The simple act of receiving a letter in the mail can bring such joy to a person. There is an organization that is working very hard to bring joy to our nation’s veterans – the Veteran Pen Pal Project (VPPP). A nationwide initiative that happens continually and focuses on one simple act of kindness – writing a letter supporting our nation’s veterans.

During COVID, VPPP founder, Christina saw a need for veterans in long-term facilities that weren’t getting interaction with anyone. Through social media, they started this initiative and in the first year, they sent over 45,000 letters. The goal is to show veterans they are not forgotten and that they are appreciated.

Veteran Pen Pal Project’s mission is to support our nation’s cherished veterans by providing them with uplifting letters and the opportunity to form meaningful relationships. Veteran participants possess a wide variety of military experiences – they come from all service branches, job specialities, and time periods. The Veteran Pen Pal Project connects veteran communities such as veteran centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and VA hospitals with pen pals around the

Megan brings over ten years of volunteer program leader experience to the “It’s a Military Life” organization. During her time volunteering with military-centric and nonprofit organizations, she has developed a deep passion for helping military families, soldiers, and veteran communities alike. As a military spouse herself, she understands the needs of this wonderful and unique community and loves to find lasting solutions that help address the challenges they continually face. She and her husband, who is newly retired from active duty, are enjoying spending time with their two children, traveling, and exploring their new forever-home surroundings in Rhode Island.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about the Veteran Pen Pal Project, check out their website here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, or Instagram. And if you are interested in writing a generic letter of appreciation to a veteran, send the letter to the address below:

The Veteran Pen Pal Project
P.O. Box 6
Tiverton, RI 02878

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing our AWN Empowers, It’s a Military Life, which was nominated as an organization for helping military families. 

It’s a Military Life, founded by Christina Etchberger a little over two years ago, is a milspouse and vet networking community, dedicated to serving military families and those who serve our country past and present. Christina Etchberger is an Army spouse on a mission to give a voice and opportunities to members of the military community by sharing their stories and providing resources. Their mission is that their network advances resiliency, promotes community involvement, and forges meaningful relationships. 

Be sure to check out It’s a Military Life at itsamilitarylife.org, where you can also subscribe to their monthly newsletter for more empowering military resources!

Thank you so much to It’s a Military Life for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of August 15th, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

China’s Navy Displays it Power

China’s military drills near Taiwan following a controversial visit to the island by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have put on display China’s naval, air force and missile capabilities. China’s military has seen dramatic modernization and capability improvements, reported NPR. Anthony Cordesman, a national security analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies described China’s force during the mid 1990s as “ineffective as a fighting force.”

Fort Bragg Moving 1,200 Soldiers from Unsafe Barracks

Fort Bragg has announced it is moving up to 1,200 soldiers within 30 days from barracks with “higher than normal moisture levels” that could lead to mold, reported Military Times. The barracks at the Smoke Bomb Hill area were inspected and found have fallen “dangerously short of HVAC standards.” According to Military Times, some of the barracks will be renovated but “the majority of them will be demolished.”

U.S. Space Force: Innovative Recruitment Program

U.S. Space Force is turning heads for its innovative approach to hiring cyber officers. In May, Space Force hosted a virtual conference that about 1,000 people attended and received 400 applications for positions. “The board further narrowed the field and 10 cyber professionals accepted a commission as a cyber officer.”

Commissary Home Delivery Pilot Program Sees Positive Results

The Defense Commissary Agency has been running a test pilot program called CLICK2GO at eight commissary locations. It offers grocery delivery to homes within 20 miles of the test commissary locations. “If we can’t get the patron to the store, then we’ve got to get the benefit to the patron – that’s what CLICK2GO delivery is really about at these eight locations,” said Bill Moore, DeCA Director and CEO.

You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.

Special Feature Interview with First Command

Joining us today to discuss corporate giving is Nickie Antonitis the Corporate Giving Specialist at First Command. Nickie describes herself as a community change agent, who uses her ability to build relationships to make the world a better place for all. Her background is in corporate social responsibility, representing both nonprofit agencies and corporations.

You need to be intentional in picking your charity partners – take the time to think about the issues that are important to you. Choosing who to support can be overwhelming, so instead of starting with a monetary gift, do not overlook the power of donating your time. The national value of one volunteer hour is equivalent to a $29 donation to a non-profit organization. Taking the time to be of service allows nonprofit leaders to spend more time solving community issues.

Thank you again to today’s sponsor, First Command Financial Services. With four out of five financial coaches coming from the ranks of military spouses or veterans, they’re uniquely qualified to help you pursue financial security. Visit www.firstcommand.com to learn more and find a financial coach near you.

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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