HEY, WE HAD A LOT OF FUN IN 2009, AND REACHED A LOT OF VETS AND FAMILIES.
We went to ROH, Summerfest, street festivals, parades, and more.
Where should we go in 2010!! Add all your suggestions here so we can "PLAN" out our year! Make sure we are at the right place, and it doesnt burn out our great volunteers from last minute phone calls.
If I may suggest, the only other organization that I'm aware of that has a Veterans' Service Van like Dryhooch is the DAV, I'd coordinate with the DAV in your area so that there is not redundancy.
That said, where can I find additional info on what exactly the Dryhooch Van/Bus does so that I can do a story for Veterans Today?
Are there plans to go beyond the state where efforts are focused now to nearby states or nation-wide and how would activists in other states set up an operation like Dryhooch?
I might find this on site I assume?
I am also not YET familiar with all the kinds of events that Dryhooch gets involved in/
No specific event yet, but certainly we want to continue collaborating with Dry Hootch and UWM. Between occupational therapy, the large student veteran population and all the great work, dedication and motivation Dry Hootch has I think we are in for a great future!
First thing that comes to my mind are the air shows. The T-Birds are doing a show in Janesville May 29-30 and the Blue Angels are doing a show in Milwaukee June 12-13 (according to their schedules). You might want to contact who's ever running that and see if you can set up a booth, recruit members, offer services, sell t-shirts and coffee etc. I'm not sure who you'd contact but somebody is running those events. Start with the Chamber of Commerce and go from there I guess. The local recruiters might have a line on that as well since they sometimes participate in those activities. Also if there are any military bases in the area having open houses I would contact them and let them know that you'd like to participate if possible.
Not sure if you are looking at just the metro Milwaukee area, but there's an American Hero Music Festival in Beaver Dam on 11 Sep 10 that could prove to be beneficial to Dryhootch. The event is hosted by the City of Beaver Dam and it is in its 2nd year. The focus of the event is on our Veterans. Unfortunately, I don't have a point of contact yet with the City. I am working with the regional OCPA office. That POC is Brandi Schiff at 312-596-4418. I'm sure she could give a contact with the event organizer at a minimum.
Dear Bob & Dryhootch Crew :
1.) LZ Lambeau > in conjunction with Dept of Vet Affairs/ the WI DVA Hospital Reps/ GI Bill Gurus from UW- Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay & Madison and volunteer Dentists, State Vet Employment & PTSD Counseling for a "Stand Down" @ the 3 day state wide event.
2.) Summerfest
3.) WI State Fair
4.) 4th of July ( Madison & Milwaukee )
5.) Series of Benefit Concerts with various music artists (bands, duos, etc ) @ colleges around Milwaukee AO
Possible link up with G4V.
6.) Beaver Dam Freedom Fest
7.) Vet Stand Downs when applicable.
8.) Presentations to Guard & Reserve Units on what Dryhootch is and what it does.
Develop a play using the stories of local vets that could be performed at area venues. It would collaborating with a theater group, a writer or two and a funding agency. I saw something on dryhootch.org about NAMI doing this in some other city and having a powerful impact.
How about the Green Bay event in May or there is a BIG civil war reenactment in Greenbush/Old Wade House (near Plymouth in the N. Kettle Morraine) usually the 3rd weekend in September
501c3 nonprofit formed by combat veterans to "help veterans & their families who survived the war, survive the peace." Peer to Peer counseling, a coffee house & resources, a place for veterans to reconnect.
Or donate by check to: Dryhootch of America,1030 E Brady St Milwaukee WI 53202 414-763-2785