SSFOA The Mother Grizzly of All Veterans Organizations

Sept. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Not long ago, I had an unprecedented opportunity to get an inside look at an organization that made an impression on me. I have seen many non profits that do wonderful work. The Red Cross, Salvation Army—but when it comes to the wounded, ill, injured and dying of our armed forces I have never seen an organization that is as ferociously protective and passionate as the Silver Star Families of America.

The SSFOA is a banner organization like the Blue and Gold Star Banners. The Silver denotes wounded or "invalided."

This organization treats all wounded, ill and injured as if they were family. And not just family. They treat them as if they were their own kids no matter their age. They pride themselves on not only knowing who the wounded are, but who their wives, husbands, kids and parents are.

This is an organization that is young enough to remember its mission but old enough to demand respect. And demand they do.

Though they are not wealthy, this organization is not afraid to roll up its sleeves and do the dirty work—the homeless veterans—the paralyzed--incarcerated—the dying. Those veterans that some other organizations seem to ignore or forget: And everyone works, from the founder on down to the 5000 members.

This organization is a 501 c 3 non profit which means they are non political and non religious. But their Board meetings are opened with the pledge of allegiance and they close in prayer by a female chaplain they call "Padre".

And the door to the meeting is only closed during the pledge—after that the door is opened and all can attend. When I asked to see their books they threw them on the table and said have at it: transparency that the government should emulate. "Over 95 cents of every dollar goes to where our donors want it to go. We don’t have fancy conferences and we don’t pay salaries."

The national headquarters is located just south of Springfield, Missouri, and someone mans the phones and computers from 10 am central to 10 pm central 7 days a week. When I asked why the stayed open so long, they asked if I knew what time it was in Kabul or Baghdad. "We are on when our kids are on. This isn’t a game and we need to make it easy for them to contact us."

And they have not yet been tainted with political correctness especially when it comes to the men and women of our armed forces.

The founder of the organization was recently heard yelling at a Congressman: "Can someone please tell me why we can’t get veteran’s driver’s licenses in all 50 states? And aren’t you supposed to represent everyone including veterans?"

Their attitudes seem to reflex those they serve. And that is sometimes rough around the edges but unashamedly pro American and pro military.

I saw a staffer chew on a veteran’s affairs official until they got what they needed for one of their members. "Sometimes you just have to know how to ask politely," the staff member said with a shy smile.

If you can get these folks on your side you have a friend for life. Lord help you if you transgress against any of their "kids."

This organization is truly the "momma bear" of all organizations. And you know, in this day and age, that’s not a bad thing to have in your corner.

Pappy

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The mission of the Silver Star Families of America is to remember, honor and assist combat wounded, ill, injured and dying active duty and veterans from ALL wars.