Organizations That Help

There are many businesses and corporations throughout Minnesota and the Nation that recognize the sacrifices that Servicemembers make. They offer discounts and other deals to show their support and thanks for what our Servicemembers do for the people of Minnesota and the United States.

Minnesota Organizations That Help

1st Cavalry Division Association-Walter H. Westman Chapter - raises money for grocery cards to Minnesota Servicemembers and families in need and have handed out $33,000 in grocery cards since inception in 2002, about $5,000 per year.

$20 For the Troops - a charity that supports Servicemembers and veterans and tells individual stories through "The Good News" videos.

Armed Forces Service Center - an "all free" stop located at the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport for active military personnel and their dependents. Not affiliated with the USO. Located on the upper level of the airport.

A Touch of Home - sends monthly packages to Minnesota troops from a church in Cottage Grove.

CaringBridge - the mission is to amplify love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. CaringBridge provides free, private websites for military families who need an easy way to connect and receive emotional support. It is a valuable service that streamlines communication between deployed soldiers and their families and friends during significant health challenges at home, war-related injuries and much more.

Dear American Hero - recognizes the service and dedication of our men and women in uniform from the past or the present for all they have done to secure our Freedom through a card. The new Family "Thank You" card has provided a way for us to recognize the sacrifices that the families make every day for our American way of life.

Defending the Blue Line - Ensures that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. We accomplish this by providing free equipment for military kids, hockey camps, special events, and financial assistance for registration fees and other costs associated with hockey.

Disabled Veterans Rest Camp - a 69-acre family campground located 10 miles North of Stillwater. Serving All veterans (Active, Guard/Reserves, Retirees, Disabled, Veterans) and their families. Cabins, RV sites, tenting sites, and boat launching. Priority given to disabled veterans.

Fallen Heroes Foundations - makes heirloom-quality, memorial photo quilts (at no cost) for the families of Servicemembers who are killed in action, or for those who have been wounded in action since Sep. 11, 2001.

Freedom Farm - for veterans that have returned from active duty with physical and/or emotional wounds. The therapeutic riding program utilizes the unique attributes of the horse to empower freedom of movement, gently restore balance, strengthen muscles and rebuild trust and confidence.

Free Transit for Disabled Veterans - Minnesota's disabled veterans are able to use public transportation throughout Minnesota at no charge.

General Vessy Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army - since 1957 volunteers have been actively working to improve and support the lives of all Military Service Members and their families in Minnesota and the surrounding states. Two of their big projects include; Toys4Military Kids and Wounded Warrior Efforts.

Hero at Home - Offers the Daniel Drevnick Scholarship, which was established to assist veterans in the transition from military service to civilian law enforcement.

Homes for Heroes - company that affiliates with Realtors, lenders and other real estate related service providers who provide substantial rebates and discounts to the heroes who serve our nation and its communities every day.

Home Care Program - helping military families with home repairs and maintenance when a loved one is deployed.

Military Family Care Initiative - because it is much easier for families of deployed Servicemembers to cope with the difficult changes that deployments bring, the MMCI was established to show that communities are there to help care for and support them.

Military Heroes Foundation - the Military Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting Minnesota servicemen and women returning from deployments around the world. The Bryan McDonough Military Heroes Foundation was established to support soldiers adjusting to life with the physical and psychological wounds of war.

Minnesotans Military Appreciation Fund - nonprofit and nonpartisan MMAF is a statewide fundraising initiative that shows our troops how much we appreciate and respect their efforts by providing cash grants to all soldiers deployed in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and to the families of soldiers who are killed in combat.

Minnesota Military Family Foundation - is a community-supported fund. Contributions are made by people who understand that there are many sacrifices that military families make and want to help soften the extraordinary financial hardships that may occur when a family member is deployed by providing a financial safety net.

Minnesota Military Radio Hour - Every Sunday, from 7 - 8 a.m. on 100.3 FM KTLK. Bringing you information about the Minnesota National Guard, military community, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Also on Facebook.

Minnesota Patriot Guard - a diverse group of riders and individuals with one thing in common: we all have tremendous respect for those who risk their lives every day, whether on American soil or abroad, in securing our nation's freedoms and liberties. We encourage those who share this respect to join us in support of all those who have served. Minnesota Patriot Guard welcomes those who do not ride motorcycles, those who are not veterans, and those who come from different states. They only require Respect.

Minnesota Veteran Family Support - a non-profit organization, MVFS was started in 2007 to provide support, programming and resources to Minnesota Military Families before, during and after deployment.

Operation Love Reunited - is a photography organization offering free photography sessions to deploying, deployed and reuniting military families. Each family gets two free sessions. The photographers have agreed to send albums to deployed Servicemembers at no cost.

Operation Minnesota Nice- the stated mission of Operation Minnesota Nice is to provide support and comfort to those serving in our armed forces. Prepares packages for families and Servicemembers overseas.

Operation Welcome Home - designed to encourage, support and bring hope and healing to Soldiers and their families. They have a dedicated room called the Pentagon Room, which is available year round free of charge for those who need a get-away. ALL of their retreats are free-of-charge to the Soldiers. More information can be found here.

Picture A Hero - provides individual and family portraits at no cost to soldiers who are preparing for deployment. We give the soldiers all of the images in digital format immediately after the portrait session so they can share and print the images right away.

Project New Hope - if you or someone you know has served our country in times of war, please join Project New Hope for a weekend retreat for the entire family. Come join other vets and their families, as we all continue on the journey. For more information click here.

Project EverGreen - provides lawn care for the families of deployed Servicemembers. The winter spin off of their summer program is SnowCare for Troops, in which they take care of all snow removal needs including driveways, sidewalks and roofs.

 
Serving Our Troops - dedicated to showing Minn. National Guard members and their families, as well other troops from across the nation, that they are appreciated. They show that appreciation by bringing them a delicious steak dinner with the family, both here at home and thousands of miles away.

T.L.C. Toys - founder Mel Hartman is up every morning at 5:30 a.m. creating thousands of toys for needy and deserving children across the state. Find out how to access toys for families in need, or donate to help spread the joy.

Upper Midwest Community Policing Institute - trains local law enforcement officers on how to deal with soldiers that are returning from deployment.

Veterans in the Arts - facilitates the ability of veterans to express themselves in a variety of art forms through a progressive program of supportive instruction and collaboration.

Warriors Supporting Warriors and their Families - a peer mentoring program for veterans and their families. The primary focus of this program is to support Servicemembers and their families throughout the deployment and reintegration process. Volunteer mentors will share their time, skills, experience, knowledge and resources with peers who wish to eliminate/overcome particular barriers in their lives, and for those who just ned some company.

Wreaths for the Fallen - mission is to honor veterans by providing wreaths for the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetaries in December of each year.

National Organizations That Help

4MilitaryFamilies.com - a one-stop resource website for all military family members.

Army OneSource - standardizes the services and delivery of support to Servicemembers and their families regardless of their component or geographical location. The single gateway to credible information, programs, services and opportunities available for the entire family, regardless of user affiliation or location.

Air Force Crossroads - honors the sacrifices and dedicated service of our military members and their families. You will find a categorized listing of discounts offered to Servicemembers and their families.

 
Any Soldier Inc. - Any Soldier Inc. helps volunteer Soldiers who will see the "Attn" line on your letters and packages, and put them into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail. This effort is 110% voluntary.

Baseops.net - offers a wide selection of military discounts, military-exclusive deals, and online coupons and savings. The site is updated often with the latest military discounts and electronic coupons for your savings.
 

Blue Star Mothers - perpetuates the memory of all men and women who have served the United States as members of the Armed Forces. Provides patriotic, educational and social services while assisting in veterans' ceremonies and attending patriotic rallies and meetings.

Books for Soldiers - a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those in the US military who are deployed outside the US. Military personnel are invited to make requests, and members read the requests and fill them.

Cell Phones for Soldiers - Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008. To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers expects to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country.
 

DVDs4Vets - mission is to provide veterans who for any reason cannot obtain DVDs on their own. Donors help by giving new and used movies to veterans, especially to those with limited access. Portable DVD players are greatly appreciated.

First Command Package Brigade - First Command Financial Services employees organized the "Package Brigade" to prepare and ship care packages to Servicemembers overseas. Nominate a Servicemember to receive a care package that will be accompanied by a personal note.

Gold Star Mothers - an organization of mothers whose sons or daughters served and died that this world might be a better place in which to live. If you're a member of the public, we participate in many memorial events around the country and you're welcome to join us. If you've lost your child and would like the community of others in your situation, we invite you to join us. No one knows how you feel like another mother who has lost a child.

Hero Miles - gives family members of wounded Servicemembers free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country.
 

Joining Forces - First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's national campaign to support our nation's military families. The website links to the "United we Serve" site, USO site and allows visitors to send a message to families.

Military.com - has 700+ companies listed that offer discounts to thank Servicemembers for serving their country.

Military and Veterans Discount Center - searches and finds businesses that thank Servicemembers for their service and sacrifices they've made.

Military Coupons - a partnership dedicated to bringing military friendly stores and merchants to U.S. military personnel.

Military Families United - formerly Families United, this twofold organization ensures that those in power are always listening and strives to build relationships among military families through a series of unique programs.

Military Wives Matter - gathering information about the needs and concerns of military spouses and could use your valuable input.  They are also interested in the opinions and experiences of girlfriends and fiancés as well.

National Military Family Association - when parents are deployed, their kids take on so much more than just extra chores. Recent research has proved that these kids face increasing anxiety with each year of war, and they urgently need support. To help raise funds to support programs that keep the children of deployed parents strong, donate to the NMFA during the holiday season to help them receive a matching donation from Newman's Own Foundation. The matched funds, up to $100,000, will go to the NMFA's summer camp program for military children with a deployed parent.

Operation: Care and Comfort - military care package program exists to provide support and comfort to "adopted" units of deployed United States Servicemembers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and conflict regions by sending care packages containing needed items.

Operation Defense Link - postal service offers free shipping materials for military families.

Operation Ensuring Christmas - donate money to send the Children of Fallen U.S. troops Christmas cards during the holidays.

Operation Homelink - provides refurbished computers to the spouses or parents of junior enlisted (E1 –E5) U.S. deployed Servicemembers enabling email communication with their loved one deployed overseas.

Operation: Love Reunited - offers professional photography sessions to military families and members who are getting ready to deploy, those who are currently deployed or those who are coming home.

Operation Military Pride - a volunteer organization with a wide range of activities, including cards, letters and packages, to boost the morale of troops deployed overseas.

Operation Shoebox- an effort to send support, snacks and much needed personal care items to our troops deployed outside of the USA and we encourage citizens to support their fighting men and women deployed overseas in these dangerous times.

Operation Support Our Troops - supports the needs of deployed Servicemembers by sending items of need, personal letters, cards and notes of support from the community.

OurMilitary.mil - Learn about our Servicemembers and their military families who contribute so much to our communities and carry a tremendous spirit of support for our military.

Prayer Central - a ministry offering prayer patrols for troops in Afghanistan and Baghdad.

Project Compassion - provides one original, gallery-quality 18"x24" oil portrait of American military and law enforcement casualties who have died in active service since 9/11. The mother, father or spouse of any American military or law enforcement casualty who has died in active service since 9/11 is eligible to receive the portrait.

Project EverGreen - national nonprofit organization whose most important mission is to provide free lawn care to U.S. military families at home while their loved ones serve in the Armed Forces.

Snowball Express - started in 2006 with a simple idea: provide hope and new memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11.

SnowCare for Troops - connects military families with snow and ice management professionals and volunteers to provide free snow and ice removal services.

Soldiers' Angels - an international, volunteer-led organization supporting America's men and women in uniform.

SupportOurTroopsHH.com - this family-run operation hosts an annual "Support Our Troops" Haunted House, but also helps with donations and care packages throughout the year.

Tents for Troops - making campgrounds and RV parks around the nation free of charge for active military.

The Mission Continues - an organization that offers several programs to veterans who want to, once again, serve again as citizen leaders.

 
Treat the Troops - Treat The Troops is an all-volunteer organization with no salaries and no office space, started by Jeanette Cram of Hilton Head Island, SC. She loves to bake cookies for the military men and women serving our country.

United We Serve - we know that when a loved one is deployed, the whole family goes to war. That is why the First Lady is calling on all Americans to help meet the needs and tap the potential of our military families.

U.S. Troop Care Package - supporting deployed soldiers since 2003, this organization relies 100 percent upon volunteers, donated items and financial contributions to send care packages to our nation's Servicemembers.

VFW Operation Uplink - the program uses contributions from supporters to purchase phone time for the men and women who are serving — or have served — this great nation, as well as hospitalized Veterans. Click here for the "Free Call Day" schedule. "Free Call Day" is a program of Operation Uplink which provides deployed Servicemembers free calls home, twice a month.

Veteran Tickets Foundation- through the Veteran Tickets Foundation, now those who care about veterans have a way to give back. Every day, in every city, there are events with empty seats that could be filled by those who have served our great nation.

Vets4Warriors - confidential military support by veterans.

Welcome Back Veterans - committed to transforming the lives of veterans by changing the way people think and talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and also providing treatment for veterans and families, and funding research. Founding Partners: McCormick Foundation and Major League Baseball.

Wounded Warrior Project - empowering wounded veterans by providing tangible support and helping them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP's signature program - backpacks, stuffed with essential care and comfort items, delivered bedside to wounded warriors