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!
Experience the VSN at the Heroes @ Home & VSAP
****** 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)
Highlander (Stage)
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
Follow up 6/1/23: Erick reported that 264 people registered for the VSAP ~ THANK YOU! Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com
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:
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 6/1/23 follow up (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)
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!:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) + Swag (Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk)
Be SMART and Moms Demand
Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans
Cabela's ~ Kids Activities, Archery Range
Costco
Herd 2 Human
Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program at The Red Willow Learning Center
Lavana Connection, LLC - VOB
Marine Corps League (MCL)
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
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.
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 Pre-Party ~ 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!
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).
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 :) HUGE SHOUT OUT to Michelle & her team of servers (Michelle Johnson, REALTOR®, PSA - EXIT Realty Missoula (406) 721-1010, michelle@exitrealtymsla.com)
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
PHOTOS ~ 2023 Heroes @ Home BBQ & VSAP
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
2020 Heroes @ Home & Military Appreciation OPEN HOUSE
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" :))
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
AARP Montana
Sponsor ~ Heroes at Home BBQ