Like many others have, when members of Post #3769 of Pikeville, Ky., visited the VFW National Home for Children in the summer of 2015, they fell in love. They were there as volunteers to work on several projects that summer, including the addition of a deck at the Scout Cabin and fishing pond at the edge of the National Home’s beautiful community located in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
These Post members knew right away that they wanted to do more at the National Home, so they spoke with Facilities Director, Todd Marriot about where their help was most needed. “What we really could use is a carport,” he told them.
A carport would help to extend the life of the National Home’s fleet of vehicles by providing much-needed shelter from harsh Michigan winters and hot summer days. These vehicles are used for maintenance and travel for staff, but they also offer major relief when needed to incoming residents who may not have a vehicle to get to and from work/school, or for those who experience vehicle issues during their time at the National Home.
A lot of people came together to make this project possible. With the help of Department of Kentucky State Commander 2016-17, James Curry, the Post was able to raise funds for labor, travel, and food for the workers who built the carport. Then-VFW Commander-in-Chief, Brian Duffy and VFW Auxiliary National President, Colette Bishop also got on board with a donation to the project.
Post Commander Nathan Sesco and the members of VFW Post #3769 visited the National Home in the summer of 2017 and over the course of a week, they built the seven vehicle carport.
Many businesses donated materials and offered discounts to this project including Heart Truss & Engineering out of Lansing, Mich., Taylor Metal in Prestonsburg, Ky., and 84 Lumber out of Williamston, W.Va. This project was possible because of all of these caring and hardworking individuals and companies.
Since 1925, the National Home has been offering help, hope, and honor to the families of our nation’s active duty military and veterans. We are a nonprofit organization and receive no government funding. We are run solely by private donations.
Help connect families in your community with this once in a lifetime opportunity! For more information on the VFW National Home for Children, visit www.vfwnationalhome.org call 800-424-8360. To reach the Military and Veteran Family Helpline, call 800-313-4200 or email help@vfwnationalhome.org.