Honoring the Sacrifices of America’s Veterans


The National Defense Foundation was established by the Non Commissioned Officers Association to provide advocacy for a strong national defense policy; cultivate an outreach program from the Association to the citizens of America to facilitate special veteran programs; and instill patriotism through recognition of the sacrifices and life styles of those who served in the Armed Forces.

The goals of the organization include:

  • Advocacy of a strong national defense

  • Support military personnel

  • Enhance the quality of life of hospitalized veterans living in the care of Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Centers, Nursing Homes, Domiciliaries, and State Veteran Nursing Homes.

  • Provide special programs and activities for the resident veteran communities of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (United States Soldiers and Airmen’s Home in Washington, D.C., and The Naval Home, Biloxi, MS.
    Provide educational opportunities in the realm of national defense

The National Defense Foundation was incorporated in the State of Texas on February 6, 1985. It received tax exemption status under Section 501 ( c ) (19) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In 1990, the Foundation established Operation Appreciation to provide quality of life grants and enhancements for those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces. Citizens from all 50 states have joined together to honor the sacrifices of America’s hospitalized veterans. Operation Appreciation provides dynamic program outreach ensuring the quality of life initiatives established by the Foundation in support of veterans in the care of Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, federal and state veteran nursing homes, and veteran Domiciliaries; active duty military personnel; and other programs directed by the National Defense Foundation Board of Directors.

Operation Appreciation meets needs identified by Association Chapters and leaders, resident veteran communities, hospital staffs and special projects recommended for program consideration. The Foundation makes available the resources to make significant changes in the environment where military personnel serve and where veterans receive institutional care. The collective partnership of citizens working with the Foundation have made possible program opportunities that otherwise would have been impossible. The Foundation has made possible the following types of items since inception of the program. This listing is but a sample of the equipment and opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible.

  • Writing Stationary for Persian Gulf military personnel

  • Walking canes for blinded veterans

  • Handicapped golf cart for Nursing Home Residents Naval Home

  • Popcorn Machines for VA Medical Centers

  • Bingo Machines for Nursing Homes and Medical Centers

  • Musical instruments

  • Word Processors for Domiliciaries

  • An Aviary to provide hospitalized veterans "feather-therapy"

  • TVs: bed mounted, wall mounted, ceiling mounted, and cart mounted

  • Large Screen Projector Televisions

  • VCRs and Stereo

  • An Entire Hospice Center at on VA Medical Facility

  • Patient telephones for a ward in another VAMC

  • Athletic equipment for recreation

  • Wheelchair basketball backstops

  • Hospital close circuit TV station to broadcast within the facility

  • Video equipment to broadcast Chapel service throughout a Medical Center

  • 12 – Theater Television for the USAAH

  • 12 sq. ft. Bar-B-Que Grill for patient activities

  • Electronic Games

  • Listening Libraries for the visually impaired

  • Nationwide Programs in support of America’s Homeless Veterans

Return to NDF

 

Home / President's Letter / About NCOA / Legislative Action
Today's Services / Employment Assistance / Chapters