According to Cook County Veteran Service Officer Pat Strand, local veterans could benefit from a statewide initiative by citizens of Minnesota called the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF). Launched in August of 2005, the mission of MMAF is to “say thanks to Minnesota service members and their families who are making sacrifices in the defense of our freedoms in combat zones around the world.”
To do so, MMAF, a non-partisan, non-political, nonprofit corporation, is making grants to eligible Minnesota service members. MMAF has raised over $14 million, making it the nation’s largest-ever statewide fundraiser of its kind. MMAF has provided more than $9 million in grants to more than 14,500 recipients.
To be eligible for a grant from MMAF, applicants must have been a Minnesota resident prior to deployment; must have served in a designated combat zone and received hostile fire pay after September 11, 2001. All branches of the service are eligible, active duty or honorably discharged.
To find out more or to apply, visit www.thankmntroops.org/apply.html or call Cook County Veteran Service Officer Pat Strand at (218) 387-3639 or email- Veteran.services@co.cook.mn.us.
MMAF also works to increase awareness of the need to remember and support our returning veterans and hosts a number of events such as the Annual Patriot Ride in Ham Lake, Minn. or the Say Thanks Day Run Walk. MMAF also worked with the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings to provide free tickets to games.
In order to continue its work in support of Minnesota’s veterans, MMAF is happy to accept contributions of as many caring Minnesota citizens as possible. Donations may also be made at the MMAF website.
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