Army Homefront Fund Celebrates Anniversary Of Supporting Wounded Soldiers

NEW YORK, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Army Homefront Fund celebrated its first anniversary at a reception last night in New York City, attended by Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno.

Army Homefront Fund provides emergency financial and other support to Soldiers and their families, with an initial focus on Wounded Warrior care and transition assistance.  The organization provides cash grants to help with the most basic needs, such as food assistance, rent, and utilities. 

Administered by Operation Homefront through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Army's Warrior Transition Command, the Army Homefront Fund also provides transitional housing for Soldiers and their families who are leaving the Army due to their injuries.

Launched in conjunction with the Army Birthday week in June 2011, the Fund has met more than 1,260 needs totaling more than $1.2M.

The Army Homefront Fund noted its anniversary at a reception at the New York Athletic Club in honor of the U.S. Army's 237th Birthday yesterday.  The reception, attended by General Odierno, culminated a full day's activities in New York City to celebrate the Army birthday.  As he rang the Closing Bell on the New York Stock Exchange, he recognized the importance of efforts that make the Army Homefront Fund possible, "This 237th birthday commemorates America's Army – Soldiers, families and civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong. We also celebrate our local communities for their steadfast support of our Soldiers and families."

"The Army Homefront Fund is proud to celebrate its first anniversary," said president and chief executive officer Jim Knotts.  "We've been able to help a lot of Soldiers over the past year, but this is just the beginning.  We know there are many more needs than we've been able to support, and look forward to partnering with individuals, companies and foundations who fund our activities, who share our belief that we can never do enough for our wounded Soldiers."

The Army Homefront Fund relies on private donations, receiving no funding from the government.

THE ARMY HOMEFRONT FUND IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

SOURCE Army Homefront Fund