Would you like to help local veterans and their families?  And would you like to do something for a vet this summer – without  waiting for the Veteran’s Administration to fix its problems?

One Valley Forge-based company is doing something, and so is Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.

UGI Utilities, Inc., which provides natural gas service to parts of southern Chester County including Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, Oxford, Elk, East Nottingham, and West Nottingham, will conduct a program benefiting Keystone Wounded Warriors during its “Summer of Heroes” Sweepstakes, a social media campaign running through July 31.

The UGI campaign encourages community members and employees to “like” the company on Facebook here. For each “like” received, UGI will donate a dollar to Keystone Wounded Warriors.  Community members may also nominate a local hero who will receive up to $250.

“UGI is pleased to honor and support our servicemen and women for their service and sacrifice to our country,” said Keith Dorman, UGI director of communications and community relations.  “We are also proud to recognize local heroes, who selflessly give their time and energy to many local causes, for their efforts to make our communities better places to live and work.”

Keystone Wounded Warriors is based in Blandon, Berks County, and helps post-9/11 veterans and their families. The organization raises awareness about the needs of veterans at special events and solicits public support.  The organization also works to provide counseling and mentorship, specialized physical training to help vets maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, and financial support.

Individuals nominated must be someone who performed a life-saving act or made a difference in their community through their service with the U.S. Military, emergency response, law enforcement, fire safety or animal rescue organizations.  Nominees will also automatically be entered into weekly drawings for a $25 Amazon gift card. Their stories will be shared each week via Facebook.

As for the governor, he says he is deeply troubled and outraged by reports of patient care at VA hospitals.  His recent letter to President Obama and editorial titled “Mr. President, let me help fix VA” is here.

Corbett has also set up a web site, vaconcerns.pa.gov, where people may share any information and direct concerns about veterans and facilities such as the Coatesville VA Medical Center.
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Top image credit: The U.S. Army via photopin cc