As in past years, the Shamong Public School District rallied in support of our veterans in the annual GI Go Fund Jeans for troops fund raiser.
Their stated mission: “The GI Go Fund is a 501©(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides assistance to all military veterans, with a focus on veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, by helping them find employment, access housing, and secure their educational and health benefits.” (gigofund.org/aboutus.html). They work with homeless veterans, employers, and provide advisors to ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Based in New Brunswick. The concept of the fund stemmed from the death of US Army Lt. Seth Dvorin from an IED blast in 2006 while on duty in Iraq. Originally designed as a day of rest and relaxation for returning veterans, the founders soon came to realize the true hardships these men and women were facing and the GI Go Fund model was born.
The concept is pretty simple: contribute five dollars or more, and wear jeans to work that day. This year, Nov. 12 was designated and the faculty and staff of this small district raised $355 in one day. The primary organizers were Heather Cosper and Jen Simpson, the district’s school nurses. Together, they got out the publicity, informed, and highlighted the program’s benefits to our veterans. All the time, they also ensure our students’ bumps, scraps, and ills are attended to in quick fashion. Their untiring dedication to this cause is admirable.
