After tornadoes ravaged Kentucky earlier this month, AMVETS National Commander Greg Heun made it a priority to personally visit and assist in relief activities in the Louisville area.
A Kentucky native, Heun began making relief and aid preparations the day after tragedy struck his home state.
"There was a horrible pit forming in my stomach while watching breaking news of the tornado damage," said Heun in a release. "I know these veterans, these families, these communities. I take pride in the community I grew up in. Over the past few days, we've made huge strides in getting these Kentuckians back on their feet. This has been a tremendous effort from volunteers, our National Guard, and the AMVETS family."
AMVETS partnered with Lowe's Home Improvement as part of the retailer's million-dollar tornado relief pledge, distributing many of the supplies that come as part of that pledge to Kentucky communities near neighboring AMVETS posts Lowe's and AMVETS have maintained at partnership over the last few years through business grants and scholarships.
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A benefit concert also took place at AMVETS Post 119 (Owensboro, KY) with performances from several local artists including Beyond Blu, Amy Jo Maden, Crooked Eye Tommy, Tommy Stidwell, Kim Grady, Chester Ray, and more.
"Ever since Commander [Sam] Byrd and I decided this was on, our phones have blown up with folks asking when the benefit was and how to send support," said Kentucky State Commander Bill Adkins. "We can't thank our fellow AMVETS across the country for their help and we can't thank these artists enough for donating their time for this benefit."
AMVETS had been able to donate and deliver trailers-worth of clothes, food, water, blankets, and more. AMVETS has raised more than $50,000 by way of donations submitted from AMVETS posts nationwide, the benefit concert hosted by AMVETS Post 119 (Owensboro,KY), and individual support.
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"Kentucky is my state, AMVETS is my family," said Heun. "We're here for those devastated by these tornadoes. We're going to lift you up because we're a community. AMVETS does much more than just serve veterans. We're committed to serving veterans, their families, and the communities in which those veterans live."
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.