SAR Piedmont Chapter raises money to support Women Veterans

Piedmont Chapter raises money to support Atlanta women veterans

Representatives from the Piedmont Chapter, led by President Al Finley, conducted a donation ceremony with the volunteer staff at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on Wednesday, August 18th. The Piedmont Chapter recently completed its second annual funding drive to support local Atlanta veterans. This year’s drive netted $5,387. The subject of this year’s drive was Atlanta’s extensive women veteran population.

The ceremony was arranged by GA State Veterans Chairman, Gary Hoyt. Compatriot Hoyt commented: “Efforts such as the Piedmont funding drive not only help to support our local veterans, the efforts also support a closer working relationship with the VA Medical Volunteer staff.”

Kathleen O’Loughlin, the Atlanta VA Woman Veteran Program Manager, indicated the city of Atlanta has the highest number of women veterans of any city in the US (24,000). These women who gave so much to our nation now face severe challenges, including struggles to raise children as single head of households. Other challenges include health concerns, housing issues (many live in tents), and a high suicide rate. The SAR donations can be used to assist these women in times of crisis, whether it is a MARTA subway card to get to their medical appointment or an overnight hotel room to escape domestic violence. Atlanta VA social workers can use SAR donations to provide assistance in a time of emergency as a stopgap while waiting for supporting paperwork to be processed.

President Finley stated the Piedmont Chapter ran an internal contest in this year’s funding drive. The chapter was divided into two teams based upon odd or even entries in their Excel membership roster. Each team appointed a team captain while requiring the losing team captain to make an extra donation. Points were awarded to each team based upon dollars raised and number of team members contributing. President Finley commented: “As captain of my team, I was required to make the extra donation; however it was all for a great cause. My team will be victorious in next year’s funding drive!”