Three military and veteran support organizations announced today that they were joining forces to help local Chicago-area students by providing backpacks filled with key supplies needed to be successful in the upcoming school year. Participating organizations include Massachusetts-based Brighton Marine, Inc., The Truman National Security Project and the DNC Veterans & Military Families Council.

Volunteers from each organization will gather at an event at the National Veterans Art Museum on August 19, 2024 where they will assemble backpacks for the Wells Community Academy High School and Bottom Line, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities to get into and through college and successfully launch a career.

“The military and veteran community truly embodies the spirit of service to others. We value the opportunity to contribute to this important effort to serve local Chicago students,” said Rosye Cloud, Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO of Brighton Marine. “This project represents not just a new school year but also new beginnings for these bright students and the future they aspire to create.”

“The DNC Veterans and Military Families Council is thrilled to join our partners for this meaningful service project and to take advantage of this opportunity to give back to the local community. We can think of no better way to kick off an exciting week of activities,” said Sue Hoppin, Co-chair, DNC Veterans and Military Families Council.

"The Truman Project Community commands significant influence within America’s national security community. We believe that service begins at home, and that giving back to those with whom we live, work, and socialize builds bonds of trust that strengthen communities and our national security,” said Tony Johnson, Truman National Security Project President and CEO. “The Truman National Security Project proudly joins forces with Brighton Marine, Inc., the DNC Veterans and Military Families Council, Wells Community Academy High School and Bottom Line to support Chicago-area students."

Following are details about the event, which will include ample photo opportunities for attending media.

About Brighton Marine, Inc.

Brighton Marine, Inc. (BMI) is a 501c-3 non-profit established more than 40 years ago in Brighton, Mass., whose mission is to provide healthcare, housing and hope to servicemembers, veterans and their families. BMI was originally established to take over the management of the Brighton Marine hospital, which provided vital healthcare needs of local veterans, when the federal government decided to close the facility. Today, Brighton Marine has expanded its services to provide healthcare support to more than 15,000 veterans, uniformed service members and their families through 10 organizations on its Brighton campus, as well as veterans housing and other support services for the broader Allston-Brighton community. Learn more at www.BrightonMarine.org.

About the DNC Veterans & Military Families Council

The DNC Veterans and Military Families Council (VMFC) is committed to ensuring that our nation honors the debt and obligation it has to veterans, military families, caregivers and survivors. The DNC VMFC is committed to ensuring they are provided the care and benefits they have earned, and afforded the opportunities they deserve to thrive.

About the Truman National Security Project

Truman National Security Project is a vibrant, diverse, nationwide community of leaders leveraging the power of the Truman network. United with one goal -- to develop smart national security solutions that reinforce strong, equitable, effective, and nonpartisan American global leadership. Our community includes more than 2,000 Veterans, frontline civilians, policy experts, and political professionals, who share a common vision of US leadership abroad. We represent 16 Chapters from 47 states across the country. We believe America is at our best when we use all the tools in our toolbox: diplomacy, defense, development, and promoting democracy.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240819253806/en/