Program launched to assist Guard members' families
Star, community launch program to assist Guard members' families
    
From Staff Reports

     The Elizabethton Star, in conjunction with the City of Elizabethton and local civic agencies, has initiated a project to assist families of men and women who have been activated with the 776th Maintenance Company of the Tennessee National Guard in Elizabethton.
     Charles Robinson, publisher of Elizabethton Newspapers, Inc., announced Friday that the Veterans' Family Assistance Program has been created to provide support -- financial and otherwise -- to the families of military veterans placed on active duty.
     "In the past, when the call to military service was answered, it sometimes placed an undue hardship on families of military personnel in meeting the necessities of life," said Robinson. "That's where the role of the Elizabethton Star will come into play."
     A committee representing the participating agencies will establish guidelines and approve the disbursement of funds to families on an individual needs basis.
     The city's director of finance, Bradley Moffitt, will serve as chairman of the committee. Committee members are the Rev. Bruce Hendrich, Sheriff John Henson, William "Sonny" Mottern and one additional member yet to be named.
     Robinson announced that a special account for the family assistance program was being established at Elizabethton City Hall. Donations collected for the assistance fund will be managed by the city of Elizabethton.
     When the immediate family of the men and women of the Tennessee National Guard need financial assistance, emotional support, or other type of help, they can contact Harvey Prichard, assistant publisher of the Star, on a confidential basis. Needs will be fulfilled through discussion with civic groups and churches participating in the program.
     Prichard may be reached at 542-1546. Tax-deductible donations, made payable to the City of Elizabethton Veterans Assistance Fund, can be mailed or delivered to City Hall, 136 S. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.