Washington, DC, May 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three weeks ago, the Military Order of the Purple Heart made the announcement that it was suspending its National Service Program due to lack of funding. Today, the MOPH is pleased to announce that the Purple Heart Foundation has made it possible for the National Service Program to be continued through Fiscal Year 2019, and hopefully thereafter, thereby averting immediate closure as previously announced. This positive development has resulted from increases in donations and revenues, and by building new efficiencies in the Foundation’s business practices.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been advised that the MOPH will continue its Service Program as a viable, full service Veteran Service Organization. The new Fiscal Year 2019 grant approved by the Purple Heart Foundation will continue to support MOPH programs, albeit at slightly reduced levels. Effective immediately, all MOPH Service Offices have been advised to restart the process of advising and assisting Veterans and their families with the processing of their VA claims and appeals. As we move forward, we will continue to look at our locations, functions and resources, and adjustments will be made where it is economically beneficial to do so. According to MOPH National Commander Neil Van Ess, “MOPH is committed and dedicated to providing the best possible assistance to its Veteran-clients, and looks forward to rebuilding their trust and confidence as we strive to be the premiere VSO for all Veterans, their spouses and families.”
The "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat or by an act of international terrorism. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the Purple Heart Foundation, the MOPH and its Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Until now, through its National Service Program, the MOPH has provided comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, JROTC Leadership Awards, Scholarships, Suicide Awareness, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families.