The Best Way to Say,

Units may honor a fallen comrade, a retiring member, family members during change of command ceremonies, or an individual during a farewell. Although nominal, the cost of flowers for spouses during a ceremony, framing the United States Flag, or presenting a Soldier with a trophy or plaque upon departure is all paid for by unit members, who traditionally pitch in money to their own unit’s informal fund.

We all understand that freedom isn’t free. When one of our brothers or sisters at arms pays that ultimate sacrifice, everyone in the unit steps up to chip in money to send flowers or other mementos to the family during this time of need. In addition, if a unit or group member has a loved one pass or suffer in any way, it is tradition to send acknowledgement and well wishes to the family.

Units and Veterans groups often times spend their own money on trophy cases and framing historical items for display within their halls and headquarters. When members of that unit or group see the display, it instills a sense of pride and esprit de corps. Knowing that a group cares to honor sacrifices made in the past provides faith that future generations will continue to uphold that same tradition.

Although the military has a great non-appropriated fund known as Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), these funds are often limited to those serving in the geographic region of specific military bases and are not open to Veterans groups. We’d like to ensure all service members and veterans groups have access to support intermural sports, buy gym equipment for remote locations, sponsor wellness retreats, or other activities to improve physical and mental well-being.

You’ve probably heard of the Marine Corps Ball. Many units and Veterans’ groups gather annually to celebrate their accomplishments and to dawn their formal uniforms and evening gowns. These functions are high impact on morale, but are not cheap. The events have a myriad of expenses to inlcude food and drink, guests of honor, travel, child care, audio/visual, event staff, hotel reservations, etc. These events are often paid for through ticket sales or having to raise funds throughout the year through car washes, bake sales, fun runs, etc.

Whether an active military unit hosts an alumni social or an all-veteran group plans a reunion to reunite after years of separation, these meetings bring brothers and sisters back together to bond over times past and shared hardships. Reuiniting builds cohesion and strengthens relationships, directly impacting mental health and spiritual wellness of American Heroes.