​****** May 20, 2023 ~ Armed Forces Day! ******

10th Annual Heroes @ Home and 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK

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

1000 OPENING CEREMONY & 1030 VSAP (FULL SCHEDULE of EVENTS BELOW)

****** SINCE IT'S OUR 10TH ANNUAL H@H WE'RE HAVING A LUAU THEME with PULLED PORK! ******

• 2023 Facebook Event ~ Please share with Veterans, service members, their families / caregivers / survivors, and EVERYONE who supports them: https://www.facebook.com/events/1303727460407573/

• VSAP REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN (Run, Walk OR RUCK) : https://runsignup.com/vsap

• 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

  • Chuck and LouAnn Ball of Helena ~ VSAP Water Table

  • Competitive Timing ~ Race equipment

  • Goat Guns (60 Veterans will receive one at early check in at Vet Center Fri 5/19)

  • Humana + Race Bags & $500 Donor

  • Missoula Therapy PLLC / HUD VASH ~ VSAP Water Table

  • SCHEELS is donating one of the safes (See VSAP Awards under Schedule of Events 1400 below)

  • Starbucks ~ 250 cold cups

  • Poteet Construction ~ Cones & Signage

  • Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com

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DONATIONS and/or Support for the VSN's annual Heroes at Home & VSAP May 20, 2023

The VSN Events CMTE will meet 5/10 at RMMMH & 5/17 at VFW (both at 3pm), but if you're not able to join us & want to help, here are our VSN Leadership organizations:

• 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 (pulled pork w/ Luau theme): 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. Food Donors / Sponsors & 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

• SILENT AUCTION: Please contact Rebecca - MHA for questions and/or to coordinate pick up (406) 529-1176, rstancil@missoulahousing.org; Silent Auction Donations as of 5/23/23 (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)

  • Lavana Connection ~ VOB Gift Basket

  • Missoula Therapy, PLLC ~ Counseling Session

  • Papa 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

• TABLING - Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers (VFE), or Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) - FREE/ RSVP to Shannon - DVOP, snoble@mt.gov (MUST bring own canopy, table, and chairs) Set up is at 9am (See schedule of events below) ~ Please feel free to decorate for our LUAU THEME. 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), or in HMFM lawn (between the gazebo and the military museum). Confirmed ATTENDEES 5/23/23 ~ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!:

  • 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

  • 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

• VSAP - ONLINE donations: https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY

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

VSAP PICK UP (EARLY CHECK IN) ~ Friday, May 19th: Package pick-up will be at the Missoula Vet Center from 1000 to 1800. Please pick-up event package (T-Shirt, Swag *AND SOME EXTRA SURPRISES FOR EARLY CHECK IN ONLY) on this date to ensure smooth participant flow the morning of the VSAP Event (Yes, if you’re unable to make it to the Vet Center on Friday, check in at the gazebo in the HMFM lawn after 9am Saturday).

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2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for May 20th:

• 0900 VSAP Check In ~ If you were unable to pick up your race bag Friday at the Vet Center (info above), it will be at the gazebo in the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula lawn Saturday morning. Thank you to HMFM!

• 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; American Legion Color Guard; Prayer by Rob Ellis (VFW Chaplain) and National Anthem by Trisa Paul; VSAP Presentation (Sam will read the names of our military brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide); TAPS & 3 Round Volley by VFW Honor Guard

• 1030 Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK 

• 1100 FREE FOOD while supplies last ~ There are limited picnic tables at the event, so don’t forget your chairs or blankets! RMMMH received a donation of 30 folding metal chairs :)

• 1100 - 1500ish

  • LIVE MUSIC: Jaden Decker AND Kyle Hunter & the Mountain Standard

  • Jaden Decker has a Country/Americana psychedelic jam-band sound & is the son of long-time VSN member & Army Veteran, Clint Decker. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/jadendeckerofficial

  • AND Kyle Hunter & the Mountain Standard. Kyle is a Navy Veteran - Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/KyleHunterMusic

  • 1200: Monte appearance

  • Activities for the KIDDOS: Games, Cabela's archery range!

  • Silent Auction & 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: 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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VSN Leadership TEAM (See "Who We Are" for more info) & VSN Events CMTE:

Anton - Logistics/Media (406) 396-8390, Anton.Johnson@va.gov

Erick & Clayton - VSAP Coordinators, kahilaem@gmail.com

Rebecca - Silent Auction (406) 549-4113, ext. 106, C (406) 529-1176,  rstancil@missoulahousing.org

Sandra - Kid's Activities, sandratreadaway@gmail.com

Shannon - TABLING, snoble@mt.gov

Tate - Event SITE (406) 239-7738,  militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

Bronson (GCU), Jen (Humana), Nancie (VOA), Sam & Tom (Veterans & "Event Gatekeepers" :))

VSN Events CMTE Meetings ~ Summaries 5/23/23: Erick confirmed 264 people registered for the VSAP! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

5/10/23 Meeting ~ Plans FINALIZED! WE'LL BE ORDERING PIZZA WEDNESDAY, 5/17 for the The VSN's Monthly Veteran Service Provider (VSP) Meeting, VFW Post 209, 245 W. Main St., Missoula, 3pm ~ We will NOT have a speaker because we will be filling VSAP RACE BAGS! If you’d like your brochures or swag added to the bags, please bring them!

4/26/23 Meeting

• Rebecca & Anton discussed the new silent auction donations & Anton will get stenciled Ammo cans for donations. Shannon brought some Luau themed decorations, photo background, and cake plates. Holiday Inn will be providing the pulled pork sandwiches & coleslaw, so Anton will get chips, plates, etc. at Costco.

• Erick said there are 140 registered VSAP participants (Run Wild is not providing equip this year - getting cones from Poteet & race start/finish from Competitive Timing). Clayton has confirmed stage from Highlander (will be picking up early and storing at RMMMH). Jeni, Tina & Sam will be helping with early check in at the Vet Center Friday, 5/19 at 9am

• We scheduled the last planning meeting for 5/10 at 3pm (RMMMH), VA2K is 5/17 as well as filling VSAP race bags at VFW 5/17 at 3pm, and PGA HOPE is 5/18, so it will be a busy week!

4/19/23 VSP Meeting

• Anton confirmed Holiday Inn will be catering the pulled pork sandwiches, Michelle is getting a team together to help serve the food, and he’s recruiting the Sentinel Key Club.

• Erick said 111 people have registered for the VSAP (run, walk, and/or RUCK). He’s ordering the t-shirts next week, so please register ASAP to guarantee your t-shirt size: https://runsignup.com/vsap; He’s also been elected to “Acting Director” of the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (RMMMH – our event site).

• Nancie’s working on getting 200 Goat Guns (for VSAP – Veteran race/swag bags) and Rebecca discussed the silent auction (Kate’s adding a basket of “My Boozy Nutz”)

• Senta said Costco has given her the green light to join our VSN again – the company halted outreach/marketing efforts pre-covid, so she’s happy to be back. She will work on getting a donation of water and swag bag treats

3/22/23 Meeting

• Anton has checked in w/all the BBQ places (booked), but he said Tom is coordinating w/Holiday Inn to possibly provide the catering. He will also confirm Honor Guard (Terry Zeba - sp?), 3 round volley, and offered Xsports account for Missoula Copy (Rebecca's silent auction sign). 

• Erick confirmed Kim (VA Police) is going to volunteer along w/MYCA & will ask Tate about CAP; Amy Hill (HUD VASH) & her husband (Float Missoula) are hosting a water table, but we could use another one. Erick & Clayton are shirt shopping Friday & will look into Luau attire. They will also be finalizing the VSAP route Sat & Mon. PRIZES: SCHEELS offered one FREE safe! 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).

• Nancie is coordinating a donation for 200 Goatguns (possibly for early check in participants) & Black Rifle Coffee (silent auction).

• Sam confirmed Trisa for National Anthem, will help with early check in at Vet Center FRI & offered to read the names of our military brothers & sisters who lost the battle to suicide

3/10/23 Updates - Anton & Erick, "Poteet Construction is providing cones (75-100 candlesticks), Missoula Bone & Joint may set up medical tent, Nancy is coordinating a donation w/ "Goatguns", and Kohl's is trying to get a team & volunteers"

2/22/23 Meeting

• Anton is getting catering estimates from Montana Q, Notorious PIG & Up in Smoke (~400 people/pulled pork).

• We discussed other “Luau themed” sides (pineapple, Hawaiian rolls / punch, Luau themed cupcakes / desserts, etc.) – Shannon contacted Ruben, Nestle (donating HI rolls-Franz & Luau cupcakes) and Jerry, Pepsi

• Erick confirmed MYCA & Clayton is reaching out to Highlander & East Gate Rental (stage & sandwich board signs).

• Jaden Decker is confirmed to perform, and Anton/Tom will reach out to Kyle Hunter (possibly sharing stage/music/equipment).

• Tate talked to Carolyn, and she offered the Gazebo area again. Heads up: water will be turned on 4/1, so restroom at RMMMH will not be available for our meetings until then (Anton secured potties for the event).

• Shannon reached out to ZACC, and they are interested in tabling / providing an art activity for the kids section (tentative w/Joe Kirk cc: Sandra)

• Shannon will confirm Humana bags from Jen, and Nancie (VOA) and Bronson (GCU) are both looking into providing smaller bags & swag.

• Sam is asking 2 friends about singing the National Anthem.

1/25/23 Meeting

• Erick said the insurance is covered, Competitive Timing is locked in, and VSAP registration is OPEN -  Erick’s looking into shirts and is asking Elks to help with safes again. Clayton will contact Run Wild Missoula

• Erick said MYCA has already agreed to help again (Mike Weldon), and MAS volunteers are available.

• Tom is/will be in contact with Emily from Downtown Missoula and confirmed Jaden Decker -Tom will contact Clint for Kyle Hunter. Since Kyle was cut off last year, we would prefer both musicians play just over an hour each 11-12:30 and 12:30-2pm

• Rebecca would like to make the silent auction more visible, so we discussed moving it by the band or in the center of the lawn near the kid’s activities.

• Cabela’s “I will request both the archery range and BB Gun range if that is what the committee decides on. I will also try to get games as I did last year. I know we donated water last year and I can ask again if that is something we would like.”

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Check out our past events (LINKS TO PHOTO ALBUMS):

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

• 2022 Photos by Keely Photography; Louis Matteau (Stacked Stone Photography); Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy; Ashlee (Friend of Jen – Humana); Bob Mortenson (USN & VA Retired); Pam, Heather & McKenna (Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans); Lee (Veteran); Rebecca (MHA & VSN Leadership Team); Sam (USOH & MVA); Shannon (DVOP & VSN Leadership Team); Shonna (Elite OneSource); Dan & Laura (Homeward 4 Heroes) ~ Thank you all for sharing!

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Take a look back at 2022 ~ Heroes @ Home & VSAP: ​It was a GREAT day to celebrate, honor & remember our Hometown Heroes!!! We want to express our gratitude to Missoula Elks Lodge ($1,500 for safes), Montana AARP ($1,000 for food), Humana (VSAP race bags), Albertson's (Cakes), Cabela's (Kid's activities), Pepsi of Missoula (Soda & Water), AND ALL OF OUR OTHER DONORS, VSP/VFE/VOB (listed below), participants, and volunteers WHO HELPED MAKE OUR EVENT A SUCCESS! Events like these take a community to hold, and it would not happen if there was not support from people like YOU!

• 2022 SILENT AUCTION ~ "Over $1,300 was raised through the Auction" which will be used for future events & to support Veteran Programs: AM Scott - Author "The Quantum Fold and Folding Space Series"; Becky, USMC Veteran ~ Gift Basket; Cabela's ~ Spinning Rod, reel, bag, lures, stickers; Cheerful Quilts (Maria) ~ Quilt; Cindi Laukes, MA, MFA ~ "Camping Necessities" Gift Basket (Spatula, cooking spices, Hurley clippers, Thule Crossover travel organizer, metal water bottle, scarf); Creative & Celtic ~ Wood Art; Keely Flatow Photography ~ Framed Print of Miss Montana & Professional photos; Marjorie Coots Doyle & Mary Wachtel ~ 2 Quilts; Papa Murphy's Take & Bake Pizza ~ Gift Certificates; Rocky Mountain School of Photography ~ $150 Gift Certificate for Training; Skin Chic ~ Spa Bucks $25 on Services, Spongology Body Wash, Epionce Healthy Skin Discovert Set, Spongelle Sponge, and Epionce Body Cream; VSAP Race Bag Swag: AARP Montana; AFSP Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk; Albertson's (snacks); Dementia Friendly Missoula; Missoula Vet Center; Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD); RMMMH / Buffalo Soldiers & Iron Riders; VSN Leadership (Program & VSN map).

• Our "Heroes at Home" and HEROES HELPING HEROES: AARP Montana ~ Donor; Albertson's ~ Donor (2 cakes & VSAP snacks); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Montana AFSP) ~ VSAP Water Table; American Legion Post 27 ~ Donor (stage, mic/speakers, podium, bell); Bitterroot DAR ~ Daughters of the American Revolution; Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans; Cabela's ~ Donor (Silent Auction) & Kids Activities; Dog Tag Buddies; Elite One Source; Herd 2 Human @ Willowbend Farm; Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP) ~ Learning Center at Red Willow; Homeward For Heroes; Humana ~ Donor & VSP; Impact Montana; Keely Flatow ~ Donor & Photographer; Marine Corps League; Missoula "Hell Gate" Elks Lodge 383 ~ Donor (Safes); Missoula Housing Authority; Mobile Vet Center; Montana DLI - Registered Apprenticeship; Montana Vocational Rehab; Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA) ~ 10 VOLUNTEERS; My 365 Days With The Wolfhounds In Vietnam ~ John Quintrell, Author / book signing inside RMMMH; Pepsi-Cola of Missoula ~ Donor; Poverello Veterans Support Service Team ~ HMH & Valor House; Resort at Paws Up; Simkins-Hallin Lumber ~ Donor; UM Military and Veteran Services Office (MVSO); United States of Hope ~ Montana Vet Assoc; US Navy; US Senator Daines Office ~ Veteran & Family Services; VA Montana ~ Local Recovery Coordinator, Mental Health & Peer Support & Community Employment Coordinator / Homeless Veteran Recovery Program; VFW Catering; Veterans Inc.; Volunteers of America; Wounded Warrior Project; Xsports4Vets; AND Special Guest / Volunteer: Bob Mortenson (USN Retired) ~ VA Welcome Kits

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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