State VFW officer Bridges has a clear focus in mind: Helping military veterans in need

“No One Does More For Veterans” is the new marketing tagline for the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, which is the nation’s oldest, emphasizing its longstanding record of service and stewardship.

That is what drives Maurice Bridges, who was unanimously elected the state junior vice commander at the VFW state convention in Springfield on June 13.

Bridges is affiliated with the Scott Air Force Base Frederick M. Kocher VFW Post 4183 and is in attendance often at events at the O’Fallon Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 895.

Getting the word out is important because this area has a large veteran population and many active duty military reside here, he said, noting that in his new position he can do more outreach.

The challenges today include post-traumatic stress syndrome, high unemployment, rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, re-integration, homelessness, and other needs.

“There are so many veterans that haven’t been reached. They don’t want to be bothered. I want to focus on what we can do for them. We have an Unmet Needs program, we have grants, we need to let them know of the benefits of the GI Bill,” he said.

Bridges, a veteran of Desert Storm, moved here when his Illinois Air National Guard base transferred from O’Hare Airport to Belleville in 1999. He served in active duty in the Air Force from 1973-1978 as an aircraft mechanic, then joined the national guard in 1979. He retired in 2006.

“I am blessed. I loved being in the military. I grew up in hard circumstances in Chicago,” noting his decision to join the service at 19 changed his life.

He became active in the VFW after retirement, and has served in numerous positions at the post, district, and state. He is poised to become the state commander in 2024-2025 — “God-willing,” he said.

Now he travels the state, visiting different districts. He said he will visit the National Home for Children in Michigan in September, which assists veterans and their families with children by creating a foundation of services and resources to achieve their personal and family goals.

He supports the work of Eagle’s Nest, a homeless shelter for military veterans in St Clair County. Located at the Joseph Center in East St. Louis, it has 26 beds and provides temporary housing and practical services for men striving for self-sufficiency and empowerment.

Besides accommodations, the non-profit organization includes meals, case management services, transportation, substance use and abuse training, life skills training, career exploration options, and other supportive services to its residents.

Bridges said they are seeing more female veterans who are homeless.

“One in 10 now,” he said. “We need to check up on them and get them the help they need.”

Bridges also would like to see the tiny homes project that had been discussed for the metro-east come to fruition. It was approved for St. Louis.

“There is still a need here,” he said.

Community engagement is another area he hopes to improve.

“There are a lot of avenues out there to help veterans,” he said. “Donations help. Communication, too.”

Understanding mental health is an important component.

“People must understand that they need to listen and recognize when a veteran is stressed out,” he said. “If they live alone, we need to pay more attention to recognizing the signs. The suicide rate with veterans is very high.”

Helping veterans, looking for ‘red flags’

Bridges explained understanding what a veteran goes through in combat will help with “red flags.”

“When veterans go to war, it is a traumatic experience. They see their peers get killed in front of them. They have nightmares. We need to be aware of the signs,” he said.

Another push is providing information to veterans to get them the support they need with daily life. VFW organizations will provide needs like dental work, haircuts, clothing, and financial assistance.

Training VFW members is important so they can do more outreach, he said.

Getting more members will boost programs, too, he said. An auxiliary membership is available for men and women who did not serve but want to help.

‘You notice a difference’

Traveling in other parts of the world has made him realize the importance of serving the country and giving back.

“I didn’t realize how good we had it in this country until I went overseas. You notice a difference. The freedom we have here is very special, and we should realize it. We take it for granted,” he said.

Bridges said he is eager to help the posts in this region.

“If I don’t have the answer, I will get the answer, and get back to them,” he said.

Bridges will be working closely with the new district commander, Rod Thompson, who is a member of the O’Fallon VFW Charles A. Fricke Post 805.

Connecting veterans

Thompson was elected in mid-June to oversee the 17 posts in District 14, which includes St. Clair, Clinton, Monroe, Randolph, Washington, and Perry counties.

“By connecting veterans with other veterans, we can do even more community service activities and assist veterans’ needs,” Thompson said.

Contact information is available on the organization’s Facebook pages. Email the state officers through www.vfwil.org.

This story was originally published July 5, 2022 at 1:56 PM.