By Contributing Editor Blair Drake

A new program started by the Mountain Empire (Tenn.) Chapter is helping veterans in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee who are struggling to make ends meet. Called Lifeline for Vets, the program offers financial assistance for rent, electric bills, groceries, or other day-to-day expenses.

According to chapter President Lt. Cmdr. John Rice, USN (Ret), a chapter member came up with the idea as a mission for members to focus on for the year.

“We wanted to do something specifically for veterans because of COVID-19,” said Rice. “We have a lot of veterans [locally], and many have lost their jobs or have been laid off because of the pandemic.”

[RELATED: Chapter Helps Veterans Obtain COVID Grants]

So far, the chapter has helped several veterans by paying their heating bills and providing grocery store gift cards to purchase food. Rice pointed out no cash is handed to recipients, rather the chapter pays bills directly. Recipients also must meet certain eligibility requirements.

The chapter is working with Mountain Home VA Healthcare System and other local veterans’ groups to help spread the word to potential recipients.

Members also are working to reach out to potential donors. The goal is to maintain a fund of $10,000 to provide assistance to those in need as well as increase awareness about other services available to veterans.

Rice said interest in supporting the program “has been “tremendous. We’ve gotten so many emails of people offering to help.”

Local news station WCYB News 5 interviewed Rice about the program in February.

“We’re dealing with people who have genuine needs but are afraid to ask for it,” Rice said. “We’re trying to get the word out that you’re not alone.”

This effort is just one of the ways the Mountain Empire Chapter is giving back to the military community. The chapter, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, also supports local ROTC and Junior ROTC cadets through its awards program, participates in Wreaths Across America Day, and previously organized an annual Run for the Dogs 5K to help fund the training and supply of service dogs for veterans.

Mountain Empire (Tenn.) Chapter members participate in a recent Wreaths Across America Day event. (Courtesy photo)

Learn more about the Lifeline for Vets program on the Mountain Empire Chapter’s website.

Blair Drake is a contributing editor for MOAA and lives in Souderton, Pa. She previously served on the editorial team of Military Officer magazine for nine years.