A new force for veterans has arisen in the Miss-Lou.

It’s Home With Heroes Foundation Inc., a private non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their loved ones.

Only two months ago, we received our 501(c)(3) designation from the federal Internal Revenue Service, thanks to the great help from U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran and his capable staff.

We do not intend to take over any current services being so ably provided by the City’s Veterans Services Office, or the programs of the Miss-Lou Veterans Coalition.

We do not intend to be a political action group, nor a lobbying organization.

Our goal is to create a list of programs and activities well outside the scope of what’s already in action. For instance, we have partnered with highly respected national organizations to establish the Miss-Lou as a center for veterans renewal retreats, focused on helping those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD retreats are in dire need around the nation, as many of you have learned from watching and reading news items. Our retreats will be free to veterans, which means we will need funds.

Other projects on our slate include day excursions to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which will be starting in late summer, contributions to the veteran’s scholarship at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus, support for the Mississippi World War II Veterans History Project, a project supported by the Mississippi Humanities Council and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9573, a “Boxing Day” event to help Operation G.R.I.T.S for Soldiers, another nonprofit which has sent thousands of gift boxes to men and women in uniform, and much, much more.

Our organization is that no board member or officer receives any compensation, so nearly 100 percent of all revenue supports the programs.

Now how can you help?

One way is to donate. We accept outright donations through checks (to Home With Heroes Foundation 317 Highland Blvd., Suite A, Natchez, MS 39120), or through our PayPal account, which can be accessed with the email address, homewithheroes@live.com.

Another is through bequeaths. Families of veterans may wish to donate in a veteran’s memory or honor. We will post that honor/memorial list on our Facebook page and website for those who wish their tribute be recognized.

Also, join in support of our tournament: the Miss-Lou Patriotic Golf Tournament June 28 at Duncan Park Golf Club. We can send you information about teams, players, sponsors, etc. Or, you can see the information on our Facebook page: Home With Heroes.

You can help with your time by joining our Home With Heroes Support Team.

We have a good group of veterans and non-veterans and we’d be honored to have you aboard.

You can call me at 601-442-0980, or vice president Jimmy Allgood at 601-597-6658.

Let’s make sure no veteran in the Miss-Lou goes unrecognized or unserved.

 

G. Mark LaFrancis, USAF Ret., is president of Home With Heroes Foundation Inc., based in Natchez.