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

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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 brothers & sisters, the VSN hosts an annual “Heroes @ Home” on ARMED FORCES DAY (3rd Saturday) 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!

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​​THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Heroes @ Home & VSAP 2022!!!

​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!


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 Flatow 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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VSN Leadership TEAM (See "Who We Are" for more info):

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

Erick - VSAP Coordinator (406) 224-3334, kahilaem@gmail.com

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

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

Shannon - TABLING. RSVP snoble@mt.gov

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

Tom - "Event Gatekeeper" (623) 229-1225 thomas.curran1@va.gov

 

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Experience the VSN at the Heroes @ Home & VSAP

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​​****** May 21, 2022 ~ Armed Forces Day! ******

9th Annual Heroes @ Home and 6th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK

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

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2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for May 21st:

  • 0900 VSAP Check In ~ If you were unable to pick up your race bag Friday at the Vet Center, it will be at the gazebo at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Saturday morning. Thank you to Run Wild Missoula for providing all the race equipment!

  • 0900 SET UP - Service Providers/Employers/Veteran Owned Businesses (VSP/VFE/VOB listed below), YOU ARE welcome to PULL UP TO THE MUSEUM TO UNLOAD (please bring your own canopy, table & chairs) at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316); however, please park away from the museum afterwards because the Mobile Vet Center and firetruck will need room to park in front. PLEASE DO NOT set up in the lawn of the military museum (this area is reserved for the bands, attendees/picnic tables, 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).

  • 1000 OPENING CEREMONY ~ Welcome & announcements by VSN Leadership; Prayer by Rob Ellis (VFW Chaplain) and National Anthem by JD (Army Veteran); 3 Round Volley by Honor Guard; VSAP Presentation (Reading of names).

  • 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! Food Donors: AARP Montana (JJ's) & Albertson's (Cakes) & Pepsi Co of Missoula (Soda & water).

  • 1100 - 1500ish

    • LIVE MUSIC: Music ~ 90 minute set by JD & The Western Front Band (Army Vet - Country & Classic Rock): https://www.facebook.com/hotmtcountry21

    • AND THEN (1pm-ish) Kyle Hunter & The Smoke House Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz-DC_nv65o (Navy Vet ~ Thank you to Clint Decker, Clark Fork Entertainment!)

    • Activities for the KIDDOS: Games, coloring sheets, Cabela's archery / bb gun range, and obstacle course! Also, our friends, Monte and Your Fairy Godmothers (Ariel and Spiderman) will be making an appearance around noon.

    • Silent Auction & Resource Fair: VSP/VFE/VOB will be set up around the perimeter (listed below), and there will be a book signing (John Quintrell "My 365 Days With The Wolfhounds In Vietnam" http://wolfhounds2nd27th.org/) 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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****** 2022 DONORS & VSP/VFE/VOB ****** THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

SILENT AUCTION DONORS ("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: https://KeelyFlatow.pixieset.com/vsap2022/

  • 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.

  • Pictures of items received are available on the "Discussion" tab of the FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/905875606768566/

  • 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).

More Donors & TABLES: Veteran Service Providers (VSP), "Veteran-Friendly" employers (VFE) & Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) - Please BRING your own canopy, table & chairs (set up is at 9am)

TABLES ~ 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) & VSP

  • Bitterroot DAR ~ Daughters of the American Revolution

  • Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans ~ VSP

  • Cabela's ~ Donor (Silent Auction) & Kids Activities

  • Dog Tag Buddies ~ VSP

  • Elite One Source ~ VFE

  • Herd 2 Human @ Willowbend Farm ~ VSP

  • Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP) ~ Learning Center at Red Willow (VSP)

  • Homeward For Heroes ~ VSP

  • HUD VASH ~ Donor (VSAP Coordinator)

  • Humana ~ Donor & VSP

  • Impact Montana ~ VSP

  • Keely Flatow ~ Donor & Photographer https://keelyflatow.mypixieset.com/

  • Marine Corps League ~ VSP

  • Missoula "Hell Gate" Elks Lodge 383 ~ Donor (Safes)

  • Missoula Housing Authority ~ VSP

  • Mobile Vet Center ~ VSP

  • Montana DLI - Registered Apprenticeship (VSP) & Job Service DVOP (Donor: Supplies, Toys)

  • Montana Vocational Rehab ~ VSP

  • 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 (Soda & Water)

  • Poverello Veterans Support Service Team ~ HMH & Valor House (VSP)

  • Resort at Paws Up ~ VFE

  • Simkins-Hallin Lumber ~ Donor

  • UM Military and Veteran Services Office (MVSO - VSP)

  • United States of Hope ~ Montana Vet Assoc. (VSP)

  • US Navy ~ VFE

  • US Senator Daines Office ~ Veteran & Family Services (VSP)

  • VA Montana ~ Local Recovery Coordinator, Mental Health & Peer Support (VSP)

  • VA Montana ~ Community Employment Coordinator / Homeless Veteran Recovery Program (VSP)

  • VFW Catering ~ Vendor

  • Veterans Inc. ~ VSP

  • Volunteers of America ~ VSP

  • Wounded Warrior Project ~ VSP

  • Xsports4Vets ~ Donor & VSP

  • Special Guest / Volunteer: Bob Mortenson (USN Retired) ~ VA Welcome Kits

6/27/22 TY letters have been sent out, so if we missed you, please let us know ~

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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

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*** VSN Events Committee Meetings

5/6/22 Field Trip ~ Event Site:

  • We NEED a couple more volunteers to man a water table around the VSAP route for VSAP (along with sign in, road guards, parking, etc.) – VOLUNTEER: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MT/FtMissoula/VSAPVeteranSuicideawarenessandprevention MYCA is providing 10 volunteers to help with set up, trash, “manpower” and break down, so thank you Kamille Berquist!

  • Dale (AL Post 27) is letting us use their stage (along with mic/speakers, podium & bell) & will be meeting Erick 5/19or20 to get the stage; Sandra will bring the ranges but will need help setting them up (DVOP is bringing her markers for the kid's coloring station).

  • If you’re interested in donating information or swag for the VSAP race bags, please feel free to drop items off at the Missoula Vet Center, 910 Brooks St., Missoula any time before 5/17. We will be filling VSAP race bags at the VFW on 5/18 at 2pm

4/20/22:

  • We could REALLY use some more Silent Auction items – please contact Rebecca ASAP! Erick said Scheels is donating an item. Sandra from VOA & Cabela’s also has ton of fun lined up for the kiddos. She would love some help if you’re interested.

  • John Quintrell, Author of “My 365 Days with the Wolfhounds in Vietnam” will be doing a book signing inside the museum. Thank you, Denny (Daines Office) for getting John to the event and to Tate, for making sure he’ll have a space in the museum (Tate may be away May 13 - June 2, but he’ll designate a liaison and have them  attend planning meetings).

3/16/22:

  • VSAP train ups have started, so if you’d like to practice walking the VSAP route with us, meet us between the FMRP pavilion and RMMMH every Saturday at 11am.

  • The Mobile Vet Center will be at the 100th anniversary of Fort Harrison May 18-19, and then back to Missoula on the 20th for the VSAP check in at the Vet Center on Brooks (always the Friday before VSAP).  

  • Humana offered to provide pull-string backpacks and reflective head and/or wrist bands for swag (requested both).

2/16/22:

  • Donations made on the VSAP website (https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY) are administered by Xsports4Vets (http://xsports4vets.org). Check donations should be made out to Ole Beck VFW Post 209 (Mail to 245 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802). We’re looking into getting Firehouse Subs which is a Veteran Owned Franchise in Missoula (and nationally “Founded by Firemen, Firehouse Subs generously serves food and community”): https://www.firehousesubs.com/

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Take a look back at LAST YEAR ​****** 2021 DONORS ****** THANK YOU!!!

  • a2z Supply Corp ~ Silent Auction (Tactical Long Gun Light & Lock, Value $680); AARP Montana (1K for Jimmy John's); Albertson's (Trempers) ~ 3 CAKES! (2 white / 1 chocolate); Alpine Physical Therapy ~ $100 VSAP Donation; Cabela's ~ Archery Range; Cheerful Quilts ~ Silent Auction (“Sugar and Spice” quilt featured in Quilter's World! 67x67" valued $300 by Tavy Umhey); Humana ~ $500.00 sponsorship & VSAP race bags/swag; Keely Flatow, USAF Veteran & Photographer ~ Silent Auction (Large, framed print of Miss Montana); Lowe's ~ Silent Auction (GRILL2GO X200 + Utensils & Rub); Papa Murphy's (Russell) ~ $ Check donation + Enter to win prize at the Silent Auction table (family sized pizza a month for a year!); Pepsi-Cola of Missoula ~ Supplying all pop & water for the event; Rocky Mountain School of Photography ~ Enter to win at the Silent Auction table ($200 gift certificate good for any class at RMSP!); Run Wild Missoula ~ Race Equipment; Simkins-Hallin Lumber ~ $300 VSAP Donation; Sweet Pea Sewer & Septic ~ Discount; UM VETS Office ~ Silent Auction (Camp Gear: Head Lamp, Leatherman, etc.)

  • VSAP Donations (Multiple donors ~ THANK YOU!): https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MT/FtMissoula/VSAPVeteranSuicideawarenessandprevention

​2021 Veteran Service Providers (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employers & Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB): American Legion Post 27; 2B's Carpentry ~ Employer; Dog Tag Buddies ~ 2 Trainers; Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) & Mobile Support Team; Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain Inc.; Humana; Impact Montana; Lowe's ~ Staffing; Missoula Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (VOB) + Mats; Missoula Housing Authority FSS Director; Missoula Vet Center / Mobile Vet Center; Missoula Veterans Court; Missoula Works / Missoula Interfaith Collaborative; Montana Army NG Family Programs ~ Military & Family Readiness Coordinator (LCSW, MAC, SAP); Montana DLI Job Service - Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) & Local Veterans Employment Rep (LVER); Montana DPHHS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Montana Vet Program (MVP) ~ Team Leader (Outdoor Program); Red Willow Learning Center, Inc. ~ Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP); Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (Board Members); Rocky Mountain School of Photography; United States of Hope (USOH / MVA); US Senator Daines Office ~ Veterans Casework Liaison; VA Vocational Readiness & Employment Office (VR&E); Veterans Inc., Universal Services Advocate-Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP); Veterans Upward Bound; VFW Catering; Volunteers of America Northern Rockies - SSVF & HVRP Employment Service Coordinators; Walmart (Mullan & Reserve) ~ People Lead; Western Montana Military Officer's Association (WMMOA); Willowbend Farm’s Herd 2 Human; XSports4Vets.

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