When it seems there is nowhere left to turn ...

Wouldn't it be nice if we were all independently wealthy or able to win a lottery and not have to worry about a financial crisis ever threatening our lives? And while it is fun to imagine being wealthy or winning a lottery, we must not forget those who are less fortunate among our members.

As we grow older, none of us can be certain we won't find ourselves at a point in time needing assistance to help us pay the rent or mortgage, pay a utility bill, a medical bill or some other bill that comes up. Some senior Auxiliary members among us are struggling to do just those things. Many are on fixed income, and even short-term financial crisis can devastate them; others simply don't have the means to meet basic needs. While this may sound extraordinary, it can happen to anyone, and does.

There are many reasons why a senior member may face a financial crisis. Something unexpected happens: a loss of employment, a spouse or family member who contributes financially dies, a member or family member suffers a major medical problem that either maxes out insurance or isn't covered by it. Unfortunately the list is long, but there is help.

When Auxiliary members face such emergencies, there is a source where they can seek assistance. It is the National Service Support Fund. The fund was established in 1993 to assist any senior member who may be in need.

The financial assistance rendered to members is paid directly to the debt, not to the individual. The amount received is the amount of the debt, up to $1,000, and assistance is only granted once to a member, regardless of the amount received. When making application for support, members must include copies of outstanding bills to be considered for payment.

Senior Auxiliary members who want to learn more about eligibility for support and to request an application should contact the DAV Auxiliary National Headquarters, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.

Units and State Departments should be the first to offer members assistance if at all possible, especially since Units are closest to members and would probably know first that a member may need assistance. Members should check with their Unit and Department first. If they are unable to assist, Units and Departments should assist the member to contact the Auxiliary National Headquarters as soon as possible.

The service fund is made up of portioned mandated funding by Departments and Units, and through the continued generous donations made by Departments, Units and individual members who care deeply about this worthy program.

The business of the Auxiliary is to serve our veterans and their families in the best way possible. I can think of no better way to demonstrate our commitment to our senior auxiliary members and their families than by helping them in their time of need.

Please consider helping those DAV Auxiliary members in your Units and State Departments by supporting this tremendously worthwhile program. It may not be as exciting as winning the lottery, but the good feeling you experience at helping other Auxiliary members will warm you for a lifetime.