Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 is proud to welcome Bryan Chaplin, founder of Bravo Brotherhood Veterans Foundation, as its featured speaker on Sunday, Feb. 18. The meeting takes place in the Poolside building at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. in Sun Lakes. A “Meet & Greet” with free lox and bagels, coffee, and doughnuts begins at 9:30 a.m., with the speaker following at 10 a.m. All are welcome.
The Bravo Brotherhood Veterans Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in February of 2019 by Bryan and Michelle Chaplin. Bryan served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 2005 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force from 2005 to 2015.
The Chaplins felt a strong desire to assist veterans needing a “hand up” in life. They recognized that a lack of transportation and avoiding homelessness contributed to the huge gap in the kinds of services provided.
Bravo Brotherhood’s primary role is repairing and donating vehicles to veterans with families so they can get to work, school, doctor appointments, etc. To date, the Foundation has provided 20 vehicles to disadvantaged veterans and their families, with more to come.
Some vehicles that are donated come to them after other veterans have seen the impact that providing reliable transportation can make. Additional vehicle donations have been referred by the great people from Voluntary Services at the PHX VA, and one was donated by Sanderson Ford. On occasion, they have received parts and services from generous local dealerships.
The Bravo Brotherhood Veterans Foundation has been funded and staffed largely by the Chaplins and whatever services and parts could be procured from generous volunteers and companies.
Every donated vehicle requires repairs, and Bryan does most of this work himself at his home in Surprise. When the repairs are not within his capabilities, he reaches out to a few friends (skilled mechanics) who are able and willing to provide support.
Obviously, Bryan could use more volunteers with mechanical skills, financial donations, and, of course, more cars. To date, they have donated 20 vehicles. There are several motorcycle associations and organizations, such as Jewish War Veterans, that help support Bravo Brotherhood financially with their generous donations. To donate time, money, and/or mechanical skills, contact Bryan Chaplin at 602-930-6374 or [email protected].
According to Bryan “Chappy” Chaplin, “We have all had our problems in life. But if there is one glimmer of hope for our veterans, then we want to be part of it! Our veterans have provided the umbrella of freedom that we all live under, and we should never forget the sacrifice they have made for us.”
JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September through May, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths. To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Elliott Reiss at [email protected] or 480-802-3281.