DOYLESTOWN, PA – Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) has joined leading veteran organizations —Team Rubicon, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Team Red, White & Blue, The Mission Continues, and Wounded Warrior Project as part of the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination (VCV), a coalition aiding local and state officials in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine nationwide. These veteran organizations are driving towards the common goal of ensuring every American has the opportunity to receive a vaccination quickly, effectively, and equitably.
Throughout the pandemic, TMF veterans and members mobilized to support the critical needs within their communities. TMF volunteers did not hesitate to organize food drives, buddy checks, service projects, character-driven virtual lessons, and more. With the formation of the VCV, veterans are again leading the charge to aid communities in need of support. TMF President, Ryan Manion said, “Travis Manion Foundation is proud to play a role in giving our nation’s veterans a platform where they can continue to serve the country they love even after taking off the uniform. It’s of no surprise to me that as a need has arisen to support our communities in the battle against COVID-19, our nation’s veterans are leading the way.”
The past year has already strained medical systems and resources, and vaccination distribution adds another layer of logistical complexity. By providing the resources and operational expertise of a million-strong-veteran coalition, the VCV will assist in ensuring access to vaccinations. This nationwide network of volunteers will allow the coalition to support vaccination requests from major cities to rural communities. A centralized volunteer management system has been established to streamline opportunities across the country.
Services to augment vaccination distribution and reduce the demands on healthcare workers include site setup and management, logistics support, providing healthcare workers to supplement hospital staff, and—where appropriate—administration of the vaccine. “President Biden described the fight against COVID-19 as a wartime undertaking; the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination agrees and will do our part. Bringing together veterans organizations to create a first-of-its-kind coalition to assist in vaccine distribution will help our communities recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” says Art delaCruz, founding VCV member and President and COO, Team Rubicon. “Veterans took an oath to serve the country and are now finding impactful ways to continue our service at home. And today, our calling is to aid in vaccination efforts.”
Now with a greater sense of urgency, the VCV is looking for veterans to put on a new uniform and continue to serve. For more information, please visit https://theveteranscoalition.com
