July Newsletter

USA Cares’ mission is to provide post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.?Our services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide.

MISSION MOMENT: Brian Fox

Navy veteran Brian Fox was in dire need of immediate and extended psychiatric care, but inpatient treatment meant no income for his family of 7. Without USA Cares, he may have had no home to return to after discharge.

Read His Story

Note From Trace

Dear Friends,

As we approach the cherished July 4th holiday, I find myself reflecting on the profound significance of this day for our nation. Independence Day is not merely a celebration of our country's birth; it is a tribute to the values of freedom, sacrifice, and unity that underpin the American spirit. It is a time to honor the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving these ideals, ensuring the liberties we hold dear continue to thrive for future generations.

At USA Cares, our mission is deeply intertwined with these values. We are committed to supporting our military families, veterans, and active-duty service members who have made immense sacrifices in the name of freedom. Their courage and dedication serve as a constant reminder of the cost of independence and the ongoing need to support those who protect it.

In the spirit of unity and community, I encourage you to get involved with USA Cares and our initiatives. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts in making a difference. Together, we can continue to uphold the values that make our nation great and ensure that those who serve are never forgotten. Wishing you all a safe and joyous Independence Day.

Best Regards,

Trace Chesser , President & CEO

NEWS

LAST CHANCE: Buy Tickets for 2024 We Salute You Gala

Don't miss your chance to enjoy an elegant evening steeped in military tradition. Tables are selling FAST! Purchase Tickets

Interested in supporting through sponsorship? Reach out to Whitney Hobbs by emailing [email protected] or calling 502-653-0105.

Final Days of Stars for Heroes 2024!

There are just a few days left in CKE Restaurants, Inc. 's annual Stars for Heroes Campaign! Thank you to everyone who has already participated by finding their nearest participating Hardees or CARL'S JR. RESTAURANTS, LLC restaurant to purchase a star for at least $1. This fundraiser helps provide assistance to thousands of veterans and their families every year and it only runs through July 4th. Don't forget to encourage your friends and family to buy their stars before it's over! Together, we can change lives

Trace and Daljit Connect with Veterans First

While in California, USA Cares President & CEO, Trace Chesser , along with Board of Directors Chair, Daljit Hundal , spoke with members of Las Positas College 's Veterans First Program.

Their visit was an inspiring and insightful experience, highlighting the incredible work Las Positas College is doing to support our veterans. The Veterans First Program is dedicated to providing essential resources, guidance, and a community for those who have served our country, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.

Introducing...

Karla Sketch spent the last 30+ years volunteering and working to support veterans and their families. Her spouse is a recently retired 30-year career veteran. Karla is passionate and dedicated to continuing her service to veterans and their families as she continues her education at UofL in social work, with an emphasis on veteran case management and PTSD. Karla is thrilled to be a part of the USA Cares team and deeply appreciates their mission and dedication to our veterans.?

Adam served in the Marine Corps from 1992-1996. As a civilian, he spent more than 10 years as a transportation coordinator for Jefferson County Public Schools. Feeling called to help serve his fellow veterans, Adam is looking forward to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Ty's passion for helping others led her down a path that included a more than 15-year career in Medicare at Humana with stops at Central State Hospital and Our Lady of Peace. As the daughter of an Army veteran, and a bonus mom to a sailor, Ty looks forward to helping veterans in crisis.

Originally from South Jersey, Michael Whittick served 20 years in the Army, including five overseas. He is a former hockey player who loves to spend quality time with his family and coaching volleyball with his girlfriend. If you have any interest in volunteering or supporting a local USA Cares chapter, please reach out to Michael using the contact info below!

Food Truck Rally in Louisville, KY 7/26/24

Get a taste of Louisville's veteran-owned food trucks and support USA Cares at the same time! Mark your calendars!

Jeptha Creed Kicks Off 'Jammin' at Jeptha'

We had a wonderful time at Jeptha Creed Distillery's first 'Jammin' at Jeptha' show of the year! USA Cares had the opportunity to meet a lot of new faces and encourage them to support USA Cares through the purchase of Jeptha Creed's Red, White, & Blue Bourbon!

To find the nearest retailer near you, or purchase tickets to the next concert in August, visit JepthaCreed.com

Nicole Takes Flight for Boss Lift

USA Cares' Nicole McCoy went on a Boss Lift at Fort Knox.

Boss lifts are an opportunity for the Kentucky National Guard and Reserves to educate business and community leaders about the roles and missions of its citizen soldiers, sailors, and Marines when they are in uniform. It also highlights the benefits that military experience brings to organizations with guardsmen and reservists as full-time employees.

Special thanks to Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) , John Gipe , Mike Richie , and Shawn P Malone for the invitation and continuing support of USA Cares!

WATCH: WDRB did a story on Boss Lifts, watch here.

Kentucky National Guard Recognizes USA Cares

USA Cares was so humbled to have Esther Platt visit USA Cares headquarters to deliver a certificate of appreciation for toy donations to the Kentucky National Guard's Operation Military Cheer.

With the wonderful support of our community, we were able to help:

? 47 adopters

? 62 families

? 177 children

Thank you to everyone who helped collect and donate toys to make sure our service members and their families have the Christmas they deserve!

USA Cares Government Relations - Expanded Reach for Texas Veterans

USA Cares was recently awarded a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.?Texas remains our most assisted state as we help active-duty and veteran families avoid evictions, foreclosures, vehicle repossessions and keep their utilities connected. This funding will enhance the lives of these worthy recipients and will help eliminate factors that can contribute to veteran suicide.?On behalf of everyone at USA Cares, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the TVC! To learn more, visit tvc.texas.gov today!

Can USA Cares Help a Veteran You Know?

Our Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is looking for homeless Kentucky veterans in need of assistance in finding employment and access to housing.

"Homeless" doesn't only refer to those living on the streets. It also includes veterans living with friends/family, in a shelter, or out of their car.

If you know a veteran that fits this description and lives in one of the highlighted counties below, please contact David Keene by emailing [email protected] today.

CHAPTERS CORNER

Interested in getting involved in your nearest chapter or starting one locally? Get in touch with us by visiting usacares.org/chapters/

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H.E.R.O. Run Louisville

Thank you to everyone who joined us bright and early for the annual H.E.R.O. Run Louisville! It was great joining fellow patriots to remember and honor the heroes lost, and raise money for the veterans still with us. Special thanks to the event's organizers and sponsors! We are deeply grateful for your support!

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Upcoming Chapter Events

July 26 - “Honoring the Brave” Food Truck Rally (Louisville)

Sept. 7 - J-Town Beach Volleyball Tournament (Louisville)

Oct. 6. - Red River 22 Charity Hike (Stanton, KY at The Gorge)

Oct. 12 - BBQ Competition (Shelbyville, KY)

Nov. 6 - 2024 American Heroes Breakfast (Cincinnati, OH)

STAY CONNECTED