VIDEO (2019 Heroes at Home & VSAP): Community Action Documentary by Sanai Abell
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), 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! Multiple photos have been shared on the VSN Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/veteransupportnetwork
*** Keely Flatow Photography also provided professional photos: https://KeelyFlatow.pixieset.com/vsap2022/
*** We'll be combining all of the photos that we've received into one album ~ If you have pictures you'd like to share, please feel free to send to vsn.mlsa@outlook.com
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” which includes free food, live music, resource fair, and a silent auction in partnership with the Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) run, walk and/or RUCK!
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
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
Experience the VSN at the Heroes @ Home & VSAP
****** 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
2022 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/905875606768566/
VSAP run, walk OR RUCK: https://runsignup.com/vsap
VOLUNTEER for VSAP (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
DONATIONS:
Heroes at Home: Check donations "VFW Post 209" and note "Heroes at Home"-Drop off or mail to 245 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802; Donations to Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (MAIL to P.O. Box 7263, Missoula, MT 59807 https://lnkd.in/dedhkwq ; ?'s Tate (406) 239-7738)
ONLINE DONORS: Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP): https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY ; ?'s Erick (406) 224-3334, kahilaem@gmail.com OR Xsports4Vets: http://xsports4vets.org ?'s Anton (406) 396-8390)
SILENT AUCTION: Contact Rebecca for questions or pick up, rstancil@missoulahousing.org
VSAP PICK UP ~ Friday, May 20 (Early Check IN) ~ Package pick-up will be at the Missoula Vet Center from 1000 to 1800 on May 20, 2022. Please pick-up event package (T-Shirt, Swag) 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).
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.
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
****** 2022 DONORS & VSP/VFE/VOB ****** THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
SILENT AUCTION DONORS:
AM Scott - Author "The Quantum Fold and Folding Space Series"
Cabela's ~ Spinning Rod, reel, bag, lures, stickers
Cheerful Quilts (Maria) ~ Quilt
Cindi Laukes, MA, MFA ~ "Camping Necessities" Gift Basket: Spatula, cooking spices, scarf, Hurley clippers, Thule Crossover travel organizer, metal water bottle)
Creative & Celtic ~ Wood Art
Keely Flatow Photography ~ Framed Print of Miss Montana
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
Scheels (Item TBD)
Skin Chic ~ Spa Bucks $25 on Services, Spongology Body Wash, Epionce Healthy Skin Discovert Set, Spongelle Sponge, and Epionce Body Cream.
Stockman Bank (TBD: Gift Basket)
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)
As of 5/18/22 ~ 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
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) ~ VSP
Dog Tag Buddies ~ VSP
Doubletree Insurance - VOB (Tentatively)
Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain Inc. (Tentative 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
Missoula Works (VFE) / Missoula Interfaith Collaborative ~ 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
Nature’s Best Inc. ~ VOB
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
Team Rubicon ~ VSP
UM Military and Veteran Services Office (MVSO - VSP)
United States of Hope ~ Montana Vet Assoc. (VSP)
USDA Forest Service ~ LEAD Forward Veteran Hiring Program (Tentative VFE)
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)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Sincerely, VSN Leadership Team ~ Anton, Erick, Rebecca, Shannon, Tate & Tom
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 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/
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.
AARP Montana
Sponsor ~ Heroes at Home BBQ