Page 9 - Hobe Sound Reflections - November '21

Hobe Sound, Page 9

Good Works from page 8 The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), established mouth sores result in loss of confidence among veterans
in 2009, was created to support Florida’s disabled veterans as well. These conditions also jeopardize veterans’ ability
Bringing Smiles To Wounded by relieving the financial strains that prevent their transition to secure a stable job, a critical aspect of their transition
to civilian life. They provide temporary emergency
to civilian life. With little financial safety nets, a job keeps
Veterans – WVRF’s Dental financial assistance to qualified disabled veterans. The veterans and their families with roofs over their heads. With
impact of WVRF’s work is tremendous, considering that
the increased demand among veterans for mental health
Program Florida is home to the third largest population of veterans care, it is imperative that access to dental care be expanded.
in the United States – more than 1.5 million people. The In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental program.
By Chrystal D. Rambarath nonprofit supports veterans who served in World War II It was piloted in Palm Beach County and offers emergency
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: through present day conflicts. To date, over 10,000 veterans dental assistance to qualified veterans. These veterans must
What do these afflictions have in common? According to and their families have received more than $5 million in have a 10 percent or more service-connected disability
the Center for Disease Control, these and other chronic direct financial assistance. WVRF’s intervention and work rating or have an active pending claim, be a Florida
conditions can be linked to poor oral health. While in literally keeps veteran families from becoming homeless. resident currently residing in Florida, have been honorably
some cases, it is yet to be determined if poor oral health Beyond this support, WVRF is also a major advocate of discharged from the military, and need emergency dental
causes these conditions, it is undeniable that many veterans and an ally as they confront obstacles before them. care. It is the WVRF’s intention that the dental program
illnesses can be detected during routine dental checkups. Their most recent challenge has been to expand dental care will be expanded, with a location for dental services in
Encouragingly, good oral hygiene and treatment can access for veterans and the launch of their dental program. each of Florida’s 67 counties. In the interim, the nonprofit
reduce heart attacks by 35 percent. Though that is good During an emergency dental examination made possible has the support of at least 10 local dentists who are ready
news for Americans who have dental insurance and those by WVRF, it was detected that one of their veterans was to donate their services.
that adhere to their biannual checkups, there is a segment suffering from oral cancer. That timely examination caught Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound
of our population for whom this basic care is out of reach. an oral cancer that could have been fatal. This startling by a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, realization and the discovery of just how few veterans can American values. They willingly risk their lives and make
biological and chemical threats, and more. But upon access dental care prompted WVRF to do something. With great sacrifices so that their fellow citizens can enjoy
their return home, they also face new dangers – threats support of their board of directors and the partnership of freedom, liberty, and all rights that our citizenship allows.
that make their transition to civilian life difficult. One one local dentist, WVRF began to bridge this gap in health When they return home, and in their time of need, it is
silent, almost undetectable threat can be found in their care for veterans. The lives of at least two veterans were our turn to support them. We hope that you are moved by
mouths. As many as 92 percent of veterans served by the saved by early diagnoses during a dental examination. the tribulations that confront them. If you are able, we
Veteran’s Affairs system are ineligible for dental care In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health call upon your generosity to expand the critical services
benefits. Only honorably discharged veterans with a 100 is also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. that the dental program offers. You may donate your time,
percent service-connected disability qualify for dental Veterans have shared that they stopped smiling and skills, or supplies, attend an event, become an advocate,
care through the VA. Thankfully, nonprofits often fill experienced poor self-esteem, shame, depression, and or simply spread news of this essential endeavor among
the gaps left unserved by the government and the private job rejections because of the aesthetics and state of their your family, friends, and networks. To get involved or find
sector. mouths. Gum disease, chronic bad breath, tooth decay, and out more, please call (561) 855-4207, visit www.wvrf.org,
find us at the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on Facebook
and LinkedIn, or follow us at WVReliefFund on Twitter
Dreaming up the ideal and Instagram. As former President Calvin Coolidge once
said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself
retirement is your job. forgotten.”
Helping you get there Life Ring At Children’s

is ours. Museum Dedicated To
Elev8Hope
To learn more about why
Edward Jones makes sense for you By Jackie Holfelder
Elev8Hope and the Children’s Museum of the Treasure
Coast share an important philosophy: that children can
be joyful and still have a sense of responsibility to
themselves and to others.
Sally S Stahl, AAMS® That’s why the homage that C2 Equipment Rental,
Financial Advisor LLC, recently paid to Elev8Hope was especially
1851 W Indiantown Rd Ste 106 meaningful and significant.

Recognizing the nonprofit’s mission to inspire youth
Jupiter, FL 33458 to become passionate leaders who positively impact the
561-748-7600
www.edwardjones.com community of Martin County, C2 Equipment Rental,

M e m b P I S r e C LLC, dedicated the Life Ring in the Children’s Museum’s
exciting new fishing and boating exhibit to Elev8Hope,
since the work of the 501(c)(3) is dedicated to saving
lives in countless ways.
The state-of-the-art new exhibit isn’t just for play. The
museum’s goals include using the interactive display for
raising awareness of such things as reduction of trash,
waste and pollution in local waterways.
C2 Equipment Rental, LLC, which is locally owned,
operates from a position of honesty and integrity and
believes strongly in helping others and giving back to
the local community, couldn’t have found a more perfect
way to honor and highlight the student leaders and
membership of Elev8Hope.

The Life Ring at the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
fishing and boating exhibit that C2 Equipment Rental, LLC,
dedicated to Elev8Hope
Photo provided by Elev8Hope