Meeting the Need: Focus on Veteran Charity in Action

Veterans are a unique breed of individuals. They are the only demographic in the nation tied together by the oaths they take to the country and the values they hold instilled in them from the moment they step off that bus at boot camp. As they continue through life, the values, like duty and selfless service, continue to drive many of them to not walk past problems in their communities. When they see a need they step up to meet it. It's just who they are.

During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with Lt. Gen. (USMC, Ret.) James Laster, the President, and CEO of the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation who details the charity's history and the great work it does both past and present. Director of VFW Programs Lynn Rolf and VFW Foundation Administrator Richard Potter team up to talk about the VFW's Unmet Needs Program and the partnership with Burger King Franchisees. And, Craig DeOld, Commander of the Boston Police VFW Post #1018 talks about how his post became June's Post of the Month in the #StillServing Spotlight.

Lt. Gen. (USMC, Ret.) James Laster, the President & CEO of the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation —

• Originally from Dallas, James served 39 years in the Marine Corps. [3:08]

• James describes his transformation from Chief of Staff to becoming the president and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots. [4:52]

• In 1948, Toys for Tots became an official activity of the U.S. Marine Corps and the mission of the Marine Corps Reserves. [6:57]

• From start to finish, Toys for Tots relies on the generosity of the American people and 26,000 volunteers. [12:27]

• Since 2006, the Toys for Tots Literacy program has successfully distributed 44 million books to impoverished children. [15:27]

• The process of identifying and supporting the less fortunate of the American population and how VFW posts can assist the effort. [21:28]

Director of VFW Programs, Lynn Rolf & VFW Foundation Administrator, Richard Potter —

• Lynn describes how the Unmet Needs program has helped over 11,000 veterans with financial assistance. [28:36]

• Since 2007, franchisees have donated over 6.5 million to the Unmet Needs program. [32:25]

• Lynn and Rich share Unmet Needs success stories. [35:58]

• How listeners can help or get involved and how veterans can apply for the program. [41:38]

Craig DeOld, Commander, #StillServing Boston Police VFW Post #1018 —

• Craig describes his military service story. [52:55]

• Boston Police VFW Post #1018 has a unique history. [56:27]

• During the pandemic, Post #1018 stepped up to become a collection point to assist the redistribution of PPE and as a vaccination station. [58:58]

• Craig shares recent triumphs and future plans for #StillServing Post of the month #1018. [1:07:43]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
• VFW Podcast Page
• @VFWHQ on Twitter
• VFW on Facebook
• @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook
• VFW Unmet Needs Program
• Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
• Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
• Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story
• Toys for Tots Foundation
• Good 360 Foundation