The VFW Department of Texas received a $60,000 on Nov. 4 from Austin, Texas-based Hometown Hero. The funds are to help the VFW “continue its mission of providing essential resources and assistance for veterans.”
Hometown Hero manufactures and distributes a variety of hemp-derived products. Founded in 2015, the company donates a portion of all proceeds to organizations that support veterans.
Hometown Hero presents a $60,000 check to the VFW Department of Texas on Nov. 7 at the state VFW headquarters in Austin, Texas. From left, VFW Department of Texas Assistant Quartermaster Wayne Cooley, VFW Department of Texas Commander Robert Martinez, Hometown Hero Customer Experience Manager Jacob Charles, VFW National/State Legislative Chairman Mitch Fuller, Hometown CEO and Co-Founder Lukas Gilkey and VFW Department of Texas Assistant Adjutant John Jowers.“Supporting our veterans is at the heart of everything we do at Hometown Hero,” said Lukas Gilkey, co-founder of Hometown Hero and a Coast Guard veteran. “This donation to the Texas VFW Foundation is our way of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. We’re honored to help provide the resources and support veterans need, and we look forward to continuing this mission in every way we can.”
According to Mitch Fuller, National VFW Legislative Committee chairman, Hometown Hero is a “mission partner.”
He added that the company’s “robust lobbying team” is needed now more than ever as advocates in Texas fight to keep hemp-derived products legal in the state of Texas.
“It is ridiculous that elected officials have a very narrow view of hemp products,” Fuller said. “Hemp is a safe alternative to opioids.”
Hemp-derived products such as Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC and CBD are thought to provide pain relief, aid those with insomnia and help with depression, among other ailments.
“If you are serious about veterans’ mental health and preventing suicide among the veteran population,” Fuller said, “don’t take something away from us that will help.”
This article is featured in the 2024 November/December issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.