Support Our Mission

Cash Donations

The WHMF is an all volunteer organization. So 100% of all cash donations go directly towards our operating costs, and then towards funding activities like the ones listed below. You are welcome to specify exactly which purpose you would like your donation to fund. i.e. Ticket Events, Group Outings, etc.

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In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations can be whatever you have that you think we can use to further our mission. If you have a pair of tickets to a game that you're not able to attend, or if you have a piece of land that would be fit for building a veterans camp. We consider all donations and we're grateful for the generosity of the community that supports us.

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DISMISSED Film Project

The WHMF is partnered with DISMISSED, a film project that’s focused on spreading the message about the power of community. Members of the WHMF will have an opportunity to participate in the making of the film. Learn more about the film at DismissedMovie.com or donate to the film project.

DISMISSED Donation

Activities

Individual Activities:

We encourage veterans to engage in whatever events they are comfortable doing. It can be as simple as grabbing a cup of coffee or as extravagant as two veteran families taking a vacation together. However your time, resources, and comfort allow you to serve one another.

Group Activities:

WHMF organizes as many group events as our resources allow. Fishing trips, river kayaking trips, camping, and more. We share event information on our website as it is available.

Ticketed Events:

We rely heavily on ticket donations from sports teams, venues, and promoters for this program. Members may submit a request to attend an event. Any tickets we have available for the events are first-come first-serve. Members who have not received tickets will have priority.

As more funding becomes available we will consider investing in recreational assets, to include a veterans camp, water sports equipment, season ticket packages, at other ways to create more opportunities to meet the desire to connect with veterans in our community.

Why Disconnected Veterans

Disconnected military veterans, who lack social support and a sense of belonging, are more at risk of experiencing negative outcomes compared to connected veterans who have strong social connections and a support system. There are several reasons for this:

Mental Health: Disconnected veterans may experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Social support can help buffer the impact of these mental health conditions and improve their overall wellbeing.

Physical Health: Disconnected veterans are at a higher risk of developing physical health problems, including chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, due to the lack of access to healthcare and support systems.

Substance Abuse: Disconnected veterans are more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-medicate to cope with the stressors of transitioning to civilian life.

Employment: Disconnected veterans may have difficulty finding employment, which can lead to financial stress and feelings of isolation.

Homelessness: Disconnected veterans are at a higher risk of becoming homeless due to the lack of social support and resources.

Overall, social support and a sense of belonging are crucial for the wellbeing of military veterans. Connected veterans are more likely to have access to resources and support, which can help them transition successfully to civilian life and reduce their risk of negative outcomes.

Why Recreational Activites

Recreational activities can have numerous wellness benefits, including physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits.

Physical benefits: Recreational activities can help improve physical health by promoting cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and improving flexibility and coordination. Examples of physical activities include hiking, swimming, cycling, and team sports.

Mental benefits: Engaging in recreational activities can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. Examples of mental activities include yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

Emotional benefits: Participating in recreational activities can also enhance emotional well-being by boosting self-esteem, promoting a sense of accomplishment, and providing a positive outlet for emotions. Examples of emotional activities include art, music, and creative writing.

Social benefits: Recreational activities can also help promote social connections and enhance social skills. Participating in team sports, group fitness classes, and other social activities can help build relationships, improve communication, and enhance a sense of community.

About The Foundation

Our Goal

Research tells us that recreational activities can have a multitude of positive effects on overall wellness, including physical health, mental health, emotional health, cognitive health, and social health. These benefits include increased activity levels, reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood and self-esteem, a sense of purpose and fulfillment, improved cognitive function and memory, and opportunities for social connection and support. Finding enjoyable activities and making them a regular part of one's routine can lead to a happier and healthier life.

Our goal is to connect with as many veterans as possible, to share our time, resources, knowledge, and experiences with fellow veterans. If you’re a connected veteran, we want to invite you to become a WHMF Ambassador. If you’re not yet connected, we want to invite you to connect with us!

Wiley H Manns

When Joe Manns, founder of the Wiley H Manns Foundation, decided to start a non-profit organization to support veterans, he looked to the first two veterans he knew for inspiration – his late father and late grandfather.

Wiley H Manns, Sr was a WWII era Army veteran. Wiley H Manns, Jr was a post-Vietnam era Air Force veteran. Both men were blue collar, hardworking, true patriots who served our country honorably. Both were great role models with servants’ hearts – “the kind of men I aspire to be like”, Joe says.

The men they were exemplifies what this organization represents. The work we do to serve our veterans is inspired by the mark they left, and with that, they continue to serve our veterans and the country they loved so much.

Welcome

Our Purpose