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Commit to Life
OVERVIEW

To better understand the program, you must first understand the participants.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOS) is home to the originating group of veterans who took up the cause of trying to get America's youth off drugs and of stopping the violence that the drug culture  perpetuates.  In so doing, it nurtures a sense of self-worth in our youth that helps them become meaningful, useful participants in our society.  CMOHS is a non-profit, tax exempt organization charted by the 85th Congress under a legislative act signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 14, 1958.  Membership is restricted to recipients of the Medal of Honor; there can be no associate or honorary members.  To date, there are fewer than 150 living members of CMOHS.

The Medal of Honor is given to a person who, while a member of the Armed Forces, distinguishes him/herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty; while engaged in military operations involving conflict against any enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.  The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life.  Incontestable proof of performance of service is exacted on the standard of extraordinary merit.  Eligibility is limited to members of the United States Armed Forces in active, federal military service.

The second group of participating veterans is Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).  Due to the rising age of CMOHS membership, they requested the help of VVA to aid in their program called Veterans Against Drugs.  VVA is the largest congressionally chartered veterans service organization devoted to Vietnam-era veterans and their families.  VVA was founded in 1978 and its congressional charter was granted in 1986.  VVA's motto, "In Service to America," holds a special place in the hearts of those veterans who served in uniform during the nation's longest and devisive foreign war.  VVA is also a non-profit veterans organization.  VVA being the leader in programs that serve our communities, seized the moment and put it's membership to work to help out.  The program started in Philadelphia, in the late 1980s after a tragedy.  A child of 5 was playing video games with his two brothers at a corner store in southwest Philadelphia.  Two drug dealers got into a shoot-out and one of the bullets killed the boy.  His brothers were wounded.  When the police arrived, the dealers were gone but the 5 year old lay dead on the floor with his eyes transfixed on his brother's cap that read "Vietnam Veteran and Proud Of It."  A local VVA chapter saw the photo and went to the aid of the father.  Local residents and veterans stood on the corners to intimidate the drug dealers and to bring them unwanted attention.  Then the CMOHS got involved with its group and they have been fighting drugs and violence in and around the Philadelphia area ever since.

Kern County, California, was the next area chosen for the Veterans Against Drugs Program. Once again, it  started because of a senseless act of violence.  Gangs had taken over much of the area, bringing fear to the community.  As part of gang initiation, a potential member had to murder someone.  In this case, a well-known and liked student/athlete was picked as the victim.  He was taken to a location where he was bound to a tree and then shot.  The community became outraged. Once again, a veteran stood up to help.  It has taken a few years to do so, and there is still a way to go, but through constant community involvement and hard work, many of the community leaders can see a marked improvement in their youth and also the county itself.  Unfortunately, they can never let down their guard: The destructive elements that once ruled Kern County may take over again.

Next came New Jersey.  Because of the dedication of veterans and the outcry for help from communities throughout New Jersey, Veterans Against Drugs is opening in more counties throughout the state. Texas and New York have implemented Veterans Against Drugs programs.

The third member of this partnership is all of the organizations within the different communities.  A collaborative of local businesses, community-based organizations, clergy, and existing anti-drug programs are the backbone of this program.

During the first part of the program, titled "A Call to Action," students, community, and business leaders, and others are asked to join VVA in the war against drugs and violence.  The program targets the graduating eight-grade class and takes them through their high school years.  A member of the Congressional Medal Of Honor Society comes and speaks to the eight-graders and talks of courage: the courage it takes to not be involved in gangs and not do drugs.  This is preferably done to groups of not more than sixty at a time so it is more personal and there can be interaction.  VVA members are introduced to the students at this time and the students are told the veterans will be back in the fall.  Over the summer, as the new school year approaches, VVA is hard at work gaining the cooperation of groups such as the Elks, Municipal Alliances, the Country Coalitions, the United Way, the country office of National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the Lions, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Kiwanis, American Legion Posts, VFW Posts, and others to form a collaborative to help in this mentoring program.  The schools are once again contacted in September and told exactly when the program will begin, which should be early to mid-October.

There, the second part of the program is put into action.  This part is titled "Commit to Life" and requires the students to make the commitment to stay straight, sober, and out of gangs.  Five lessons are taught in the classroom throughout the year in order to raise the self-esteem and confidence levels of the students.  These lessons are based on VVA's core values and are jointly taught by the veterans and the classroom teacher.  Community events should be planned throughout the year, such as  cleaning up neighborhoods, planting trees, eliminating graffiti, and generally making the community a better place to live.  Recreational programs should also be conducted as rewards for student efforts and in recognition of their hard work.  Ideally, these activities take place in a recreation center staffed with adult male and female volunteers who can help shape the students' lives and act as positive role models.  Courses in life skills and, if available, computer skills are offered to aid in their education and help prepare them for their adult lives.  Realizing that not all students are academically inclined, other venues should also be taught, such as automobile mechanics, electricity, cooking, art, sports, carpentry, and  plumbing.

In order for this program to succeed, it must do certain things.  First, it can not just be another anti-drug program.  It must adapt and work with existing programs and agencies and bond them together for the students' benefit.  Second, it must present a united front and be upbeat to promote positive reinforcement within the community and with the students.  Third, it must obtain help and financial backing, along with the volunteer hours donated by employees of local businesses.  Grants offered on a local, county, state, and federal basis must be obtained in order to keep the program going.  Nothing is more demoralizing for the students than to see a program suddenly stop and to see promises broken. Students feel as though they have been abandoned.

Lastly, it must be stated that this overview is only a guideline and must be used as such.  Some communities may want to target younger children or children at risk.  Youth detention centers or National Guard programs also work well.  It is important to proceed slowly, keep records of what and who you work with, and always involve the staff or teachers of the local programs.

Endorsements

Executive Office of the President

Legion of Valor

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Press Release -
The Paralyzed Veterans of America