America Supports You: Fund Supports North Carolina Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 28, 2008 - Servicemembers from the Tar Heel state who face financial burdens can turn to a newly established fund for assistance. The North Carolina Heroes' Fund was established to provide support to military men and women from North Carolina or stationed at one of North Carolina's many military bases, said Scott Stone, the fund's chairman.

"This support is primarily centered on hardships which these men and women, or their families, may have endured due to their service overseas," he said.

The assistance is provided through various methods, including direct payments or coordinating volunteer efforts. Family members also can benefit from cash payments for financial needs, Stone said.

As resources allow, academic scholarships will be available to dependents of North Carolina's servicemembers, with special consideration for children of servicemembers killed in action, according the fund's Web site.

Initial reaction to the new fund has been positive, Stone added. "We have already seen widespread support of the organization," Stone said of the fund, which has a first-year goal of raising $500,000. "Between some of the commitments we have already received from corporate sponsors as well as private individuals, we are confident that the North Carolina Heroes' Fund will be able to raise a substantial amount of money."

The North Carolina Heroes' Fund recently became a supporter of America supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"One of the greatest challenges is spreading the word of our organization, particularly to potential grant recipients," Stone said. "Often those soldiers in need or their families are either reluctant to ask for help or don't know where to turn for assistance."

Stone said he hopes his group's affiliation with America Supports You will help spread the word.