KSV News: Short Round 034
Taking Care Of Our Own
Big Sister Program
Tragically, but not unexpectedly, we are losing our members at an alarming rate. Many leave behind wives, children and grandchildren as the only ones who will carry on their legacy. Of course, a significant event in that life legacy was the Fallen’s service at Khe Sanh.
As an organization that knows a LOT about taking care of our own, we now need to step up our efforts to help our recently bereaved families. Within our members and associate members we have widows who have been through the agonizing tasks associated with this family loss:
– Having no one to lean on
– Managing VA claims and compensation
– Preserving or disposing of military personal effects
– Continuing with the KSV membership and activities
Why don’t we formalize our family support efforts by creating a KSV Big Sister Team??
We will create a list of issues that experience has shown to be challenging when becoming the widow of a former military husband. And then we will create a list of proven solutions, resources and action steps that had will help.
When we get a report of a member’s passing (usually a forwarded obituary), and if we have no current family contact, our Big Sister Team would:
– Contact local news and funeral homes to find a family rep and contact address, email or phone
– Make personal contact with the family by mail and then ultimately by phone
– Determine which family member will become the new KSV point of contact (POC)
– Assign one of our own Team as the family’s personal link to KSV- a Big Sister.
– We will make contact with the family POC every 10 days or so to offer guidance until things settle down.
– Thereafter, remain a Big Sister for friendship, guidance and personal contact..
– Encourage dues payment to cement KSV membership, but do not require.
– Enroll the family as either Legacy members from prior payment, or gift the family a membership. We have volunteers who can cover this expense if the Board chooses not to.
– Encourage reunion and scholarship fund participation to keep the family engaged and active.
We are using this Short Round to start organizing our widows and others who would like to be a part of this Big Sister Team. Please email admin@khesanh.vet with your thoughts, suggestions and preferred contact info. Just do it!!
SF
Bob Koury: Website & Digital Manager