PNºB Episode 37
Summary
This podcast episode features Mike Derdich, Executive Director of the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF). Derdich, a combat veteran himself, discusses his military background, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his motivation to serve veterans. He outlines WVRF's mission to provide urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to qualified wounded and disabled veterans in Florida. A key focus is the groundbreaking dental care initiative, which addresses a significant gap in VA services, with over 200 dental professionals now participating. Derdich also highlights the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life, such as employment difficulties and mental health struggles, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive support. He shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges post-military and the organization's future goals, including expanding the dental program and building a $30 million endowment for sustainability.
Key topics
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) Mission: Provides urgent financial assistance and critical dental care to qualified wounded and disabled veterans in Florida.
Mike Derdich's Background: 13 years in the US military with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan; motivated by a desire to give back and address gaps in veteran support.
WVRF Services - Urgent Financial Assistance:
Focuses on homelessness prevention.
Covers rent, mortgage payments (unique offering), and utilities (FPL, Nextera, Duke Energy, water, gas, electric).
Assists with car repairs, car loans, and temporary childcare for job seekers.
One-time annual assistance; can reapply after a year with deeper financial review.
Veterans can find information on WVRF's website, social media, or through VA social workers and county service officers.
WVRF Services - Critical Dental Assistance Program:
Addresses a critical gap: 85% of veterans do not receive dental care through the VA (96% of all veterans, as not all are registered with the VA).
VA dental care is typically limited to 100% disabled veterans or those with oral injuries sustained during service.
Program started in 2020 during COVID with one office in West Palm Beach, now boasts over 200 dental professionals across Florida.
Transforms veterans' lives by improving oral health, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
Provided nearly 900,000indirectdentalassistanceinthelastyear,withover900,000 in direct dental assistance in the last year, with over 900,000indirectdentalassistanceinthelastyear,withover2 million in discounted services from dentists and labs.
Funding and Support:
Individual donations, event sponsorships, grants from foundations and corporations.
Awareness and outreach are crucial, as not everyone can donate money but can spread the word.
Challenges Veterans Face:
Transition to Civilian Life: Insufficient 2-3 week "Taps program" for civilian transition.
Employment: Difficulty finding jobs that match military skills, provide adequate income, and offer a sense of purpose.
Mental Health: High suicide rates, often exacerbated by self-medication (opioids, alcohol) and underreported factors. Veterans struggle to ask for help due to pride.
Organizational Impact and Future:
Helped over 15,000 veterans and their families in 15 years.
Plans to expand the dental program and potentially go nationwide.
Goal to build a $30 million endowment for sustainability.
Currently, a lean team of 10 people manages statewide operations, processing significant financial assistance monthly.
Message to Struggling Veterans: Don't give up, don't lose hope, connect with the community, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Community's Role: Learn more about veterans' sacrifices, find local nonprofits supporting veterans, and offer support through donations or volunteering (e.g., holiday gift drive).
Mike Derdich's Personal Lessons: Overcoming a fear of public speaking to passionately advocate for veterans. His legacy: dedicated to helping veterans and driving positive change in the veteran community.