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2 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
We Take Care of Your Loved Ones While You’re Away
When you select 28927, United Way partner agencies will receive your gift of compassion.
28927
support childcare financial aid counseling outreachshelter
emergency services meals character building
tutoring
United Way of South Hampton Roads Federation and Member Organizations ACCESS Aids Care American Red Cross Coastal Virginia Region American Red Cross Suffolk Chapter AMIkids Norfolk, Inc. Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads Beach Health Clinic Boy Scouts of America, Tidewater Council Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia Chesapeake Service Systems Children’s Center, The Children’s Harbor Eastern Virginia AIDS Network EDMARC Hospice for Children Equi-Kids Therapeutic Riding Program
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia ForKids Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court Genieve Shelter Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast Goodwill Industries of Hampton Roads H.E.R. Shelter Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads Inc. Hope House Foundation Ida Barbour Early Learning Center Jewish Family Service of Tidewater Judeo-Christian Outreach Center Inc. Kirk-Cone Rehabilitation Center Lee’s Friends
Louise W. Eggleston Center Marilyn and Marvin Simon Family Jewish Community Center Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake Meals on Wheels of Portsmouth Our House Families Portsmouth Area Resources Coalition (PARC) Primeplus REACH, Inc. Salvation Army Suffolk Corps, The Salvation Army, Tidewater Area Command Samaritan House Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia Seton Youth Shelters Southside Boys and Girls Club
St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children The Up Center Urban League of Hampton Roads USO of Hampton Roads Virginia Supportive Housing VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads Volunteers of America, Chesapeake- VA Beach Light House Center Wesley Community Service Center Western Tidewater Free Clinic Inc. YMCA of Portsmouth YMCA of South Hampton Roads YMCA, William A. Hunton YWCA of South Hampton Roads
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 3
A letter from the President and CEO of United Way of South Hampton Roads
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veryone deserves the chance to have a quality education that leads to financial stability and good health. By partnering with United Way, you’re making that happen every day in South Hampton Roads. United Way supports our military families during deployment and every day. Last year alone, 5,500 military families benefitted from home-away-from-home support. More than 160,000 neighbors also were aided through 70 United Way partner agencies, including: • 46,000 children and families received school tutoring, child care and programs to reinforce positive behaviors, including staying in school, building strong relationships, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and personal growth. • 100,000 neighbors were rescued during emergencies, such as abusive situations, homelessness, and financial hardship. Many also received financial counseling and tax preparation. • 12 million meals were distributed to the hungry throughout South Hampton Roads. That’s more than 15 million pounds of food. • 14,000 disabled, elderly, and sick received health service, education, and support. But there’s still so much that needs to be done. We’re all connected and interdependent. It takes all of us to keep children in school. To help people become financially stable. To be sure people are healthy. Although many of us are rethinking our personal budgets, I hope you will make United Way a priority. LIVING UNITED is the best way for our community to be sure essential services continue and the dollars we raise stay right here in South Hampton Roads. Thank you for your support. Carol McCormack
President & CEO United Way of South Hampton Roads
Publisher Laura Baxter www.flagshipnews.com
www.militarynews.com
Editor/Designer Rebecca Soorani Hastings Creative Director Tricia Lieurance Advertising Information (757) 222-3990 sales@militarynews.com Editorial (757) 222-3970
The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm and is in no way connected to the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard.
Published by Military Newspapers of Virginia | 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 | Phone: (757) 222-3990 | Fax: (757) 853-1634
4 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/ AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION CFC# 62615
Mortal Combat: Women veterans fight #1 killer, heart disease By Teri S. Arnold Director of Marketing and Communications
Sharon grew up knowing she was predisposed to heart disease. Her father died at the age of 42 from a heart attack. Because of that, she ate well and exercised. She is a military veteran of both the Army and the Marines and prided herself on always being in good physical shape. However, despite doing all the right things, she developed high cholesterol, high blood pressure and eventually heart disease in her late 40’s. When she started to experience a painful burning sensation in her chest, she went to her doctor. He ordered a battery of tests that didn’t detect anything abnormal. Three months later, the burning pain was so intense that it woke her up. After her symptoms subsided, she got on computer and searched “burning chest pain.” The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women page popped up. She clicked on the page and read a story about a woman in Texas who experienced the same intense burning pain during a heart
attack. She asked her daughter to immediately take her to the hospital. Tests did revealed her heart was in distress and she admitted to the hospital. Later that day, a physician came into her room and introduced himself as a cardiac surgeon. He showed her a picture of her severely blocked arteries and said a triple bypass was the only alternative. She was stunned and could not believe this was happening to her. The doctor told her had not received treatment when she did, she would have died within a few months. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. It kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. In May of 2012, The Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Heart Association entered into a formal agreement to raise awareness of heart disease and strokes among women veterans and servicemembers, and wives of veterans and military members. The VA will focus
on educating women veterans about their risks for cardiovascular disease through the use of “Go Red For Women” online resources. These include “Go Red BetterU,” a free online nutrition and fitness program and “Go Red Heart Match,” a database that allows women to connect with others who share similar experiences. The VA and The American Heart Association hope to increase consumers’ sensitivity to issues that military women face, especially as it
pertains to putting their health first. Sharon often says that the Go Red for Women campaign and all of the advancements in cardiac care funded by The American Heart Association saved her life. Today, she is proud to say she is a survivor! You can help raise funds and help build lives free of cardiovascular disease for women Veterans and Servicemembers by using CFC code 62615. For more information visit www. goredforwomen.org.
THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF VIRGINIA (EFVA)
CFC# 45453
Training for how to deal with Epilepsy is crucial for bus drivers South Hampton Roads Regional Director Patty Hood will train school bus drivers about epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia (EFVA) heard of a tragic experience indicating what little awareness there is about seizure first aid. A video, taken by a simple recorder installed on a school bus, revealed the tragedy that can follow a lack of knowledge in these circumstances. EFVA staff sat in disbelief as they witnessed an elementary school age boy seize in a front seat on the school bus. Initially, his peers mocked him, even going as far as hitting his head with a book as his uncontrolled body fell from his seat. It soon became clear that something was wrong and a student alerted the bus driver saying, “he’s having a seizure, nobody touch him.” This misleading idea was then planted in not only the students’ minds but the driver as well. Unfortunately, the young boy with epilepsy had fallen into a position in which blocked his airway. Although the seizure only lasted about one minute, he was left
in this state for over seven minutes before the school nurse emerged and immediately moved him into a position in which he could breath. Due to the lack of knowledge of the bus driver and his peers, this young man is now almost completely paralyzed. We decided nothing was more urgent than the education of school bus drivers across Virginia. The Virginia Deptartment of Education put our office in touch with the right people and the requests keep coming in. We have trained 360 bus drivers so far. Also, we have received a grant to produce a short movie for bus drivers. It includes epilepsy insight and how bus drivers can help children with epilepsy stay safe during and after a seizure. We hope that these training sessions will equip drivers to be prepared to properly recognize and take action in case of a seizure in order to ensure the safety of these children. To schedule a training for your district, please email Suzanne Bischoff at srb3m@ virginia.edu or Patty Hood at pattyhood@ cox.net.
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 5
PREVENT BLINDNESS MID-ATLANTIC
CFC# 69712
Program detect vision problems early, while they are still treatable W.H.E.E.L.S. stands for Where Healthy Eyes and Ears Lead to Success; it is one of Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic’s starpupils™ programs, which focus on eye health and safety in children. Starpupils serves about 400,000 children each year through programs including a school-based certified vision screening program, which has been provided in 96 percent of Virginia’s public schools, and W.H.E.E.L.S., which focus on school readiness. The W.H.E.E.L.S. program is a mobile vision and hearing program aimed at making sure children with potential vision or hearing issues are identified and treated before they start kindergarten. The screenings offered through this program
By Melissa Perry Director of Community Programs and Public Health are state-of-the-art, meaning that they can identify potential problems that are missed through traditional screening methods. One parent wrote to Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic: The Bookers are HUGE fans of the W.H.E.E.L.S. screening! Our twin daughters were recently screened at their preschool — both of them have passed all the previous screenings during annual checkups with the pediatrician’s office. In addition, being twins, it’s impor-
In and out of hospitals, Chris Cox becomes advocate for mental illness I am sure my story goes back further, but I will start at the time when I first entered the mental health system. I was 28 and had just finished several years in the United States Air Force. During my stay in the military I had completed a couple of college degrees, had earned some experience on some specialized equipment, and held a high security clearance. I was hired as a civilian in what should have been a career building position; however I started making erratic decisions about my job and my family life. I moved my wife and me to my home state and tried to work at a family business which was a failure from the start. I then started having hallucinations and became more manic by the day. I ended up in a padded room with nothing in it but a button. I got out of that facility and went directly into another in another state. This time I was so “far gone” that the doctor told my wife to give up on me because I was either going to die or end up in jail for the rest of my life. I did eventually leave that facility and found myself in the VA Hospital in Hampton, Virginia
tant to share that they have had an extremely healthy childhood thus far. The W.H.E.E.L.S. screening referred both daughters. Dual eye exams confirmed, one daughter would benefit from glasses immediately, and the other daughter should be monitored annually. Our daughter Ashley’s right eye was overcompensating for the left, which helped explain why she was having accidents (boom-I’m OKAY) throughout her day. Also, when we walked together in a parking lot while holding hands, Ashley would walk sideways while holding your hand. I could go on and on … but since she received her glasses it’s been a world of difference! No accidents and she is much calmer!
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH (NAMI) VIRGINIA CFC# 97788 By Chris Cox in Hampton (where ironically I just finished teaching the first NAMI Peer-to-Peer class held there). It was there that I was correctly diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I went on disability in 1991 when I was 31 and was heavily medicated for many years, but I was able to help raise a daughter during this time (which I believe helped save my life in many ways). With the newer, more effective medications available now, I am able to think more clearly and have more energy. I have been in private institutions, public institutions, military hospitals and court ordered stays in facilities. But I consider myself very fortunate in that I have a family that has been with me in the “ups and downs.” I have not been in a hospital for six years now and have become an advocate for those of us living with mental illness. I joined NAMI two years ago and like I tell my peers who come to our Connection Support Groups, I get by with four things: my doctor, my therapist, my medications, and my NAMI. I hope to continue doing what I can for those of us that need help in their recovery.
Another interesting note is that my background is in Early Childhood Special Education. I have not had visual concerns for Ashley, because she had passed all her previous screenings. THANK YOU OODLES! (Pam Booker, mother) Ashley is just one of the thousands of children identified by our programs who are in need of vision care in order to protect their education and quality of life. The change
in a child who receives her first pair of glasses is indescribable, and the impact putting those glasses on that child makes is infinite. Our vision programs not only identify children who are in need of an exam, but they offer assistance for those with financial need. Each year, we provide more than 1,000 children access to free eye exams and glasses, a service valued at over $200,000 annually.
6 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
A legacy lives on
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indy LaMontagne has decorated her home in Virginia Beach with mementos and special memories. She has a table in her entryway topped with collections of shells, sea glass and pieces of coral from many trips to the beach. A buffet table in her dining room displays dozens of framed pictures of her family and extended family. And in the living room there is a bookshelf filled with special memories of her late husband, Dave. The shelves hold photos, letters and greeting cards from friends and family, and plaques and letters of commendation from his time in the Navy and his 16 years of employment with AMSEC LLC. Dave retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 22 years in the Navy including time spent as the Work Center Supervisor of the Engineering Department Repair Division Work Center (Damage Control) aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1977-1978. He was known as highly reliable and the soul of courtesy and cooperation, both to his seniors and subordinates. He was a source of comfort and confidence to his men. Dave and Cindy met in February of 1994 at a meeting of the Atlantis Dive Club in Virginia
ALS ASSOCIATION – DC/MD/VA CHAPTER Beach. Cindy had joined because she wanted to get back into diving, and Dave was the club’s president. Following the meeting, a few members went out to dinner. Dave and Cindy sat near each other and talked. Then Dave surprised Cindy by picking up her tab. Dave was so shy that when he asked her out on their first date a few weeks later, she didn’t realize it was a date. But they really hit it off, and the two became inseparable. Dave and Cindy both had children from previous marriages. Blending two families is never easy, but it was very important to both of them that they make it work. “It’s not your family and my family – it’s OUR family,” Dave told Cindy. And when the two were married in Annapolis, MD, on August 16, 1997, they and their seven children became a united family. After experiencing symptoms for several months, Dave was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2007. The diagnosis rocked the family, but it also brought them closer together. They all found ways to contribute, by visiting and caring for Dave, preparing meals, modifying the house, and filling other needs as they arose. ALS is a fatal, progressive neuromuscu-
CFC# 67013
By Cathy Easter | Director of Philanthropy
lar disease that occurs when motor nerve cells cease to function and die. There is currently no known cause, cure, or means of prevention for the disease. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with the disease and every 90 minutes someone passes away from ALS. In most cases a person’s mind remains sharp and alert; however, voluntary muscle control becomes completely lost, often resulting in total paralysis and the inability to speak. The average life expectancy for someone living with ALS is two to five years after diagnosis. When Dave was inducted into the AMSEC Hall of Fame on August 6, 2007 for his superior performance and contributions to the company’s success he asked that a representative from the ALS Association be allowed to speak as part of the formal program. He wanted to use ‘his moment’ to educate his friends and colleagues about ALS and how The ALS Association had helped him and his family. “The ALS Association meant so much to Dave. He wanted to get the word out and raise awareness of ALS,” said Cindy. The whole family came to see him receive his award: Dave’s children, David, Jr., Traci, Joe and Tamara LaMontagne; Cindy’s children,
Luke Hillier, Michael Hillier and Lindsey Hillier-Hotchkiss; their spouses and children; and even Dave and Cindy’s former spouses. Dave passed away on September, 11, 2007, not long after the ceremony. After Dave’s death, Cindy and the family wanted to do something positive to honor him. They formed “Dave’s Defenders” and signed up to participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS® in October of that year at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The team raised more than $36,000. AMSEC also began an internal workplace giving campaign because of the strong relationship Dave had with the company. “It meant so much to us to be in first place that year. It gave us something positive to focus on. We wanted Dave to be proud of us and we wanted to raise a lot of money to help the group that had helped us so much,” said Cindy. “Giving back was easy when The ALS Association freely gave so much to us. This is what my dad would have wanted,” said Joe. The ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter provides free patient and family services to people living with ALS (PALS). There is no qualification to service the Chapter’s services except a diagnosis of ALS.
Scholarship helping students since 1961 By Amy-Beth Johnson Executive Director
Glendon and his mentor, David
Hundreds of at-risk youth are waiting for mentors... positive, caring role models. ..in Hampton Roads.
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www.TheUpCenter.org | 757.622.7017 | CFC #43922
“..Thank you so much for choosing as a Dolphin Scholar. It is a huge blessing and is allowing me to pursue dreams that might have been out of my reach otherwise. Thank you all so much for greatly investing in my future.” Taylor Howell, Mississippi State University Dolphin Scholarship Foundation was established in 1960 to provide funding for higher education to the children and step-children of Submariners, with the first award of $350 presented in 1961. Today, Dolphin Scholarship Foundation sponsors 115 ongoing scholarships with an annual renewable grant of $3,400 per student. Students in good standing may receive a total of $13,600 for up to four years of fulltime undergraduate study. Approximately 30 new scholarships are awarded each year. Scholars are selected on the basis of academic proficiency, financial need and commitment and excellence to school and community activities. Though donations from submarine spouse fundraising, corporate and memorial events
DOLPHIN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION CFC# 10102 remain a significant portion of our income, DSF depends heavily on the generosity of our CFC donations. We receive constant feedback from our scholars, grateful for the opportunity to attend college and achieve their dreams. Our Dolphin Scholars have become physicians, teachers, biochemists, Foreign Service Officers, attorneys, librarians, zookeepers, medical researchers, college professors, engineers, military officers, veterinarians, and dentists – to name just a few professions. In the past, the foundation has administered scholarships on behalf of the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion Memorial Funds as well as U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II. DSF now administers the Laura W. Bush Scholarship for children of USS Texas (SSN 775) crew members and the Nautilus Scholarship for descendants of USS Nautilus crew members.
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 7
Since 1941 In War and Peace We Have Never Forgotten You
Please Remember Us At CFC Time
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Hampton Roads Central Virginia
CFC# 29471 www.USOHRCV.COM
757.764.5232
8 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
GIVING IS HOPE IN ACTION
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS FOUNDATION
Family gets a hand up fromVFW Deployments are never easy on any military spouse, but it was particularly hard on Mrs. Foster when her husband was deployed. She suffers from severe immune deficiency disorder and has frequent medical appointments for her treatment. She’s unable to work because of her health issues, so the Fosters rely solely on her husband’s income. When Mrs. Foster’s vehicle needed repairs, it put her in a tight spot. Not only did she require transportation to get to her many appointments, but they needed financial assistance for the unexpected car repairs. Luckily the Fosters were familiar with the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Unmet Needs program, thanks to a presentation by VFW members at her husband’s military base. Mrs. Foster applied for assistance through the program and soon learned they were selected as a recipient of a grant. Mrs. Foster was extremely grateful for the help and was surprised by the quick turnaround. The repair shop received the money within a few days, and the
In His image We walk past people every day never realizing that many suffer from a disease or disability. They need our help. Together we can work to bring better health and hopefully one day a cure. Help save lives by giving to Community Health Charities or one of its members. Your gift supports health charities in developing new treatments, finding cures and giving hope. Community Health Charities of Virginia AIDS Research Foundation (amfAR) ALS Association, The Alzheimer’s Associations AMC Cancer Research Center American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association American Hearing Research Foundation American Heart Association American Kidney Fund American Liver Foundation American Lung Association American Parkinson Disease Association Arc of Virginia, The Arthritis Foundation Autism Speaks Be The Match Foundation Cancer Research Institute CaringBridge Cerebral Palsy of Virginia Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation Childhood Obesity-Alliance for a Healthier Generation Children’s Heart Foundation, The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters Children’s Tumor Foundation City of Hope Colon Cancer Alliance Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation Easter Seals Endometriosis Association
Epilepsy Foundation of America Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia Hole in the Wall Camps Huntington’s Disease Society of America Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Lupus Foundation of America March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Mental Health America Muscular Dystrophy Association Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence National Headache Foundation National Hemophilia Foundation National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization National Kidney Foundation National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Parkinson Foundation National Psoriasis Foundation National Spinal Cord Injury Association National Stroke Association Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Prevent Blindness America Research to Prevent Blindness Sickle Cell Disease Association of America SIDS Alliance/First Candle Spina Bifida Association of America St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tourette Syndrome Association Virginia Association for Hospices and Palliative Care
Check Your Campaign Brochure For Charity Names and CFC Numbers Give through the Combined Federal Campaign For more information: 757-873-6942 virginia@healthcharities.org www.healthcharities.org
CFC# 10511
“You can be anything you want to be.” | “You’re special, just the way you are.” Sound familiar? When you grow up hearing empowering messages like these, it shapes how you view yourself. But generations of people from minority language groups around the world often grow up hearing exactly the opposite. Language is so deeply personal—it’s the way we think and dream and pray. What happens when a community believes it has no worth? Perhaps with each generation, interest in that language and culture fades. But what if people from a different culture suddenly come to your village to learn from you? What if they help write your language down and introduce the concept of reading for the first time? What if a very important book is translated into your language—a book that talks about your inherent value as a person cre-
repairs only took one day. “We were having a rough time … but due to the VFW we were able to get the help we needed in a timely manner! We cannot thank everyone enough!” said Mrs. Foster. “I thought this experience was amazing … I had thought it was going to be a long process, but in fact, it was not,” she continued. Mrs. Foster also expressed gratitude for every Unmet Needs supporter who makes the program possible. “We would like to thank everyone who donates and participates in the VFW program....taking the time to help military families in need is amazing.” She said the last year has been hard on her family, but now she’s hopeful about the future. “After we got this grant things have been looking up for us.”
By Jennifer McDonald Communications Associate
WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS CFC# 11737
ated by God? For Jehu Cayaon, a Kagayanen pastor and translation assistant for the now completed Kagayanen New Testament, this is not a hypothetical situation—he’s living it. He remembers when his people were mocked for being Kagayanen. “They were afraid, and they were ashamed to identify themselves as Kagayanens,” he said. But then something happened. Translation and literacy workers came to the Kagayanens and learned their language. Working alongside Kagayanens like Pastor Jehu, they translated the New Testament, Genesis and other texts into Kagayanen. If you ask Pastor Jehu, the Kagayanen translation brought a sense of value to the people. Pastor Jehu sees it as a key, opening doors to new possibilities for the Kagayanens. “We can read and write our
language now,” he explains passionately. “They are very happy, because [now] they know that they are also important people, like others,” he says. “We can record our history now. We can express our minds—we can express what is in our inner thoughts and in our hearts.” Thanks to Bible translation, Kagayanens are being freed from a message of personal worthlessness. Today they’re not just Kagayanens—they’re God’s creations. Wycliffe is grateful for its donors, including those who give through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Their generosity help people like the Kagayanens experience a sense of self-worth through Scripture and other media in their language. By Amy Millward
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 9
OPERATION BLESSING
.OW MORE THAN EVER
WE RE COUNTING ON YOUR SUPPORT
CFC# 10530
A hand up for a vet A third generation veteran, Laura followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather by serving in the U.S. Army. She was a tactical maintenance specialist during Desert Storm. “It was such a neat thing to be a part of defending our country and defending what we believe in,â€? Laura said. After a 10-year military career, Laura returned home. Unfortunately, she had developed severe back and joint problems. She had to go on disability and couldn’t work full-time. But Laura wasn’t about to let that stop her — especially with two kids to raise. With a love for horses and ranch work, Laura took a part-time job as a therapeutic riding instructor, where she works with atrisk youth and disabled children. “It’s really helped me to connect with other people in need,â€? Laura said. But despite her best efforts, as a single mom, Laura’s income wasn’t enough to meet her family’s needs. “Each day was a struggle to get the food on the table, get the gas to go to school, get the kids to school, go to work,â€? Laura said. “The bills were always behind and we were scraping for food ‌ scraping for everything.â€? But thanks to an Operation Blessingsupported outreach, Laura received food and relief to sustain her family in their greatest time of need. “I was treated with dignity. This is something that can happen to anybody,â€? Laura said. “It wasn’t a hand out, it was a hand up.â€? “When those doors open to the Operation Blessing truck, that is hope that comes out,â€? said Pat McDaniel, who works at the outreach. “Every item that comes from Operation Blessing is helping someone’s life. Laura came in with shame and embarrassment, but when I thanked her for being a veteran and serving our country, she put that pride back on,â€? Pat added. “Having someone that can help you step up and out of a bad situation ‌ that’s incredible ‌ beyond incredible,â€? Laura said. “The families we support would have no help, no assistance and no hope without the food we receive from Operation Blessing ... so our partnership with them means everything,â€? said Mike McDaniel, who also works
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with the outreach. Operation Blessing’s domestic hunger relief program currently delivers more than 2 million pounds of free food and supplies each week, to a network of more than 120 community-based partners in dozens of cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Tampa, Nashville, Asheville, Buffalo, and many more. The products are then distributed by the partner organizations to roughly 4,400 local food pantries, where it is given to people in need—like Laura in Texas. Since its inception, Operation Blessing International has distributed 1.3 billion pounds of food and relief aid, supplemented over 865 million meals, and transported some 35,000 truckloads that have driven over 28 million miles. To learn more about Operation Blessing’s relief efforts and how you can support OBI through the Combined Federal Campaign, please visit www.operationblessing.org/CFC.
!ND RIGHT NOW WE RE ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT US BY MAKING YOUR DONATION TO THE Virginia"EACH Beach 6IRGINIA Volunteer Rescue 2ESCUE 3QUAD Squad.
.OW MORE THAN EVER
WE RE COUNTING ON YOUR SUPPORT
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6IRGINIA "EACH "LVD 6IRGINIA "EACH 6IRGINIA 437-4830 • www.vbvrs.com s WWW RESCUE COM AND IT S FREE
10 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
CHKD reunites Navy father with sick son Titan Vasquez was born in May, almost three months prematurely, weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces and survived many medical battles in CHKD’s NICU. A month after his birth, most of Titan’s small intestine had to be removed because of a massive infection. After the surgery, a surgeon told his mother, Caitlin, that Titan might not make it through the night. ”We need to get a hold of my husband,” Caitlin said, referring to Petty Officer Steven Vasquez who was stationed in Texas. Within minutes, CHKD social worker Monica Cutrell jumped on the case. By that night, Petty Officer Vasquez was at his ailing son’s bedside at CHKD. Titan rallied and recovered. Titan’s case is one of about two dozen cases each year in which CHKD social workers intervene to bring military service members back from out-of-state postings or foreign deployments. When a child has been desperately ill, CHKD social workers
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF THE KING’S DAUGHTERS CFC# 68517 have requested the presence of a father or mother serving as far away as Iraq or Afghanistan. In Titan’s case, Petty Officer Vasquez had orders to go to Texas, where Caitlin planned to deliver their son. But just four months into her pregnancy, Caitlin was told she required bed rest because her son might come too early to survive. Titan held off just long enough, making it past the 24-week mark. Petty Officer Vasquez was in Norfolk for the birth of his “little man,” as Titan’s parents call him. But soon, Vasquez had to report to his new post. A month after his birth, Titan was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. This potentially lethal condition, common in extremely premature infants, occurs when
intestines become infected. Because Titan was so small and delicate, surgery had to be performed in the NICU instead of the operating room. Afterwards, a CHKD surgeon delivered the news that infection had destroyed almost all of Titan’s small intestine. Cutrell knew immediately that Caitlin would need her husband at her side. Caitlin, who had once been in the Navy, knew that detailed information needed to be compiled to get the request approved by the chain of command. Cutrell already had a list of everything they needed. They sent the information through the Red Cross, which handles all such requests. Within an hour, Petty Officer Vasquez was pulled out of class in Texas and left immediately for the airport. Caitlin was surprised how quickly her husband made it to Titan’s bedside. She praised the entire CHKD staff, singling out Cutrell. “Monica has been phenomenal,” Caitlin said. “She really cares.”
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We’re turning the tide on diabetes. Diabetes is a life-altering diagnosis. But thanks to the EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center, it’s no longer life-shattering. Our advanced treatments, delivered by world-renowned experts, help people with even the most complicated cases live to the fullest. Combined with our innovative research program, EVMS is changing the face of diabetes care in Hampton Roads.
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CFC# 29471
Local Wounded Warriors receive support from USO HRCV This year the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia (USOHRCV) has provided support for numerous local Wounded Warriors through their “Warrior and Family Care Support” program. The USO’s Warrior and Family Care program supports the wounded, ill and injured troops, their families, and caregivers as well as families of the fallen. Through this program the USOHRCV is able to support Wounded Warriors at the Naval Medical Center and Fisher House, Portsmouth; Naval Mobilization Processing Site, Naval Station Norfolk; Fort Eustis; VA Hospital, Hampton; and McGuire VA Hospital and Fisher House, Richmond. Recovery for this extraordinary group of people is more than just bandages and medicine. The USOHRCV is able to provide physical and recreational activities, education and employment training, and community reintegration support, etc. to aid them in their recovery. “We have a strong partnership with the medical staff here at NMPS. This allows us to communicate with profes-
By Haley Livesay | Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator sionals so the USOHRCV can continue to enhance the quality of life of not only our Active Duty personnel and their families, but our local Wounded Warriors as well” says NMPS Center Director Ann Morris. Throughout the year, the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia has provided local Wounded Warriors with tickets to baseball games, organized restaurant outings, provided gift cards for grocery shopping and dinners, hosted pancake breakfasts and family BBQ’s, and provided NASCAR tickets. The USOHRCV also honored the Wounded Warriors as special guests at their annual Gala and Silent Auction where the attendees could thank these special individuals for their service and sacrifice. As the draw down continues in Afghanistan the USOHRCV will continue to work in supporting this extraordinary group of men and women.
An ordinary life is an extraordinary gift There are few opportunities to make a positive impact on someone else’s life that we can see with our very own eyes. This is often the case when it comes to donating to a charitable organization. Sometimes, actions like writing a check or dropping pocket change into a jar may not carry with them that sense of “Yes, I’m making a difference!” that one might hope for. A donation to Hope House Foundation is not one of those actions. Making the choice to donate to Hope House is fulfilling because you know you are directly assisting in improving someone’s life. Donating to Hope House is also satisfying, because, since we support people in their own homes and therefore they live in the community, you have the opportunity to see your valuable donation at work every single day. You can see someone we support taking their dog for a walk. Sure, it may seem like a small feat, but there are many people with disabilities who cannot have pets of their own
because they live in a congregate setting that doesn’t permit animals. Or maybe you’ll join someone we support for a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza. This, too, is not an option for some individuals who may not have the freedom to dine wherever they wish out in the community, but instead are limited to a dining hall. So, you see, it’s the small things in life that make it worth living. When people with disabilties are provided with respect, care, and the resources necessary to be independent, they can enjoy the small things (and the big ones, too) in life that many of us take for granted. And when all those small things come together it paints a picture of what Hope House and you, as a donor, can do for our community. But perhaps you still don’t quite understand Hope House Foundation’s mission or our role in the community. So, please, allow me to introduce you to Jessie, one of the women we support.
Jessie is a vibrant young woman with a quick smile, great sense of humor, and contagious laugh. She lives in a cozy apartment within walking distance of her favorite shops and entertainment venues. Jessie loves having her own apartment where she can relax after work, cook dinner, or watch movies with her boyfriend. But Jessie’s life was not always this way. Before coming to Hope House Foundation eight years ago, Jessie’s life was not one of her own choosing. Instead, her life was one full of schedules made according to other people’s agendas. Others made decisions for her regarding where she went and when, what she ate, what she wore, and who her friends were. All of these choices — these little liberties that everyone deserves to enjoy — were not her own. Now, though, thanks to Hope House, Jessie has control over her life. She decides what she wants to do, who she wants to spend her time with, and how she wants to represent her individuality. Jessie is living life
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 11
HOPE HOUSE FOUNDATION
CFC# 14719
on her own terms, just like we all should. This is where Hope House Foundation comes in. We support Jessie in her own apartment and provide her with the level of support that is just right for her. Jessie, like everyone at Hope House, receives support in her own apartment and, also like the other people served by Hope House, her plan of care was tailor-made to suit her individual needs in a safe and empowering manner. While all of this still may not seem remarkable, consider that Hope House Foundation is the only organization in Virginia that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes. We support approximately 120 adults with disabilities in neighborhoods in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Your gift to Hope House Founda-
tion guarantees that people with disabilities, like Jessie, will continue receiving support in their own homes as valued members of our community. Most importantly, we will support them in living life on their own terms, just like you and me. Jessie now has her own apartment that she has decorated with posters of her favorite bands, pictures of friends, and her artwork. She spends her days doing what she wants, has a job she loves, plans outings with her friends, and enjoys the quiet, safe comfort of her own apartment. In short, she has an ordinary life, just like you. Please give. Your gift means the world to the people we serve.
12 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
CFC# 74975
Two worlds collide — then join forces to stop diabetes Many have heard the song lyrics – “I’m a little bit country ... and I’m a little bit rock ‘n roll.â€? This song classic couldn’t apply more perfectly to Michael LePage and his wife Laura. He was Army, she was Navy. He was from the big city, she from the country. They’re lifestyles were so different, yet a blind date (and little pursing by Michael) brought the two together to form a bond and marriage that now drives their family and support of the American Diabetes Association in Greater Hampton Roads, VA. The two met in 1982 and married in 1984. Both had stellar careers in their respective military branches. Michael served as a Presidential escort in the First of Third Infantry, the ofďŹ cial ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States. His term of service was during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Laura helped break through many barri-
ers, serving as one of the ďŹ rst female sailors when VAW-125 embarked onboard the USS Enterprise. They soon realized that unless they wanted to be stationed in different parts of the world, one of them would need to assume a civilian career. To Michael’s admission, he left the Army and followed Laura around the world as a “Navy husbandâ€? for 21 years. Laura was stationed in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mississippi, and onboard the USS Enterprise and then onboard the USS Platte, before the couple ďŹ nally settled in the Hampton Roads area. Laura retired as a Chief Petty OfďŹ cer, Surface Warfare, in 2003, and now works as a government civil servant. Michael’s career path ran the gamut from owner/operator of a home daycare to management trainee with McDonald’s Corp. His next move was to Walgreens Co., where he serves as a store manager today. Eleven years ago, Michael and a fel-
low manager were approached by the American Diabetes Association about supporting the Association’s annual Walk fundraising initiative. That year, one store participated, selling pin-ups, forming a small Walk team, and raising about $1,500. Over the past decade, Walgreens had become the largest area supporter of the Association, raising more than a half million dollars during that time period. Michael still serves as the heart and soul of the annual Walgreens fundraising campaign, as well as chairing the Association’s Community Leadership Board and Step Out: Walk Committee. In addition, he supports other ADA initiatives, including co-chairing the Golf Tournament Committee and volunteering at the Tour de Cure cycling event. In 2007, Michael and Laura adopted their son Dylan, now 15, and since that time, volunteering with the Association has become a family
affair. You can always expect to see the whole LePage family supporting the Association at Step Out: Walk; Tour de Cure; and various Walgreens fundraising events. When Michael ďŹ rst joined the ADA family, he didn’t must be found, and the pain must be know anyone with diabetes, but since put behind us. I am on a mission to that time, the disease has touched him put diabetes in the history books, as and his family personally. Michael the only way our future children will sees the statistics, noting that if cur- learn about this horrible disease.â€? We are grateful that not only did rent trends don’t change, one in three children born since 2000 (and one Michael and Laura LePage ďŹ nd each in every two African American chil- other, but they also found a shared dren) will develop diabetes in their passion for supporting the American lifetime. This is an outcome Michael Diabetes Association. For more on how you can become refuses to accept for his son and for all children, our community’s future. involved with the Association and/or “Diabetes hurts, and to tell a child the October 6-7 Step Out: Walks to you have to make yourself bleed Stop Diabetes, please contact your four, six, 10 or more times a day is local American Diabetes Association demoralizing for a parent and painful at 757-424-6662 x3283. and confusing for the child,â€? Michael says. “This is wrong and in fact a horrible reality that everyone accepts By Deanie Eldridge as normal. This must stop, a cure Executive Director
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2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 13
The Jarred McKinley Carter Project — $50K for LLS THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY My name is Justin Legg, and I am a recently retired Navy SEAL. I have faced a few small challenges in my life. I have also had a downturn or two, and even had some flat out excruciating experiences both physically and mentally. As luck would have it though, I am still around to tell my story. So here is the short version. As I mentioned, I was a Navy SEAL for just over 10 years. During that time, I have been deployed twice, once to Iraq, witnessed Hurricane Katrina from the inside (and so did my house), and developed leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the Philadelphia Chromosome for the medically inclined). I went through over 50 chemotherapy treatments, six rounds of full-body radiation and then onto a Bone Marrow transplant. After that, I developed a disease in which my donor’s bone marrow didn’t get along too well with my body (Graft Versus Host Disease or GVHD) which attacked my liver, eyes, skin, GI tract, mouth, and lungs. After dealing with numerous problems from that, eventually I required a double lung transplant to survive. I got my new lungs in July 2010 after three months in the hospital, including two weeks in a coma and the loss of 60 pounds. Since the transplant, I had a cataract removed and replaced with an artificial lens as a result of all the cancer treatments. I will have the other one replaced in the future. I have had 16 to 18 skin biopsies (I’ve lost count) to determine why it hurts when I sweat, but that problem has gotten much better. Minus the skin biopsy marks, I have about a dozen new cool scars (and yes my wife digs them) and what looks like a permanent black eye under my right eye. My liver is still chugging along despite putting out too many enzymes along the way. Compared to some of the folks I have seen along the way suffering from some of the same medical problems, I didn’t have it too bad at all. That is why I have now committed to putting my best effort forth to complete the Virginia Beach Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon in order to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This organization funds research and advances treatments for those who suffer from these truly mean diseases and the myriad of side effects that come with the treatments (as evidenced by my history). It is an awful thing to see others suffering from these diseases and the associated treatments necessary to overcome it. I feel like I had it easy and now it’s time to support those who did not and will not have it so easy. Last year I walked the Shamrock Half Marathon only eight months after my transplant and raised over $38,000 for LLS. This year I hope to walk, and run the Half Marathon, and hopefully surpass last year’s amount. My goal is $50,000! Why such an audacious goal? - The Jarred McKinley Carter Project! If one person
CFC# 51527
By Justin Legg | USN Retired
raises $50,000 or more for LLS through a single Team In Training event, that person can name an LLS-funded blood cancer research program. If I can reach that goal, I intend to name it for Jarred McKinley Carter. Jarred McKinley Carter is the young man whose lungs now reside in my chest. Jarred passed on and his family made the difficult decision to donate his organs so that others may live. In my case, I wouldn’t have lived much longer had I not received his lungs when I did. I have recently been in touch with Jarred’s mother by phone and e-mail. I asked her permission to name the project after her son should I reach the $50,000 goal, and to publically use his name in my fundraising. Not only did she say yes, but she told me that it has given her new hope and purpose in life and reinforced her belief in the goodness of people in this world. She has learned of the things I have done with my new life due to the gift of Jarred’s lungs, including last-year’s fund-raising efforts for LLS and my participation in the Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge, becoming the first and only double lung transplant recipient to climb Denali (Mount McKinley), in Alaska. She is so happy that I am using the gift her son has given me to live life fully and to give back to others in the same turn. While Jarred’s mother is very happy to know how well I am doing, she and the rest of her family still feel his loss very deeply. Sometimes terrible things happen in this world. What we do afterwards defines who we are and helps us build our character. I once read a quote that said, “The most human thing we can do in this life is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” I am comfortable now that I have received Jarred’s lungs, so I am afflicting myself on my family and friends to help comfort Jarred’s family who has been so deeply afflicted with his loss. You are welcome to read more about my journey in preparing for the Rock N’Roll Half Marathon on Sept. 2 by visiting http://bit.ly/KFrMJ2. If you feel so inclined, you may also make a donation to help honor the memory of the young man who gave his life for mine — a legacy that may result in a cancer cure. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Our mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Virginia Chapter serves patients and their families, medical professionals and the general public across the Commonwealth. Visit www.LLS. org and www.LLS.org/VA for more information, or call 1-800-766-0797.
VIRGINIA BEACH VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD CFC# 82014
From the jet crash to any call for help, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad is there The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad started in 1952 after attorney J. Peter Holland III came upon a car accident and was unable to receive timely help because the fire department’s ambulance was disabled. That inspired him to gather people in the community together to start a volunteer rescue squad. The group took a trip to Fredericksburg, where they already had a working volunteer system, to see what they needed, then went to the city and received $500 to start the rescue squad. On May 1, 1952, Princess Anne-Virginia Beach Rescue started operations. In the 1960s, the city found the need for more rescue squads and requested the new squads operate within the fire departments. Virginia Beach-Princess Anne Rescue opted to remain its own independent squad. This squad is now known as the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (VBVRS). Virginia Beach is home to Naval Air Station Oceana, the Navy Master Jet Base, and as a result, VBVRS has counted many service members among its ranks. More importantly, VBVRS has been responding to medical emergencies of service members since 1952. When the F-18 crashed in Virginia Beach early this year, the first ambulance from VBVRS was on scene within thirty seconds, to be joined by five more within minutes, in addition to the fire trucks and ambulances from other squads throughout the city. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad has grown up with a strong military presence, and its volunteer-members are proud to provide aid to service members, as they provide us with safety and freedom every day.
By Josh Lesko | Marketing Lt.
14 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
Get the facts about Lupus Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. What do I need to know about Lupus? If you have been diagnosed with lupus, you will want to know as much as you can about the disease. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints and/or organs inside the body). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. With lupus, your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body's healthy tissues and creates auto antibodies ("auto" means "self") to attack and destroy healthy tissue. These auto antibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can be mild or serious but should always be treated by a doctor.
LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, EASTERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER
With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. What causes Lupus? No one knows what causes lupus. However, scientists believe that hormones, genetics (heredity), and environment are all involved. Hormones regulate many of the body’s functions. In particular, the sex hormone estrogen plays a role in lupus. Men and women both produce estrogen, but estrogen production is much greater in females. However, it does not mean that estrogen, or any other hormone for that matter, causes lupus. While no gene or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus, the disease does appear in certain families. And, although lupus can develop in people with no lupus in their family history, there are likely to be other autoimmune diseases in some family members. Certain ethnic groups (people of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Pacific Island descent) have a greater risk of developing lupus, which may also be related to genes they have in common. Your genes may increase the chance that you will develop lupus, but scientists believe
Photo credit: Andrea Moran/CBF Staff
THE BAY YOU LOVE IS IN TROUBLE.
Join us in our efforts to fight pollution and save the Bay and its rivers and streams for current and future generations. Visit us online at cbf.org or call 888/SAVEBAY for more information. CFC #11325
it takes some kind of environmental trigger to set off the illness or to bring on a flare, such as ultraviolet rays from the sun or from fluorescent light bulbs; sulfa drugs, which make a person more sensitive to the sun; penicillin or certain other antibiotic drugs; some tetracycline drugs; infection; a cold or a viral illness; exhaustion; injury; emotional stress; anything that causes stress to the body, like surgery, an accident, or pregnancy Other seemingly unrelated factors can trigger your onset of lupus. Scientists have noted some common triggers among many people who have lupus, including exposure to the sun, an infection, a medication taken to treat an illness, being pregnant, and giving birth.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA
CFC# 75149
What Are the Symptoms of Lupus? Because lupus can affect so many different organs, there is wide range of symptoms that can occur. The most common symptoms of lupus, which are the same for females and males, are extreme fatigue (tiredness); headaches; painful or swollen joints; fever; anemia (caused by low numbers of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or low total blood volume); swelling (edema) in feet, legs, or around eyes; Pain in the chest on deep breathing (pleurisy); Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose; Sun- or light-sensitivity (photosensitivity); Hair loss; Blood-clotting problems; Fingers turning white and/or blue in the cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon); Ulcers in mouth or nose.
CFC# 50253
By Ruth Liljenquist Managing Editor | Charities USA
Finding work after the military Finding a job is one of the biggest challenges for military personnel leaving active duty these days. To address this challenge, Catholic Charities agencies across the country are providing job development services tailored for ex-military members. Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, for example, offers a three-hour job search seminar for former service members. The seminar is led by Neil McNulty, president and CEO of the agency and a former Marine Corps officer himself. Prior to coming to Catholic Charities, he spent much of his career developing job search strategies for former military members. In fact, he is considered to be one of the USA’s leading authorities on military job placement and career transition. “We focus on how to get hired when no one is hiring and how to get hired where you want to live,” said McNulty. Both of these strategies are important. The economy is still struggling to provide good jobs, and most people leaving active duty want to return to their hometowns to work and live. McNulty’s seminar is the only one of its kind and has been called “the most effective job hunting system anywhere” by the nation’s leading experts on careers. Among many unconventional tactics, it encourages job seekers to bypass the traditional process of responding to posted job openings, and instead, to make direct contact with leaders of small and mid-size businesses and show
them quickly what assets they can bring to the business, especially as former service members. This strategy works equally well for military and non-military job seekers. This seminar and other Catholic Charities job development programs have been successful in helping former military members return to work. Tips on Finding a Job • Identify local small and mid-size businesses near where you live which you may have never heard of. To find them, use websites such as Manta.com. • Introduce yourself by email or voicemail to business owners and quickly let them know your strengths and assets. Don’t be shy! Get the leaders talking, and focus on their needs and solving their problems. • Continue to make contact with the business leaders you’ve met or communicated with, regardless of whether or not they have openings. The objective is building relationships, not identifying openings. • Be confident! Remember that many business leaders want to give something back to people who have served in the military. Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia was established in 1932 to serve people of every race, religion and background through all stages of life. For more information, please visit our web site www.cceva.org and friend us on Facebook.
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 15
UNION MISSION MINISTRIES
CFC# 61126
Union Mission Ministries and the military — together, we are making a difference Since 1892, The Union Mission Ministries has served the poor and homeless in the Hampton Roads community. In addition to providing food, clothing, shelter, job and life skills training for the homeless, the ministry has a children’s home, a summer camp for needy children, an Assisted Living facility, a radio and television station and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The ministry does not receive any state or federal funding but relies on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations. More than 36 percent of the homeless are veterans. The Union Mission works closely with the Veterans Administration to access benefits and other services as well as providing job and life skills training, computer and budgeting classes and other life changing programs to help homeless veterans become productive citizens once again. Tom is a 56-year-old veteran whose years of alcoholism caused him to lose his home and his job. His age and addiction have been a continuing barrier from employment. With nowhere else to go, he came to the Union Mission. A Mission caseworker helped him obtain veteran’s benefits and services and is helping him to secure income-based housing, while helping him work through his addiction. Jerry, age 27 is a first time homeless veteran who was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving 8 years. He says he was discharged because he did not make rank and due to downsizing. Upon his discharge, he
By Linda Jones Public Relations Director
lived with a friend, but domestic issues and unemployment led him to homelessness, and the Union Mission. The staff connected him to veteran resources and is helping him find employment as well as developing a plan to use his VA educational benefits to start a new career. Robert is a veteran who became homeless due to a job layoff. As a divorced, single father, he struggled to provide for his adolescent son and was forced to have a friend temporarily care for him while he relocated and sought shelter at the Union Mission. Mission staff helped him obtain VA services and a housing voucher. He recently secured a home for both him and his son. The military has always played a vital role in the work of The Union Mission. Through the thousands of dedicated and hard working volunteers from Norfolk-based ships, area commands and veterans organizations, who have done a variety of jobs from sorting food and making food boxes for needy families, to serving meals to the homeless, to sorting donated clothing, and doing yard work on the Mission’s 24-acre facility and through your generous financial support through the Combined Federal Campaign. Together we are making a difference in the lives of the hurting and homeless.
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16 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
Marines help Riley find an edge in fighting illness I wish to be a Marine Wind rushes in through the Huey’s open doors. Seated in a center seat, Riley feels the air tug at him, the rolling sensation of a banking turn. They’re sensations unlike anything he’s ever experienced. The smile on Riley’s face reminds his new Marine Corps friends of their first helicopter flight. It’s part of their everyday work – but for 11-year-old Riley, it’s a wish come true. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 study of wish impact, 97 percent of health professions observe an increase in wish kids’ emotional health. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences strengthen the entire family.
by Justin Schmid
MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION® OF AMERICA CFC# 11375
A life of challenge Riley was diagnosed with pulmonary disease. It’s a condition he’ll have to manage his entire life and it prevents him from join-
ing the ranks of those he admires – the U.S. Marine Corps. Make-A-Wish® offered Riley the chance to wish for anything. And he wished to be a Marine for a day. Though he admires every branch of the military, Riley sees a toughness in the Marine Corps that sets it apart. Riley’s father, Aaron, says his son displays the same brand of toughness every single day in the face of a difficult medical condition. A Make-A-Wish experience can provide that positive edge for kids like Riley to stay strong. Marines feel the impact of granting a wish Marine Staff Sergeant Jeremy Hager noticed something about Riley immediately – all the qualities that make an “outstanding Marine.” “Riley was definitely motivated,” he said. “He was very disciplined, polite and courteous.” Hager was one of many people who pulled together to grant Riley’s wish. Drill instructors, pilots and aircrews at Camp Pendleton gave Riley the ultimate first-hand look at their
lives. They arranged activities that are normally off-limits to everyone outside the military. “I see how events like this can really stick in a child’s memory,” Major Chris Chown, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, told a Marine Corps journalist. “Anytime you are able to come through on a child’s wish, the expression you see on their face makes all the hard work worthwhile.” One chance to change a life What is a typical day at the office for Chown is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Riley. Living with pulmonary disease prevents him from serving in the military. But his wish gave him something to look forward to. And now that his wish is over, he has incredible memories that overshadow his daily challenges. “I really loved the helicopter ride because at one point, I felt like I was floating,” Riley said. “And then, all of a sudden, we just dropped.” By designating the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America, CFC #11375, you can share the power of a wish®!
Foundation awards 58 scholarships nationally; 23 local recipients Please help heroes go the distance. We provide injured veterans with free transportation, believing they deserve the finest medical, counseling and rehabilitative services available. www.AirCompassionforVeterans.org
Call 888-662-6794
CFC #99118
Let’s make sure no patient or veteran is left medically stranded. We provide charitable air and ground transport via private planes, commercial airlines, bus and rail for patients and verterans in need. Travel is to, from or within Virginia. www.AngelFlightMidAtlantic.org
CFC #75631 Call 800-296-3797
By Christine Wilson Executive Director It’s back to school time and Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation (WOASF) is proud to announce that they are helping 58 college students, all Navy dependents, get back to school with reduced college debt due to their scholarship program. WOASF awarded 50 scholarships in 2012, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, totaling over $100,000 as well as administered scholarships for the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Ronald Reagan. Twenty-three of the winners are from Hampton Roads. Matthew Wagner, a three-time scholarship recipient of Virginia Beach, said the following about his scholarship, “Receiving a 2012 Wings Over America scholarship is extremely important to me, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am. Tuition costs continue to rise each year, and it becomes more difficult to minimize the amount of debt I will have when I graduate. This scholarship goes a very long way in helping me pay for school. Continuing my education is very important
WINGS OVER AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION CFC# 86767 to me and this scholarship makes that much more affordable. After I graduate I plan on entering the Navy and going to medical school, so I am proud to receive a scholarship from a military organization. The values of the Navy are core components of my life, and I hope to be able to fulfill my duty for our country. This scholarship is much more than just money and I cannot thank the donors and scholarship committee enough.” Matthew is the son of retired Navy Cmdr. David Wagner and currently attends Harvard College. WOASF provides college scholarships to dependents, spouse or child, of U.S. Navy personnel; Officer or Enlisted, active duty, retired, honorably discharged or deceased, who have served in Naval Aviation commands. The foundation is funded solely through the generous contributions of private and corporate sources, and has proudly awarded over $640,000 to outstanding students since 1987.
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 17
Backpacks for Wounded Warriors “On my honor, I will try, to serve God and help people at all times.� When eleven-year-old Caitlyn Guthrie recites the Girl Scout Promise, she says it with conviction. Helping people and doing good work is a big part of her Girl Scout experience, and a big part of her military family’s life. Her mom, Army Lieutenant Colonel Christina Schweiss, spent years in Girl Scouting as a young girl and earned the highest award as a Girl Scout Senior – the Gold Award. She has continued being involved as a Girl Scout volunteer. She believes strongly in the Girl Scout values and wants to help instill those values in girls today. While she was in Iraq in 2008, she helped establish Girl Scout activities for girls in the “green zone� area. She was a role model and friend for girls who were in need. Shweiss continues her role as a mentor for her daughter and other Girl Scouts in the Hampton Roads area. In June, Caitlyn followed her mother’s footsteps and earned the Girl Scout Junior Bronze Award for her community service project Backpacks for Warriors. After hearing about soldiers being transported to
GIRL SCOUTS
the hospital with very little resources, she chose to give service to help those at the “Patriot Innâ€? — the wounded warrior wing of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, She collected over 25 backpacks, along with items to ďŹ ll the packs, from friends in the community, Girl Scout troops and military units. Caitlyn spent several weeks traveling throughout Hampton Roads to pick up collections. One Girl Scout troop in Gloucester was able to get a local school to support Caitlyn’s project, resulting in a very large tub of toiletries to keep the warriors supplied for months. Caitlyn also shared her project ier with the Chaplain at the Joint Forces Staff College, who turned her project into a community service opportunity for staff, faculty and students. “The backpack project came about after Caitlyn delivered 50 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the Patriot Inn in March,â€? Christina said. “She asked Navy personnel in charge of the wing what the wounded warriors might need. She learned that many of the service men and women in the Patriot Inn were wounded in Afghanistan. Because they are evacuated from the front lines to
CFC# 59158
receive medical care so quickly, they often arrive at their ďŹ nal destinations with nothing but hospital gowns on their backs.â€? In addition, many patients will be undergoing rehabilitation and therapy that require comfortable clothing. So, Caitlyn ensured each backpack she brought included T-shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, ip ops, essential toiletries, as well as snacks and any personal touches donors wanted to include. When she delivered the backpacks, along with colorful art she helped produce to hang on the walls, she was greeted with smiles and open arms. She was also presented a certiďŹ cate of appreciation form the United States Marine Corps Liaison Detachment at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. With her Bronze award in hand, Caitlyn bridged to Girl Scout Cadettes and is looking forward to earning the highest award for the Cadette “rankâ€? which is the Silver Award. Schweiss couldn’t be more proud. “She really cares about people and making a difference. She’s doing great things now;
I can’t imagine what she’ll be able to accomplish in life. Whatever it is, I know she will touch lives for the better.� When you give to the United Way, consider designating your gift to Girl Scouts – CFC #59158.
By Marcy Germanotta
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18 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s restoration projects get boost from military volunteers CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION For decades, the shorelines of countless waterways meandering through Hampton Roads have been kept cleaner and healthier thanks to the military’s help, especially during the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) annual Clean the Bay Day volunteer litter pickup event. This year on June 2 at hundreds of cleanup sites across Virginia, nearly 6,800 Clean the Bay Day volunteers removed 152,000 pounds of debris from roughly 500 miles of shoreline. Typically through the years, a good third of those who sign up to help are from Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Army installations in the Hampton Roads region. In fact, military personnel helped form the group that coordinated the first ever Clean the Bay Day in 1989. Since then the Hampton Roads military community, especially the Navy, has provided a total of more than 35,000 personnel for the effort. By boat and by foot, and sometimes even in diving gear, they remove bits of litter as small as cigarette butts
CFC# 11325
and as large as appliances, all of which pollute rivers and streams every year. No sooner had this year’s event ended when personnel from Naval Station Norfolk already started planning for next year’s 25th anniversary of Clean the Bay Day, slated for June 1, 2013. Much of the debris collected on Clean the Bay Day comes from streets and parking lots where storm water runoff carries it through storm drains directly into rivers, streams, and the Bay. The debris is not only unsightly and unhealthy, but also poses a threat to wildlife and can block sunlight needed for underwater grasses and a healthier ecosystem. Though Clean the Bay Day is the most popular CBF volunteer event, it’s not the only project where military muscle power and dedication have benefited the Chesapeake Bay. Servicemen and women also help our oyster restoration efforts. Local oyster populations have dwindled through the decades, and CBF and others are diligently trying to boost oyster populations in
many rivers and streams, from Gloucester to Norfolk. Oysters are key to a healthy Bay. They have amazing filtering capabilities and their reefs provide critical habitat for other aquatic species. Restoring their low population is a big priority, and one that needs many hands. CBF relies on dedicated volunteers to assist. Throughout the year, volunteers from the USS Harry Truman, for example, have provided help with CBF’s various oyster restoration projects, including washing and bagging old oyster shells, planting oysters on oyster reefs, and making concrete reef balls for oysters. This year, Truman volunteers and Coast Guardsmen have assisted CBF with the process of making concrete reef balls to place on local oyster sanctuary reefs. Volunteers must work quickly and efficiently to pour wet concrete into molds and remove the molds at the right time. The reef ball technique is a valuable tool in the effort to provide safe habitat for growing oysters. Last year, at a living shoreline project in Gloucester County, men and women from the Truman used their personal day off to provide sweat equity to build an oyster berm. Forming
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GREATER HAMPTON ROADS
an assembly line standing knee-deep in the creek, they tossed 1,700 heavy bags of oyster shells from one to another, carefully positioning the bags on the creek bottom. That equates to 49,000 pounds of shells to create a 200-feetwide, 2.5-feet-tall berm, all done in a flash with military muscle power. Not only did the Truman volunteers help save a badly eroded shoreline and increase underwater habitat, they also had a lot of fun clowning around as they dutifully performed the tasks. While environmental stewardship and a healthier Bay are important results of CBF’s restoration projects, it’s clear to see that the military volunteers who assist get a charge out of “Saving the Bay” as well. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation organization dedicated to saving a national treasure – the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. Its motto, Save the Bay, defines the organization's mission and commitment. By Andrea Moran Communications Coordinator
CFC# 19848
Langley Air Force volunteers impact more than 1,500 students During the 2011-2012 school year, Langley Air Force volunteers reached more than 1,500 students in more than 20 schools in Hampton Roads. LAFB has made a commitment to helping students on the peninsula and has stretched their reach to the southside. Through volunteer lead sessions they have successfully mentored our new leaders, voters, and business leaders. “The Air Force prides itself on community involvement. Not only that, when you go home at the end of the day knowing you’ve made a difference and you’ve impacted the life of our youth, there’s no greater feeling. As long as the schools are open to our involvement, we will be there,” said Tech. Sgt. Terry Yates | 480th
ISRW/FM, Budget Analyst. Thanks to this commitment to inspiring young people to own their economic success, students in these Junior Achievement programs were able to get their certificates of achievement and gain confidence in their abilities to reach for their dreams. Junior Achievement provides economic education programs to schools that teach about financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurship. To learn more, please visit us at www.jahamptonroads.com or call 757-455-9500.
By Leslie Lewis | Marketing Director
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 19
Coast to coast: love, technology and support bring family together despite distance Emma and her parents chat after Emma’s dinnertime and their lunchtime. Richard Bowman, a submarine-qualified electrician’s mate first class, and his wife, Christine, sit in their San Diego, Calif., home as the sun is high in the sky, and Emma squirms about in her chair at St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk, as the sun outside is setting. Mother and daughter play peek-a-boo and blow kisses. And although about 2,700 miles and three time zones stand between seven-year-old Emma and her parents, the family’s unwavering love, aided by modern technology and the staff at St. Mary’s Home, brings them together for the evening. A lot can change in a year. During the summer of 2011, a friend referred the Bowmans to St. Mary’s Home, which cares for children and young adults from throughout Virginia who have severe intellectual and physical disabilities. When Emma’s pediatrician suggested that Emma might need more full-time care, Christine and Richard took a tour of St. Mary’s. Christine said the warmth of the staff and the way they treated the children made the Home feel like the right choice for their daughter and Emma was placed under the care of St. Mary’s Home that September. Because Emma lived at home and fell into the U.S. Armed Forces Exceptional Family Member Program as a category five (five being the most severe), Richard could not receive orders to be stationed elsewhere. However, within weeks of Emma being placed under the care of St. Mary’s Home, Richard found out that he would be sent to San Diego. In January, the Bowmans were on a plane to the West Coast. Despite the distance, the Bowmans remain determined to stay involved in Emma’s life. Every six weeks, Christine visits Emma at St. Mary’s Home, paying for airfare and travel expenses out of pocket (about $1,000 per visit).
The trips last for about four days and in that time, Christine tries to balance fun and quality time while blending into Emma’s routine. Christine brings treats for Emma to eat and they Skype with Emma’s extended family members. But of all the activities that Christine and Emma do on these visits, Emma’s favorite is reading. “Give her a book and she’d be happy,” said Christine. Though Christine and Richard’s visits to St. Mary’s Home are a time to be treasured, it is the time in between visits that are the most trying. Christine acknowledges that it is hard to keep in touch with Emma due to the time difference. However, Emma’s support team and staff members at St. Mary’s Home have rallied behind the Bowman family and have worked vigorously to keep the family in touch with every aspect of Emma’s life. “St. Mary’s has gone out of their way to involve us as much as possible in her life, even while we’re here,” Christine said. “Even though we’re across the U.S., we feel regularly involved.” Every Friday, Christine and a family member, usually one of Emma’s four brothers or Richard, will Skype with Emma. Though Richard is frequently on deployment, he makes every attempt to Skype with Emma when he can. Christine notes that the physical therapy staff and Emma’s teachers email her with photos and send classwork in the mail. Lauren Burnett, Emma’s support coordinator, frequently emails Christine with updates. Christine also keeps up with Emma via St. Mary’s Facebook page, which recently featured a story about Emma’s participation in a race with members of Team Hoyt VB, a Virginia Beach-based running organization that strives to help people with disabilities play an active role in their community. “Emma’s family, despite being thousands
Leadership begins with Girl Scouts Serving girls K-12 When giving to United Way, designate your gift to Girl Scouts. gsccc.org • (800) 77SCOUT Combined Federal Campaign # 59158
ST. MARY’S HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN CFC# 10064 of miles away, actively participates in Emma’s life as if they are right down the street,” said Burnett. “The Skyping weekly with the support of Jo-Marie McAlpine (a direct support professional at St. Mary’s) has truly just been an added bonus for Emma and her family.” Emma has made great strides since coming to St. Mary’s. According to Christine, when Emma first arrived at the Home, she could walk, but with great difficulty. Now Emma is on the move. Christine also said Emma is happy at St. Mary’s, which provides around-the-clock medical, therapeutic and recreational services for residents ages newborn to 21 years. St. Mary’s also partners with Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs to provide educational services. Grants, donations
and contributions through United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign help cover the costs of care at the private, nonprofit St. Mary’s. The Albero House, which will care for adults over 21, is expected to open on St. Mary’s campus in late 2012. Christine said she plans on returning to the Hampton Roads area next summer after Emma’s older brother has graduated high school and is off to college. Richard will join her shortly thereafter. For now, the family will continue to work alongside the staff at St. Mary’s and enjoy the trips and Skype calls until they are able to be reunited in a year.
By Sydney Palese Marketing communications intern
20 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
SENIOR SERVICES OF SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA
CFC# 47980
Helping the community through its volunteers and the CFC campaign
FOODBANK OF SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA CFC# 24543 By Stacey Brandon
When it comes to doing good, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia doesn’t just live that mantra each day, they’re lucky enough to have found volunteers who believe in their mission of helping seniors and adults with disabilities live independently and with dignity. Who is Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia? Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia means: advocacy for clients and their families; aging planning; care coordination; home-delivered meals and senior dining; transportation; companion, homemaker and personal care; benefits counseling; longterm community-based care; and ombudsman and care concern investigation. Our volunteers An extraordinary example of voluntarism has been active duty members in the United States Navy and Marines from the NAVCON Brig in Chesapeake. They carve out time in their challenging schedules to help seniors in South Hampton Roads. These volunteers deliver meals in the Metro and Western Tidewater areas. When asked what motivates them to help, ABF2 (AW/SW) Brian Ellis said, “It’s the relationship built with Senior Services staff like Latasha and Volunteer Services and how pleasantly surprising and rewarding it was when we sat down and talked to the people we were helping, we got a lot more out of it than any of us thought we would.” Fortunately, Senior Services understands the demands of their careers as many who work at the organization are either prior, retired or spouses of active duty members. Thus, Senior Services’ Volunteer Services program works diligently to secure opportunities that make it easier for those serving currently in the armed forces to make a difference. Senior Services is flexible and can work around any schedule, be it a weeknight, once a week, once a month or just weekends. This past spring, these same five volunteers from the Navy and Marines earned special recognition at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. They chose to get involved by delivering meals in addition to helping paint senior apartments this past year. Like nonprofits everywhere, funding is down for Senior Services. The Volunteer Driver Program has been implemented to ensure Senior Services clients in need, like a mom, grandma or neighbor who aren’t able to drive, live alone or have health problems get the help they need. These meals help to make sure clients are getting proper nutrition, improving their quality of life as well as receiving a friendly visit from someone who cares. Opportunities like these not only serve the client, but they help the military volunteer affect change and help further their career. They can secure experience in the civilian arena, a resume builder, when it’s time to discharge or retire. Another way to help When considering to which nonprofit group to designate your funds for the upcoming Combined Federal Campaign (CFC),
Military members are crucial volunteers to eliminate hunger in SoutheasternVirginia By Mary Howel please consider writing in Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia as in addition to volunteer opportunities, they partner with the Hampton Roads community in so many more avenues. They are THE Center for Aging for South Hampton Roads. Long-term care The Center for Aging long-term care department staff provides long-term care assessment, care planning and coordination, and information and referral assistance for seniors and their families, and benefits counseling for seniors and adults with disabilities. Partnerships with public and private agencies and other nonprofit organizations make services, resources and information available in South Hampton Roads more accessible. Transit and Wellness The Center for Aging Transit and Wellness department works with seniors and adults with disabilities by delivering meals and giving rides to medical appointments. Wellness programs, lunchtime meals and a wide array of activities are available at community wellness centers throughout South Hampton Roads. Additionally, special group trips to local places of interest, festivals and performances are offered through the wellness centers. Volunteer services Sharing life experiences, talents and skills is a rewarding way for all ages to make a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Senior Services offers an array of opportunities to make a difference in South Hampton Roads communities. Help on many levels Further our mission of allowing seniors and adults with disabilities live independently with choice and dignity. Consider volunteering with Senior Services and please help seniors and adults with disabilities this year during the Roads Combined Federal Campaign.
A few hours is all it takes for a volunteer to help us lead the effort to eliminate hunger in our community. Every time someone volunteers with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, they leave knowing that they have helped to feed someone who is hungry. Military members’ contributions of volunteer work comprise roughly a third of the over 35,000 volunteer hours recorded last year by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. In addition to volunteering time at our Norfolk facility to support the issue of hunger, many military installations have held Food and Fund Drives and have participated in the annual Feds Feed Families campaign – volunteering their time and resources to contribute to feeding the hungry. In the past year, we have had members of our armed forces volunteer from the Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Their service has helped us in every aspect of Foodbank operations — and their work ethic is unparalleled. “Military volunteers work in every aspect of our organization, from sorting donated food to packing groceries and canned goods for distribution, to distributing food directly to our clients through USDA distributions and the Mobile Pantry Program. We especially like the military groups because they are dependable and follow through on their commitments,” said Jan Cline, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia’s Volunteer Manager. With instilled values from leaders, accountability, a can-do attitude and a coordinated effort, military volunteers are exactly the kind of outstanding volunteers the Foodbank needs. Without them, we would have approximately 10,500 less volunteer hours which in turn, will impact the children, families and seniors we support through our Programs like Kids Cafe®, BackPacks and Mobile Pantry. We thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty.
2012 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 21
Habitat SHR builds for and with Veterans Habitat for Humanity has recognized that many veteran families have difficulty finding affordable housing for their families. About 72,000 families of post 9/11 veterans pay more than 50 percent of their incomes in rent. The problem is especially acute in South Hampton Roads where a two-bedroom apartment rents for over $1,000 a month. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads (Habitat SHR) has implemented our Habitat for Heroes Veterans Initiative to build or renovate and sell affordable houses to veterans and their families and to help veteran homeowners with needed repairs or maintenance of their homes. Habitat for Heroes is a natural fit for the South Hampton Roads community. More than 50 percent of our Habitat SHR volunteer construction force is active duty or retired military. Our Habitat for Heroes committee composed of military retirees is raising money to build our first Habitat for Heroes house. Our first Heroes house will be built for the Mata family. Lydia Mata is a Navy veteran who served on the USS Truman and the USS Roosevelt and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is also the widow of a veteran and single mother of two boys, ages 5 and 9. Ms. Mata has a full-time job as a desk
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS CFC# 45426 clerk at a local hotel and has a goal to complete her college education. Habitat SHR is thrilled to work with the Mata family to build and sell them an affordable and energy-efficient home as part of our Kenley Commons project in Virginia Beach. The total cost of constructing the house is $120,000 but it will be sold to the Mata family using Habitat’s unique zero-percent interest mortgages. However, we need of money, skilled trades, and materials to make this possible. Another Habitat for Heroes Veterans Initiative project is occurring as part of Habitat SHR’s observation of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. We are repairing and adapting the Portsmouth home of the Frye family. David Frye has served in the U.S. Navy since 2001. He and his wife are expecting their first child this November. They have recently learned that he’ll be deployed early next year. Due to an automobile accident a decade ago, Sylvia had her arms severed above the elbow.
Habitat SHR’s veteran and active duty volunteers are making necessary adaptations to their home to help Sylvia care for her child and live independently when her husband deploys. Retired Admiral Stan Bryant is a Habitat SHR board member, chair of the Habitat for Heroes committee, and a regular volunteer on Habitat SHR sites with a crew of fellow Naval Academy graduates. Admiral Bryant comments, “Being on a job site is richly rewarding and the Chairmanship of the Habitat for Heroes committee has a natural, strong fit for me after 37 years in the U.S. Navy. I am so proud of what we do at Habitat and excited to help deserving veterans and their families.” Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads was established in 1988 by local residents who wanted to make a difference in their community. In just over 24 years, Habitat SHR has provided safe, decent, affordable houses to more than 185 families in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Smithfield/Isle of Wight. Its unique zeropercent mortgage program offers home-buying veteran families a hand up and not a hand out. Those families’ mortgages pay it forward to allow Habitat SHR to build, renovate and rehabilitate homes for more families.
Your donation to Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads (CFC #45426) through the Combined Federal Campaign can be designated directly to Habitat for Heroes Veterans Initiative projects. For information to donate or help Habitat build, renovate or repair homes for veteran and other needy families in South Hampton Roads, go to www.shrhabitat.org. Do you think you know a potential Habitat for Heroes family – a family that needs help with an affordable home or affordable repairs to a home they own? Direct them to our website for selection criteria and applications or call Habitat SHR at 757-640-0590.
By Sheila Johnson Communications/Marketing Manager
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation Since our founding over 52 years ago, Dolphin Scholarship Foundation has granted over $8.8 million to more than 1,150 outstanding students attending universities and colleges throughout the U.S. Since the first scholarship was awarded, EVERY Dolphin Scholar awardee has achieved their Bachelor’s degree, and a significant many have gone on to further their education at the Master’s and Ph.D. level. Our 1000th scholar, Gavin Matthews, is the son of a First Class Petty Officer, and graduated from Granby High School right here in Norfolk.
“This gift you have provided me is invaluable in purpose and will allow me to attend Tufts University….When I first discovered this scholarship, I was amazed at the amount offered and the dedication of its mission.”
To support the DSF please designate #10102
USS TEXAS SSN 775 4966 Euclid Road, Suite 109, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757.671.3200 • www.DolphinScholarship.org
22 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION CFC# 96295
Back-to-school physical: Three questions to ask your child’s doctor You help your child stay physically active. You set a good example by serving and eating nutritious foods. And you make sure there are healthy lifestyle choices at home and at school. But even as the quarterback for your child’s health, you still need some coaching. By talking with your child’s doctor, you can make an age-appropriate plan that’s a perfect fit for your child. As the school year begins and you make the annual visit to the pediatrician, here are three simple questions to ask from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. 1. How is my child’s weight? Does your child need to lose weight, gain weight or maintain his or her current weight? Some kids will grow into their weight, and others may need to shed a few pounds. 2. What is my child’s BMI? Body Mass Index is a number that predicts risk of disease by comparing a child’s weight to his or her height. Ask your child’s healthcare provider to measure BMI and educate yourself on what the number means. 3. How often should we visit? Ask about follow-up appointments and more tests, as necessary. And find out how often your healthcare provider wants to measure your child’s BMI. By asking these three questions, you can be sure to keep them on a consistent path to a healthy lifestyle. A doctor knows how to measure your child’s total health — and can evaluate your child compared to other kids in his or her age group. Interested in learning more tips for working with your child’s doctor? Visit www.HealthierGeneration.org. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to address one of the nation’s leading public health threats – childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices. Founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference to a child’s health: homes, schools, doctor’s offices and communities.
NAVAL HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
CFC# 11010
Veterans help keep naval history, heritage alive By David Colamaria Digital Historian The Naval Historical Foundation’s mission is Preservation, Education, and Commemoration. For 86 years this non-profit organization, located at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC, has worked diligently to keep our rich naval history alive. One of the Foundation’s major initiatives is to support the National Museum of the United States Navy. This includes funding for educational programs, donation of historic artifacts, and even the construction of major new exhibits. Each of the past three years, the Foundation has cut the ribbon on an exhibit at the Cold War Gallery - the newest addition to the National Museum of the United States Navy. The most recent exhibit, opened summer 2012, is “Into the Lion’s Den,” a reconstructed heavy cruiser bridge, which shakes and rattles visitors with the simulated naval gunfire of a 1972 battle in Haiphong Harbor. In 2011, the Foundation opened the “Covert Submarine Operations” exhibit, a tribute to the Navy’s undersea missions during the Cold War.
Going back to 2010, the Foundation opened a both a “Ready Room Theater,” and an impressive Central Hall at the entry to the Cold War Gallery, which is dominated by a Trident I C-4 missile. In each of these cases, the Naval Historical Foundation worked closely with veterans and veterans organizations to ensure the accuracy and realism of the exhibits. The “Ready Room Theater” was laid out and designed with the assistance of a retired naval aviator and squadron commanding officer. The “Covert Submarine Operations” exhibit was brought to life through the guidance of a retired submarine commanding officer. Additionally, numerous volunteers from the Naval Submarine League pitched in to install portions of the exhibit correctly, such as the subma-
rine bunks in the berthing exhibit. And earlier this year, a retired Surface Warfare Officer was brought in to help obtain electronics equipment from a decommissioned destroyer berthed at Philadelphia – equipment that was soon thereafter installed in the “Into the Lion’s Den” exhibit. The passion of a former Chief of Naval Operations initially brought the story of “Into the Lion’s Den” to life, and he personally presided over the ribbon cutting, with a compelling recollection of the battle delivered to an assembled audience. Support for the Naval Historical Foundation helps keep our Navy’s history alive. Active duty military, veterans, and their families are encouraged to support this organization, to help preserve the history and heritage of the United States Navy for future generations.
Hope House Foundation is the only organization in Virginia that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exclusively in their OWN homes.
#75149
Remember Hope House Foundation (#5070) when designating your United Way gift. Thank you for your continued support of Hope House Foundation.
hope-house.org
23 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
What will I be when I grow up? The face that looks back at you from the mirror today was once the face of a child. What did you want to be when you grew up? And who were those special people in your life that made a difference and supported your dreams and your hard work? It can be mysterious why some grow to be successful and others are troubled with difficulties and unhappiness throughout their lives. Many born into success become criminals while others born into poverty grow to be exceptional individuals. This was the case with John Wakeman Grove. John grew up very poor but had a good mother and family. He worked his way through college and was a graduate of Cornell University. Major Grove retired with honors from the United States Air Force where he served for 22 years, primarily as a renowned Special Operator and helicopter pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. After retiring from active duty at Hurlburt Field in 1987, Major (ret) Grove dedicated his talents and energies into humanitarian efforts that affected the lives and hearts of people and communities globally. When he passed away he received a full honors burial with horse and caisson and helicopter fly over. His eulogy was delivered by four-star General, Norton Schwartz, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. John could be rough and tough, but he had a heart of gold to make a difference in the lives of poor children. He knew first hand that poor children have to work harder for opportuni-
ties to be someone in life. When John learned of the poverty level of the children in the Mico Quemado Mountains of Honduras, he was on board to help build and support a much-needed high school. This was a pioneering effort since it was the first time in history that children in this mountainous region could go to school past the sixth grade. The parents of the children in the Mico Quemado Mountains are hardly able to feed their children, much less send them to school. Many can not even afford to buy pencils and paper for their children. Yet they love their children and want them to have a better future. They have lived in the mountains all their lives. School supplies, lunch, text books, a uniform, a qualified teacher, transportation and everything a child needs to get a high school education is provided for them at the John Grove High School. When flying over the Mico Quemado Mountains, the foliage is so dense you wouldn’t know anyone lives there. It is a rain forest. There are no true villages; just shacks peppered throughout the mountain range and some along the winding dirt road. Some may think that these are forgotten people, but that is far from true because the U.S. Air Commandos and Bless the Children are there serving the children every day. John left his legacy in the lives of all those he helped while he was with us and with those he continues to help through Bless the Children and his Air Commando friends. John’s legacy also lives through the collecting and shipping of 40-foot sea containers of aid to help the poor. Shipments from Florida and Norfolk continue. This is your chance to join in the
THE UP CENTER
Giving back through mentoring
BLESS THE CHILDREN CFC# 10016 efforts to give desperately poor children an opportunity for an educated, prosperous life. John, his Air Commando friends and Bless the Children extend this opportunity to you. We are working hard every day to make a difference in the lives of children. Your CFC gifts provide the children with the assurance that someone cares about them and that they matter. It gives them hope as well as an opportunity to break free from the chains of poverty through education. Your help is crucial, not only to keep the school open, active and graduating young people, but to grow the school so that more children can attend. We are their only hope. Please donate to Bless the Children, CFC #10016, through this year’s Combined Federal Campaign and give these children the chance to grow to be exceptional individuals, able to help their communities rise from poverty. Over 98 percent of donations reach children in need. For more information, visit www.blessthechildreninc.org or call 727-631-0088
CFC# 11737
John, an 8-year-old from Portsmouth, waits patiently in front of his house for his weekly afternoon visit with his mentor Taj Shivanshankar. “When I arrive, he immediately has a smile on his face,” says Taj. “He knows that he is going to beat me at our game of bowling ... and usually he does!” His confidence is astounding, which is such a turnaround for this young foster child. “When I first met John, he was quiet and socially deprived,” said Taj. “Having lived at many transitional homes, it was hard for him to connect with anyone. In order to break that barrier, it took a lot of listening. Over the past year and a half, we have built trust. Foster children are often just a little bit more reserved but, when you get through to them, it is an even bigger impact on their lives,” explained Taj. According to John’s teachers, he has improved both academically and socially. For the past three years, Team Up, The Up Center’s award-winning mentoring program, has matched hundreds of mentees and mentors like Taj and John. The program reports that 100 percent of those mentees in foster care have shown improvement in the realms of school, behavior and social functioning. Team Up is fortunate to have mentors like Taj who are making a difference, but there are nearly 300 children on the waiting list for caring role models. If you’d like to mentor a child, contact Mary Midyette at 757-397-2121 or email mary.midyette@theupcenter.org. The Up Center, headquartered in Norfolk, is a regional non-profit social services agency dedicated to helping people live better lives. Since its founding in 1883, the agency has responded to the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens by providing comprehensive, effective and innovative services in four core areas: Protecting our children, Strengthening families, Empowering people in crisis and Maximizing independence for those with disabilities. The Up Center has seven locations in Hampton Roads. For more, visit www.theupcenter.org or call 757-622-7017.
By Maria Sabale | Communications Coordinator
THE U.S. NAVAL SEA CADET CORPS is a federally charted youth training organization for young people ages 10-17 who train with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and other military organizations.
10185 www.wycliffe.org/cfc
CFC# 43922
maritime skills, aviation training, physcial fitness programs, foreign exchanges with over 15 nations, scholarships and fun!
Please remember America’s youth and check 10185 on your CFC Your CFC donations allow the U.S. donation form! Naval Sea Cadet Corps to serve Thank you! more than 380 units and 10,700 members throughout the USA in a 2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22201-5435 drug-free, alcohol-fee, and gang(703) 243-6910 free lifestyle. Our program provides: www.seacadets.org youth counseling, leadership training,
24 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2012
ZZZ FIFVKU RUJ
YOUR DOLLARS MAKE A DIFFERENCE 12 students with trained e volunteer tutors to help p with reading and math. . . that’s only $52 a year. two months of meals ffor a homebound person. . . that’s only $260 a year. baby formula for a low income infant for a year. . . that’s only $520 a year.