Veterans ministry continues to provide food relief, companionship

The military is its own world, and even those who don’t see combat still sacrifice much being away from home. Yet despite national slogans such as “Support Our Troops,” many servicemen and women feel abandoned once they leave the military. Some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and slip through cracks in the system, unable to get the help they need.

That’s why Madison Heights United Methodist Church, 246 E. 11 Mile Road, is trying to do its part to help those who served the country.

The church’s veterans ministry, founded last year, includes refillable backpacks — nylon bags stuffed with nonperishable food, toiletry items and more, available to any veteran at any time. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, and once they’re empty, the veterans can come back for more.