Dear Friends of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc,
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to everything the holiday brings. It’s a chance to gather with friends and family, make memories, and give thanks around the table.
But this year, Thanksgiving will feel very different for some of our Connecticut National Guard service members and families.
For many of our members, financial hardship means their tables will be bare. They are not looking forward to the holiday; they are wondering if they will have the money to feed their family or pay their mortgage or rent.
That is why I hope you will continue to help our service members and their families with a gift to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. When you do, you are making a difference in the lives of our soldiers and airman, like “Tom”.
“Tom” was a deployed service member and father of two children. While deployed, his family lost everything due to a massive house fire. Fortunately, no one was injured, but all they escaped with were the clothes they were wearing. But because of the generosity of donors like you, the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc, was able to immediately give them a check, along with gift cards, to help them survive the first few days after their devastating loss.
I am happy to report that “Tom” and his family are doing better. They have found temporary housing, neighbors and the local community provided assistance, the children are back in school, and the family is regaining stability in their lives.
You can feel proud, knowing that your contributions to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc, made it possible for us to give “Tom” and his family the immediate financial assistance they needed in those critical first hours after the fire.
I hope you will continue your support of the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc by making a tax-deductible donation during this year’s annual appeal. I know there are many worthy charities, and I want to thank you for continuing to support us, and the service members and families we support.
Every year is different, not knowing how many of our service members and families are struggling, or how many requests for assistance we will receive. These past two years have been especially challenging, with the COVID-19 pandemic and increased deployments. Our Connecticut guardsman are not immune from these influences, and last year we awarded close to $60,000 in grants.
In addition to our grants, I am happy to report that the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc awarded $22,000 in scholarships for the current 2021 – 2022 academic year. These scholarships went to our service members, their spouses and/or children, helping them achieve their educational goals. Just another example of how your continued support allows us to serve our constituents.
In order for us to assist these families, we need your help. Our hope is to continue to support our Guard family as long as the need exists, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help. Won’t you please consider making a donation to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc? You can donate by check or credit card, using the enclosed reply card and envelope, or by going to our website at www.ctngfi.org and clicking on the donate button.
With your gift today, no matter how large or small, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your donation will help those most in need.
This is the season for giving thanks ... and in that spirit, thank you for all you do for our Foundation. Please send your most generous gift today.
Sincerely,
Christopher Mackenzie
Chief Warrant Officer Four (Retired)
President
