MCI-H Veterans Group
The Maryland Correctional Institution- Hagerstown Veterans group is entering their second year of support of Fisher House Foundation with their Annual Walkathon, this year held on May 15, 2010. Each year, the approximately 50 VETERANS incarcerated at MCI-H Hagerstown host this event where up to 400 inmates are offered the opportunity to walk the yard during Military Appreciation Month and raise funds to support our country’s “…Greatest National Treasure, our military service men and women and their loved ones.” This year’s proceeds are being shared with Patriots Path Foundation whose mission is to prepare Veterans for, and assist them with, reintegration with the community as they complete their treatment in the Veterans Affairs Medical System.
History
The MCI-H Veterans Group was officially established in November 2004, after years of effort on the part of many highly dedicated veterans, both MCI-H Staff and Inmates. The MCI-H Veterans are also proud and honored to have some distinguished Vietnam Veterans who fought for our country. The MCI-H Veterans are also recognized as the only Institutional Veterans Group that participates in the National Veterans History Project. Eligibility for membership in the MCI-H Veterans an inmate must:
- Have an Honorable military discharge.
- Be in good adjustment category.
- Apply to the V.A.C. and present a copy of your DD214.
Mission Statement
To respond to the needs of all Veterans coming into the system and preparing them to return to society.
To have a commitment of a better way of life by enhancing involvement and improving levels of communications with other Veterans.
And remember: “For those who fought for it…. (Freedom) has a flavor that the protected will never know….”
Creed
We Believe:
That our faith and devotion to a higher power gives sustenance and purpose to our lives.
That we were VETERANS before becoming incarcerated, and as such join hands in solidarity with all VETERANS, and remain steadfast in our allegiance to all branches of the ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
That we unconditionally place ourselves in harm’s way, willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the benefit of others.
That our service to humanity is indeed the greatest commitment of our lives and is the cornerstone of all VETERANS hearts.
That we remain diligent in our desire to make this world a better place for all of its inhabitants.
And;
That we continue to demonstrate Excellence, Tolerance, Compassion, and Kindness for the highest achievement and conditioning of our souls.
The Fisher House™ Program
The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 12,000 families, and have made available nearly 3 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!
Online donations are completely safe and the most efficient way of donating (saving time and money), but checks are accepted. Please download and print the 2010 MCI-H Vets Check Donation Form and mail the check and completed form to the address on the form.
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.
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