Veterans Need You!

We all intersect with the military in different ways. Depending on the generation we represent, we all have stories about how a particular conflict impacted us—it can be very personal. If we haven’t served ourselves, we have friends or relatives who are serving or who have served—some who were injured, or captured, or lost.

During my high school years, in the late 1960’s, I lived in an apartment above a funeral home; my father was the funeral director. We often invited servicemen who were escorts of those lost in Vietnam to have supper with our family. These individuals generally did not know the fallen, and this was simply their duty. What interesting lives and perspectives they had! And then my friends and I watched while the draft lottery was broadcast on television. We sat in real time learning the fate of classmates—surreal and frightening. And in my University, the veterans and the pacifists sat in different sections of the Student Union, and fistfights would break out far too often.

I am glad we learned from those times that those who serve are not to be blamed for war; they offer their lives in the hope of ending such conflicts and creating a more peaceful world. And I’m glad that there are generous people who are working to provide assistance to our veterans! At the present time, there are six military-related funds at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry; each started by those who want to honor our patriots through action—not just words.

Beaufort National Cemetery Expansion Fund -- To develop the resources to enable the acquisition of property for the enlargement of the Beaufort National Cemetery and to promote growth of the cemetery and maintain its historical integrity.

Healing Heroes of the Lowcountry - Developed to provide resources which support the Healing Heroes of the Lowcountry Fund’s programs and services which honor, empower and support wounded heroes, first responders and their families/caregivers.

Honor Flight Lowcountry Fund - Provides support for the organization's program to fly veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorial dedicated to their service and to provide a means for veterans to experience recognition and honor for their service to our nation and to the world.

Honor Our Heroes Fund – Developed to provide resources to support the Honor Our Heroes Foundation’s programs and services--providing life assistance to service members, veterans and their families through direct support and referral services.

Parris Island Museum and Historical Society Scholarship Fund - To assist qualified active duty Marines/Sailors currently assigned to the Tri-Command area or their dependents in pursuit of a post-secondary education.

Veterans Memorial Fund - Established by the HHI Military Veterans Coalition, the fund provides support for the development and maintenance of the Veterans Memorial in Shelter Cove Park. Founding coalition members were the American Legion Post 185, the HHI Chapter of the US Navy League and the Retired Officers Association of Hilton Head Island.

In November we celebrate Veteran’s Day, a time to pause and reflect on all who have sacrificed time, comfort, health and their very lives, so we might continue to be a free nation. As you consider the service of these brave men and women, consider also a contribution to one of these funds and the efforts of our Lowcountry citizens to provide true help and assistance to these heroes and their families. Consider that we can LIVE GENEROUSLY today because of those who GAVE GENEROUSLY the best they had to offer. You can send a check to: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, PO Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 (with fund name on the memo line), or you can contribute with your credit card online at www.cf-lowcountry.org.

Denise K. Spencer

President and CEO