Upward American Veterans Program Information
The Upward American Veterans Committee (UAV) provides emergency basic living expenses to honorably discharged United States military veterans and their families in need. This program steps in when other sources of support are not available. UAV assists with urgent needs such as utility bills, rent, medical expenses or groceries.
Since its inception, generous donations have allowed the UAV to assist veterans and their families with more than $148K in emergency living expenses . We are proud to be able to support our veterans in need. Funds for this program come from charitable donations and from the annual VCIRC golf tournament.
The UAV Committee
This six to ten-member committee is charged with dispersing funds to veterans in need and is comprised of retired or honorably discharged officers and NCOs. The UAV committee represents all armed forces branches. The committee also includes at least one civilian.
Qualified Veterans – Requirements for UAV Qualification
The committee looks at each request. They consider the validity of the request and the veteran’s DD214 (veteran discharge status), as well as the UAV’s then current financial assets. The committee can allocate up to $3,000 per case. Multiple requests are discouraged.
Urgent Situations
If an emergency arises and there is no time to convene a UAV committee, two members can authorize expenditures up to $500 for qualified veterans and/or their families.
Items Covered by UAV
Since UAV is an emergency fund, it covers only emergency (in unforeseeable circumstances) expenses including groceries, immediate household needs, utilities including basic internet, and rent. Requests for funds to cover non-vital expenses such as restaurant meals, legal costs, and recreational activities are not covered. This is for short-term emergencies only. Most requests can be approved within two weeks.
Veterans may apply for UAV support by phone at 772-410-5820 or by email at UAV@veteranscouncilirc.org
On Weekends – Contact Kathy Allston 305-872-8162 (cell)