The Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund is partnering with the Hamel VFW and Plymouth Beyond The Yellow Ribbon to throw a “Thank MN Troops Block Party.”  The date for this event is Saturday, September 21st. On that same day the City Of Medina is celebrating “Medina Day” (two blocks down the street). Hamel will be partying from one end of town to the other! I won’t cover things in the Block Party flyer. You can see/read for yourself. Instead I want to tell you why the Hamel VFW and PBYR whole heartedly support the MMAF.

The MMAF awards grants to Armed Forces personnel who have served since 9 /11. Now this is me (Jim) talking and not the MMAF so I may be a little off. I believe grants of $500.00 are given to each Minnesota Veteran with proof of a Honorable Discharge, $2000.00 to a Combat Wounded Veteran and $8000.00 to a Gold Star Family. The MMAF has awarded over 12 million dollars in grants thus far. Had something like this been available to the Vietnam Veterans when they came home it’s possible there wouldn’t have been such lifelong bitterness, scentless suicides and destroyed lives. That’s why every veteran I’ve talked to supports the MMAF and the 2019 Block Party.

So here’s what I’m asking of each of you to do. Almost everyone knows a younger Minnesota veteran who has served since 9/11. They may be a relative, someone at your VFW/ Legion Post or someone at work. Tell them about the MMAF and the “Thank MN Troops Block Party” on September 21st. Encourage them to attend and show up yourself to lend your support. We can’t undo the mistakes of the 60’s-70’s, but we can ensure they never occur again! Please forward this email to the veterans you know. They’ll know what do. Thank You!

Jim Heimerl

Commander Hamel VFW

(651) 261-3111