Military Chaplain Association Weekly Newsgram

Last year the MCA received the Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation (VMFC) program from the CareForTheTroops organization. This program is a ground -up initiative to assist congregations and other communities of faith in becoming intentionally “friendly” for veterans, actively serving military, and all their families. We currently have over 50 congregations enrolled in five states and the District of Columbia.

A primary supporter of this program is the Vet2Vet TN organization. This unique volunteer service group, operating in East TN, has linked together congregations, veterans’ courts, the Mountain Home VA Medical Center, the Helen Ross McNabb Center for behavioral health, Care Cuts, and many other service organizations to provide for the needs of veterans throughout their region.

Vet2Vet TN is a remarkable organization in which veterans help veterans in every life circumstance. Their enthusiasm and dedication ensure veterans have opportunities denied them in many other locales.

Vet 2 Vet TN hosted a “When War Comes Home” boot camp on Friday, March 24th, and encouraged family members and friends of veterans to attend to learn more about supporting veterans who may have PTSD or other post-war problems.

I joined with them for the day and presented our VMFC program and provided an overview of the MCA. We look forward to continued cooperation with Vet2Vet TN and other organizations dedicated to holistic support services for our nation’s heroes.

Lyman Smith

Executive Director

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