by Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/8/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- On
April 27, 2012, Chaplain (Col.) Steven West went to Richmond
International Raceway in Richmond, Va., to speak about ministry; he left
with a plan to change the world.
He left his office as the chaplain for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff to meet with Dell Hamilton, a partner of Hamilton Means Racing
LLC. Hamilton owns a team and car in NASCAR and helps provide
faith-based initiatives at the races.
Hamilton and West shared a vision of linking America to verified
organizations that provide needed support to active duty, guard,
reserve, veterans and their families. Motivated by this goal, they
co-founded the Support Military Foundation.
SMF helps charitable organizations maximize their abilities to assist the military.
"Our main purpose isn't to actually take care of a group," said West.
"We are the ones overseeing to make sure the military members receive
the assistance they need. This is led by military members to better
serve the people."
West has seen all aspects of the military. He has been in the guard, the
reserves and on active duty as both enlisted and officer. He enjoys
educating business leaders about the military.
"I was able to reach out to businesses and help them understand the military and how SMF helps," said West.
Kathleen Frantz, Katy's Goodness proprietor, said SMF works with
organizations to provide a gateway and validations to ensure that
veteran support organizations are doing what they say.
"SMF becomes a go-to for people who want to learn more about providing
help to the military and veteran communities with organizations that can
be trusted," said Frantz.
SMF's main goals are to give Americans a place to find quality military
support organizations, a method to get involved through social networks
and a cause to rally around through the "Behind the Camo" awareness and
involvement program.
"Our 'Behind the Camo' program is designed to be the 'Pink' (breast
cancer awareness) of the military," said Hamilton. "In other words, if
you wear our 'Camo' we want you to know it reflects your support of the
military."
Hamilton said West has taught him more about the military in the last
year than he has learned in his entire life. He is impressed by West's
dedication to the SMF.
"My father and uncles were all in the Korean War," said Hamilton. "I
have a deep love for the military and know they are why I have my
freedom."
Frantz said the SMF is a continuation of West's life's work and service he has already provided.
"West is an educated, experienced pastor that has spent a large portion
of his life dedicated to serving our country," said Frantz. "He also
serves to inspire, support and make a difference to many of our troops
in times of difficulty, strength and awareness."
Hamilton said he and West have a unique opportunity to use NASCAR to help get their message out to the public.
"I have been involved in NASCAR for eight years," said Hamilton. "NASCAR
boasts some of the most patriotic fans you will ever find and that is
why we chose to use NASCAR as our platform to promote our 'Behind the
Camo' program."
Monday, July 08, 2013
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