VDG Helping Heroes
Businesses Standing Strong With Our Veterans
Not every business can offer a military discount—but many still want to stand with our veterans. That’s exactly why we created the VDG Helping Heroes Program.
Countless professionals—insurance agents, law firms, realtors, service providers, and community-focused businesses—told us they believed deeply in supporting the men and women who have served. Even if they couldn’t offer a discount or specialized program, they wanted a meaningful way to participate. Helping Heroes gives them that path.
Businesses can become a VDG Helping Hero by contributing to one of our four vetted, veteran-focused charities. Their support ensures the Veteran Discount Guide remains more than just a directory—it’s a trusted resource backed by organizations who are intentionally giving back.
A Guide You Can Trust—Every Business Has Truly Earned Its Place
When someone picks up the guide, they can feel confident knowing every advertiser has made a commitment to veterans. They are either:
-
A veteran-owned business
-
Offering a military discount or program
-
Supporting veterans through a charitable contribution
(simply placing a “Thank You Veterans” ad doesn’t count.)
Helping Heroes receive a special designation within the guide, along with a spotlight on the charity they’ve chosen to support. It’s our way of celebrating the businesses who step up, take action, and help strengthen veteran support across our community.
So, if this mission resonates with you BUT:
- YOU DON’T have a military or veteran DISCOUNT or PROGRAM – or really just CAN’T, due to circumstances?
- Your business is NOT veteran-owned?
That’s Okay! — Be a VDG HELPING HERO!
The VDG Helping Heroes are the generous community partners who have a special place in their heart for veteran causes and who have actively supported a VDG Helping Hero Recipient Charity.
Show your pride AND help change Veterans’ lives while showcasing your business in the Veteran Discount Guide in print and online.
- Choose one of our four veteran-focused 501(c)(3) organizations to sponsor
- Make your donation directly to that nonprofit
- Let us know your donation amount so we can include it in the annual “funds raised” total
- Get featured with a Half, Full, or 2-Page ad in the Guide (no quarter pages) — sharing the message of your support of that charity in your ad (save some ad space for the charity info – we can provide you their logos or we can create the ad for you!)
- Show the community your business proudly supports veterans
- The VDGHH logo button on your ad will identify you as a HELPING HERO!
- You’ll get an EXTRA listing on the VDG Online Directory in the Helping Hero category!
This is more than just advertising — it’s a way to stand beside our heroes, give back to causes that matter, and connect with a loyal, appreciative audience. Your ad doubles as a sponsorship for veteran-focused charities!
Four Charities, One Shared Purpose: Serving Those Who Served
WAKE FOR WARRIORS
Run by volunteers and hosted locally by MarineMax Lake Ozark, Wake for Warriors is a lifeline for our wounded veterans and their families. Through the transformative power of water sports, they provide therapeutic experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Wakeboarding and wake surfing aren’t just thrilling activities; they serve as pathways to physical and emotional healing for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
FOLDS OF HONOR
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided over 73,000 life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.
WELCOME HOME
Welcome Home in Columbia, MO is a dedicated nonprofit serving veterans and their families across mid-Missouri. They provide transitional and emergency shelter, permanent housing, employment support, and personalized wrap-around services to at-risk and homeless veterans—all at no cost. Committed to honoring veterans and restoring lives, Welcome Home connects them to vital resources and advocates for their needs, helping them access the quality of life they deserve. Please donate today to help end veteran homelessness.
HEROES OUTREACH PROGRAM (H.O.P.)
Founded by veteran and survivor John Morlock, the H.O.P. hosts weekly outreach gatherings in eight local communities to raise awareness, provide education, and help prevent suicide among veterans and first responders facing PTSD. By reconnecting them with peers, the H.O.P. rebuilds the camaraderie and support network they once relied on—often making the difference between isolation and belonging. Weekly gatherings are held in St. Robert, California, Versailles, Jefferson City, Camdenton, Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, and Eldon.