KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 20, 2007) – At the 108th Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Convention, Vermont American Power Tool Accessories was bestowed the VFW’s highest honor, the Commander-In-Chief’s Gold Medal of Merit. Vermont American was recognized for their exceptional services rendered to the country, community and mankind and their unwavering commitment to the country’s military families through their leadership with the Unmet Needs program.
As of July 2007, Unmet Needs had distributed more than $1.6 million dollars to 1,150 families across the country in the form of grants. Grants from the program have helped many military families with urgent financial needs, including medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, infant needs, rent/mortgage and more. A few examples:
- A Wisconsin mother travels cross-country with her two young children to be at the bedside of her husband, recuperating at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., from wounds sustained from a suicide bomber in Iraq. Her travel and hotel expenses are covered while she helps her husband recover.
- The home of a family in Washington burns to the ground while the father/husband is deployed. Funding is provided and volunteers are coordinated to help build a new home for the family.
- A Missouri family, overwhelmed with bills and with limited income while the primary bread-winner serves in Iraq, faces foreclosure. Mortgage assistance is arranged to keep them in their home while their finances are straightened out.
Vermont American and the Veterans of Foreign Wars teamed up in 2004 to create the Unmet Needs Program to provide emergency financial support to families of military personnel. Vermont American made a five-year financial commitment totaling $1.25 million with each purchase of Vermont American branded products helping to fund the program with 100 percent of individual donations go directly to military families.
"With the help of corporate sponsors like Vermont American, the VFW will be able to help so many more of our young servicemen and women and their dependents," said Gary Kurpius, VFW commander in chief. "Helping them resolve the 'unexpected' needs will do much to provide our service members with the security of knowing that their families have additional support here at home."
“Our military personnel and their families have sacrificed a lot for us, so this is a way that we can show our appreciation,” said Kevin Enke, Brand Manager, Vermont American. “It's easy for anyone to get involved through donation of time or money, or simply purchasing a VA bit or blade.”
For families in need, the VFW makes it easy to apply for help. Online applications are available at www.unmetneeds.com. Direct phone assistance at 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333) is coordinated through the national headquarters of the VFW.
Individuals can donate either money or time online at www.unmetneeds.com. Contributions can also be mailed to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111.
ABOUT VERMONT AMERICAN
Vermont American Power Tool Accessories (a part of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation) is one of the largest power tool accessories brands in the world because of their trusted performance users have come to expect. For 60 years the company has outfitted professional tradesmen with premium quality bits and blades designed to meet rugged jobsite requirements. Vermont American products successfully combine function and design, resulting in patented and affordable solutions to user needs with products like circular saw blades, twist drill bits and screwdriver bits, router tables and accessories. For online information about Vermont American or its products, visit www.vermontamerican.com.