“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (KJV) Many of us are familiar with that verse, which is taken from the Holy Scripture’s book of John chapter 14:1. It continues with [2] “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. So, in other words, Jesu is saying to us ~We are not alone… God, the Father, has a place for us ~that has been prepared beforehand… A place where Jesus is and will be waiting when we get there… A place that is meant for us ~According to His time.
Friends we are; or rather, the world is in an unfamiliar place right now, but it is familiar to our Lord Jesus. He knew we would be here, and He knows how to get us through it… For we are not alone. Instead, He calls us to “cast our cares /or/ anxieties on Him…” (1 Peter 5:7) And, as such, “promised” He would “never leave nor forsake us.” (Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5)
The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV) is here to thank you for continuing on along this journey “together” as one body, in an unfamiliar yet familiar place in time. Although we have a mandatory order called “Social Distancing,” we can still reach into the lives of one another, while reaching out to the nation—spreading with confidence and assurance—that we are still here, and all of us still care.
NAAV has for the past two months, amidst the COVID-19 or CORONA virus pandemic, continued to reach out to our nation’s Veterans and their family members. We have had to adjust, just like many of you, to a “new normal,” and new way of communicating, socializing and serving. Yet, we are strong, resilient, and resourceful knowing that there are many out there who are still in need, now more than ever.
“If you can’t seem to find what you need to help—do what you can with what you have;” That includes tangible or intangible. Don’t let a little rain stop you!
NAAV has been moving by any means possible to service the needs of Veterans and family members, while in the middle of COVID-19 and has been able to help some familiar friends and family members who have reached out as we don’t stop; we don’t quit; we move; we fight, and we win by continuing to serve one another.
*A remark from CEO and President of NAAV most recently:
“We have received many calls for emergency assistance from all over this
nation and one email from PR for food and basic COVID 19 assistance.
We need more donations from our caring friends and supporters nationwide
during this pandemic.”
Following are two examples NAAV would like to share of what it means to persevere in the midst of a storm:
During April, NAAV provided immediate response to Veterans and their family members resources concerning Housing Counseling and Emergency Assistance—NCRC 2020 housing referrals; as well as resources for PTSD Counseling and Professional Referrals; National Mental Health Association; Mental Health Service Locator; Suicide Prevention Hotline; The Veterans Consortium; National Veterans Legal Service Program, and The American Bar Association.
An accompanying list consisted of over 25 resources covering over 20 cities and states where Veterans could reach out for a variety of agency assistance matters, which also included telephone numbers, addresses, and websites.
In March, NAAV provided financial assistance for rent payment and the purchase of a home to a Louisiana veteran and her family
Thank you for your kind effort and spirit of giving. Even in perilous times like these where anxieties and fear of the unknown or unfamiliar are real and present. But, please remember, “no one is in this alone; instead, we are all in this together; and, together we will get through this.”
Stay healthy, safe, and well.
Kindest regards,
Constance A. Burns
CEO & President, NAAV Inc.,
Washington, DC