk Reduction

  • Montana Department of Corrections

  • Montana Honor Guard ~ Flags & POW/MIA Table (Chuck is also the Pacific NW Ambassador for PGA HOPE)

  • 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 ~ Veteran Owned Business

  • 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)

  • Volunteers of America Northern Rockies

  • Walmart Supercenter

  • WWP - Montana Wounded Warriors

  • Xsports4Vets

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2024 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: https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY

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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!

5/13/24 UPDATE - Tom, "Steve Smith manages a program that allows folks in wheelchairs to access boats. He reached out and was wondering if he could bring one of those boats" (He'll be in the field between RMMMH & the VSAP start)

  • TATE / RMMMH - Water is scheduled for turn on; Tim from Heritage Center will mow lawn prior to Saturday; Rex will repair benches

  • Stan Cohen will head up RMMMH front desk Saturday from 9 on (phpc@montana.com); Restroom access is restricted / Barricade, etc.

5/2/24 RMMMH Meeting - Tate will be out of town but will be available via cell; Erick will have key; Opening Ceremony details finalized (updated above); T-shirts & safes ordered; Poteet done (cones); Stage & VA 988 Race bags confirmed; Finalizing food w/Holiday Inn.

4/29/24 UPDATE - Nancie, "There are 60 GOAT Guns on the way to Missoula!"

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)

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.​

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

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Sponsor ~ Heroes at Home BBQ

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