Heroes to Hometowns Program educates D-M

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacqueline Hawkins
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Arizona's Heroes to Hometowns Program, which helps severely injured servicemembers and their families reconnect with their hometown or new community, held a meeting at D-M for the first time Jan. 29.

Kathy Pearce, Arizona Heroes to Hometowns coordinator, led a working group to raise awareness and educate local organizations on the benefits of the program during a luncheon at the Mirage Officers' Club here.

"Our goal is to facilitate successful community reintegration," she said. "We also want to restore the highest functioning quality of life and assist in meeting the long term needs of the severely injured war veterans."

Colonel Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing commander, attended the event and lauded its mission.

"On behalf of America's Airmen stationed here in Tucson, thank you for your friendship and support to our American War Heroes," he said. "Your supportive words and strong handshake are priceless and essential to ensuring that we accomplish our mission."

Some of the benefits Heroes to Hometowns offers include:
 
-Help with paying the bills
- Finding suitable homes and adapting as needed
- Adapting vehicles
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Finding jobs and providing educational assistance
- Child care support
- Arranging welcome home celebrations
- Help working through bureaucracy and obtaining government benefits and entitlements
- Sports and recreation opportunities
- Holiday dinners

For more information go to http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/.