A VET HELPING VETS
A dedication to those that gave all.
What we do
Actually what we did, since the corporation has been closed due to lack of funding. I just wanted to leave this page up to show what can be done for the disadvantaged veteran.
I am dedicated to helping vets, primarily homeless veterans, that have had their share of problems with getting their just due benefits for which they laid their lives on the line for to save this great country.
I deal with a couple of private agencies, which also help veterans and it is this networking that helps those disadvantaged veterans that do not have life as easy as others do.
One agency is "Point Man International Ministries", which has a homeless shelter located in Sheridan, Michigan.
The other is "Veterans Haven", which is located in Wayne, Michigan.
Both of these, non-profit organizations try to help those who seek help and connect them with those who can give help. I have included links to their websites at the bottom of this page.
I go into the streets of the Detroit area and talk with, console and council the homeless, which have been cast to the side by others. Many times I will take my two dogs (Wolfe and Little Dog) with me because not to many people don't like gentle dogs.
Everyone must remember that these people are living this type of life style due to the present society, and can't bear the total burden for their situations.
This is while I was in Vietnam sometime between September 1966 to October 1967.
Who we are
I became involved with helping veterans, only after I became aware that I too came back from Vietnam scarred. Not physically but rather emotionally. There were many years that there seemed to be no help from anyone including the Veterans Administration, until I had my own nervous breakdown in 1989, which took me back over the years to several incidents, which happened while I was involved in Combat during my tour of duty in Vietnam, which I had deeply suppressed. I was diagnosed with severe and chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1991 (24 years after my return from the Nam). Now I knew why I had a big problem with dealing with society and my violent rage outbursts. That was before the help that I found with the many professionals (especially Frank and Lee), doctors and medications, I have now learned to live in this society with dignity.
It is still hard to cope with a lot of memories, but it is at least manageable at this point. I have even gone back and completed my education getting my Masters in Lay Ministry.
There was an event in my life that caused me to seek shelter away from my family in 1991 and I wound up living in the "streets" of Detroit, with other homeless people. It was then that I found out about the tragedy of the homeless plight. I made it my firm conviction that I would do all that I could to help those in that unfortunate position.
Let me add one last thing for all Veterans who are here now ...
WELCOME HOME.
This is Mike "Doc" Willey, as we are today.
W
e are pleased to say that by the end of the year 2002 we expect to have several things in place and functioning. First, we are hoping to have found the necessary personnel to help us get all the legalities worked out. We are actively looking at several lawyers and accountants that will keep this corporation legal and viable.
Once the determination on these key personnel is done the final paperwork to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be submitted for our own Employer Identification Number (EIN) and approval for our 501c3 (not for profit) tax status.
We are already registered with the State of Michigan and are awaiting the return of our paperwork for the copyright for the corporate name.
After the Federal Government requirements have been taken care of, application to the Attorney General of the State of Michigan (Commerce section) will be drawn up to allow us to accept donations. These donations will be our major source of income.
(1) To always promote a positive image of this organization, A VET HELPING VETS, Inc., at all times, in our community and among our fellow citizens. To include participation in and support of any Veteran's Events that are held in our community.
(2) Provide moral, emotional, economic and physical support to our Homeless and Disabled Veterans as well as their families, when & where ever possible, which may need our assistance in our community. We may also provide support to other not-for-profit corporations that have the same interests as A VET HELPING VETS, Inc. in the same regards.
(3) Provide various supports to our Veterans at the local VA Hospitals and Veteran's Homes, specifically, during the holidays and through support of better and newer facilities and care for our Veterans within the state of Michigan.
(4) Provide assistance to all Veterans and their families, whenever possible, which may be traveling through our area that may be in need of assistance.
(5) Never loose sight of the fact that this is a Civic Veterans Support Organization whose sole purpose is to create public awareness, educate our youth, assist POW/MIA and Veteran's families when ever possible. Also to promote and publicize the POW/MIA and Veteran Issues at all times. This will include going out to institutions and schools and teaching about these issues.
The Firebase Faith program is designed for a local setting in a rural area, not necessarily a parish setting, that will accent and enhance the role of a continuing ministry. The time frame for this process is approximately three years after the initial 501c3 corporation is in place. My leadership and management skills will be a must for this project to have any hope of succeeding, especially through the bureaucracy.
There is a serious problem in this country, with the homeless population, more specifically the homeless veteran population. This problem is currently being reviewed and discussed not only the federal, state and local agencies but many in the private sector as well. This problem has increased over the past two decades, with no apparent end in sight. I have voluntarily visited homeless veterans in the inner cities of both Detroit, Michigan surrounding communities. I have counseled this population in regards to their options, which are available to them, which many do not seem to understand. This is starting point of the ministry I am in the process of building from the ground up. There is a need for an organization, to fill the needs of these people.
As the leader for this new organization, I have been blessed with the vision, which I have presented my ideas to others, which has had much overwhelming, positive response. Although, there is no staff other than myself, at this period of time, there are areas such as the accounting and legal matters where I will need assistance. There are other private organizations I am presently working with, in conjunction with helping veterans with their basic needs. However, without my vision, these other people would have no need or desire to be involved in what could be termed "just an exercise."
There might only be a need to help with some counseling or just a talk to vent emotions or it could be a situation in which someone needs food and shelter. At any rate, my program starts with the advocacy of the person(s) in need.
This was my first trip to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. in May 2000.
These are my companions when I visit homeless veterans. Little Dog and Wolfe
How to Contact Us
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A VET HELPING VETS Contact: Michael Willey (Volunteer chaplain) 1st Bde (seperate) 101st Abn Div - RVN '66-'67 Phone: 734-458-1501 ?Email: photog101@att.net |
Definitely a favorite pastime is riding motorcycles, and it does not matter what the weather is.
This is a short rest stop at Daytona Beach in 1981, and I thought that I had seen enough sand in Nam
.Links
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Veterans Haven |
I would like to thank my son for following in my footsteps and entering the United States Army "Airborne" but has also become a Ranger and a Combat Medic. God Bless and Keep you in your endeavors my son.
This page was created by M.A. "Doc" Willey