AFDW A1 gives thanks to Final Salute organization

Published Jan. 3, 2012
By Master Sgt. Lisa Thomas
Air Force District of Washington Manpower and Personnel

Joint Base Andrews, Md. -- Air Force District of Washington manpower and personnel held its monthly Capital Wingman Culture event Dec. 15. One of the CWC topics included a briefing from the Final Salute organization, which the unit supported.

Through volunteering and other CWC events, manpower and personnel remains committed to helping the community by supporting organizations such as the Final Salute.

On Dec 3, 2011, just a little over a year after founding Final Salute, the organization cut the ribbon to their first transitional home for female homeless veterans. Today, four female veterans and four children reside in the house.

A week after the house opened and the residents moved in, the unit sprang into action by collecting enough funds to put up holiday decorations in the house, including a fully decorated Christmas tree and stockings.

The unit also started a drive for donated household items and presents to place under the tree for each of the residents. They collected three TVs, a loveseat, canned goods, clothing, bath and bedroom items and some holiday treats.

Final Salute is a local non-profit organization, dedicated to paying homeless female veterans respect for their service to the country.

The theme of this month's CWC event was "Culture of Thanks" and was centered on showing gratitude to the Air Force, AFDW, and the local community.

It is estimated that there are currently 13,000 homeless female veterans in the United States.

In an effort to make a difference and reduce the number of homeless female veterans, Captain Jaspen Booth, local Army National Guard, founded the Final Salute organization in 2010, shortly after her own battle with cancer.

The organization focuses on preventing female veterans from becoming homeless by providing transitional housing, emergency shelters and funds to help them and their families.

Currently, there are about 500 transitional housing units in the U.S. for veterans; however, less than half allow women and even fewer allow children.

There are many things that Airmen can do to continue to support this organization.

If interested, please visit the Final Salute website at www.finalsaluteinc.org to learn more. To donate food items, money, furniture, or hold an event that will benefit Final Salute, contact AFDW A1: Master Sgt. Lisa Thomas or Shantia Bryant.

This house is the first of many to come to the local DC area. Help is greatly appreciated.