Nov 11, 2013 By Cindy Lee Cumpston for The 3 min read

The Fayette Veterans Advocacy Association may be a relative new organization, having been organized four years ago; however, the group of about a dozen members is dedicated to helping local veterans and their families.

“One of our first projects,” said Secretary Michelle Nicola, “was to help with the transportation costs of a local veteran for travel associated with his cancer treatments.”

“Our goal is to help local veterans in any way possible,” she said.

President Brenda Moats said the group has held a variety of fundraising events, including working in the refreshment stand at West Virginia University home football games, selling refreshments at a local dance recital and organizing two 5-K races at Laurel Caverns in Wharton Township.

“On Father’s Day of this year, we held our first car show,” Moats said. “We are planning on the car show being an annual event.”

Recently, the group hosted its second annual craft vendor show to raise money for its scholarship program.

This year the group provided three scholarships totaling $1500 to help the children of veterans with their education. Applications were sent to all the high schools in Fayette County.

Students were asked to write an essay on “What a higher education means to me.”

This year’s winners were Amanda Berenbrok and Kyler Tewell, both from Laurel Highlands High School, and Amanda Hanabeck from Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville.

Moats said in the spring, when the next round of scholarships will be awarded, the group is hoping to locate a local veteran who is furthering his or her higher education and provide them with a scholarship.

“It would make us so happy if we could provide a veteran with a scholarship,” Moats said.

Fayette Veterans Advocacy Association is also affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization that offers services to and advocates for wounded service members and their families. Association members participated in a 3-mile walk and parade held in Ligonier this past summer as part of the 312-mile “PA Hero Walk” to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The group also hosted a dinner to honor the AMVETS Gen. Marshall Post 103 in Hopwood.

“We wanted to recognition the honor guard of the AMVETS, many of whom have served for more than 30 years,” Nicola said, “These men are always willing to drop everything and serve in the honor guard at the memorial service of a fallen follow veteran.”

Although the group is not affiliated with the AMVETS, the association does hold its monthly meetings at Post 103.

“The AMVETS have been very accommodating in providing the use of their facility,” Nicola said.

The group is actively seeking veterans living in Fayette County who may be in need of assistance.

“If anyone living in Fayette County knows of a local veteran who is in need of service, please contact us,” Moats said.

“We are also always looking for new members,” she said.

For more information on the program, call 724-438-2906 or email bmoats55@hotmail.com or view the association’s website at fayettevaa.com.

The Fayette Veterans Advocacy Association is a member of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.