A new United Way of Tarrant County fund will support community-based services that help returning U.S. military servicemen and women transition to civilian life.
Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter donated $300,000 to start the Veterans' Fund, according to United Way.Organizations that show effective results in supporting these veterans and their families can apply for funding when United Way requests proposals in mid-April, officials said."We believe that the fund will make an important impact on the quality and variety of strategies needed by those veterans who are experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome, unemployment, financial crises and other problems as they return from military service," United Way President and CEO Tim McKinney said in a statement.United Way officials plan to seek guidance during the next month from the Veterans Coalition of Tarrant County, said Daryl Wagoner, a United Way spokesman.Stevie Hansen, vice chairwoman of the veterans coalition, said the organization is "extremely excited" about the new fund. The coalition was founded several years ago to link service providers and veterans and their families, she said.For information on making a donation, contact Cassie McQuitty at 817-258-8012 or cassie.mcquitty@unitedwaytarrant.org.Alex Branch, 817-390-7689Twitter: @albranch1Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
