From The President
Dear Friends of the ASMBA STAR Foundation:
The
last decade has been a very difficult one. The nation has been at war for ten
years and the economy throughout this time has been uneven at best and since
2008, it has been in a recession. Even during the best of times the unique needs
of the military community never seem to diminish but now, after ten years of war
with repeated deployments, the assistance needed by our fellow men and women in
arms and their families is growing faster than the resources available to help.
Unfortunately, poor economic conditions have resulted in cutbacks to many local, state, and
federal assistance programs that assist the military community. In good times, you and I and our friends can make up the difference between the needs and
government programs with our personal contributions. But after three years
of economic turmoil; many of those who give frequently with their time and
funds no longer have the means to help. In fact, they often times need help themselves.
It is a
sad fact that at a time when the needs are greatest; the number of those that can help grow
smaller.
The
last ten years are also a reminder of why military organizations such as the ASMBA STAR
Foundation are so important and vital to our community. The STAR
Foundation exists only to serve you, your family and the military community. We
know full well the challenges of military service and the challenges placed on
the families. We know that many of these challenges will be life-long and
require special assistance and rehabilitation. Our obligation to these men and
women and their families will never end.
The
ASMBA STAR Foundation Board members and staff are responding to the
challenge, as are the thousands of members of the Armed Services Mutual Benefit
Association (ASMBA). You can be very proud of your Foundation and work of your
Board and Staff. They are doing everything they can to bolster the agencies that provide the highest quality care and resources to our military
community. But our resources are limited.
How can
you help?
You can
assist in two ways. First, if you know of an organization that is helping the
military community and needs a helping hand please tell them about the ASMBA STAR Foundation and ask them to contact us. Point them towards our web site where
they will find our giving guidelines and grant application. Second, take a few
minutes to read over the list of organizations the Foundation has helped.
Spread the word to your family and friends about the important work being
accomplished by the Foundation. Then consider making a small contribution
to the ASMBA STAR Foundation. Help us help this important community that we all owe
so much to.
We hope
that you enjoy your visit to our website and that it helps you gain an
understanding of our purpose. Thanks again for visiting - and thanks for your help and your service to our nation.
Sincerely,
Michael G. McConnell
