The National Service Officers Program

MOPH operates a nationwide network of offices and staff that includes trained Service Officers. These personnel are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs as National Service Officers and are distributed throughout the US. The Department of Connecticut MOPH is fortunate to have Stanley Trela as our State Service Officer. Stan is available to all Veterans, not just Purple Heart Members, who need assistance in traversing the VA process. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or by telephone at The Newington VA Hospital (860) 594-6648. Stan also has an office at the West Haven VA Hospital. The phone number is (203) 932-5711 X5945. Mr. Trela staffs his Newington Office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the West Haven Office on Tuesday and Thursday. Administrative Assistant Charles Dickinson assists Stan and may be reached at the same telephone numbers or email at [email protected].

The Americanism Program

The purpose of this program is to work with schools and other organizations to help promote U.S. History and the quest for freedom. Members volunteer to visit classrooms and civic organizations where they tell of their experiences and provide historical perspectives to world events. Various patriotic materials are also issued. We participate in Veterans and Memorial Day Programs at all school levels. Point of contact for this program is [email protected].

The Veteran Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program

MOPH members assist veterans in VA Facilities and State Veterans Homes. They provide clothing, personal hygiene and other items to veterans in need.

National Scholarship Program

This is an excellent program that is available to (1) a recipient of the Purple Heart and a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), or (2) the spouse, widow, or direct lineal descendant (child, stepchild, adopted child or grandchild) of a member of the MOPH, or (3) the spouse, widow or direct lineal descendant of a service member who was killed in action or died of wounds and never had the opportunity to join the MOPH. Last year MOPH Scholarship Committee received just over 400 applications and awarded 83-$3000 scholarships to qualified individuals to further their education at a U.S. college, university or trade school. To obtain an application package go to the homepage of the National MOPH website at www.pupleheart.org, then scholarships from the drop-down box. You may also get a copy by calling (703) 642-5360. For questions concerning the program email questions to: [email protected] or call (703) 642-5306 and ask for the scholarship department. Completed applications are due at MOPH Headquarters in Springfield, VA by close of business on Feb 14, 2012.

ROTC/JROTC Leadership Award

This program focuses on fostering patriotism and good citizenship among America’s youth. We recognize outstanding leadership in cadets and midshipman through the Senior and Junior ROTC Programs. Coordinator for this program is [email protected]. Currently the Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award is available to the following Connecticut schools:

  • University of Connecticut Army ROTC - Storrs, CT
  • University of Connecticut AF ROTC - Storrs, CT
  • Bethel HS NJROTC - Bethel, CT
  • Bloomfield HS AJROTC - Bloomfield, CT
  • Brian McMahon HS NJROTC - Norwalk, CT
  • Crosby HS AJROTC - Waterbury, CT
  • Danbury HS AFJROTC - Danbury, CT
  • James Hillhouse HS AJROTC - New Haven, CT
  • Naugatuck HS AFJROTC - Naugatuck, CT
  • New Britain HS AJROTC - New Britain, CT
  • Norwalk HS JROTC - Norwalk, CT
  • Torrington HS AFJROTC - Torrington, CT
  • Westhill HS AFJROTC - Stamford, CT
  • Wilby HS NJROTC - Waterbury, CT

First Responder Program

The purpose of this program is to honor Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters who are killed or wounded in the line of duty. To honor these heroic members of the community Memorial Plaques are presented by members of the Connecticut Military Order of the Purple Heart. Coordinator of this program is  Leon Brown [email protected].

Legislative Programs

MOPH Members participate in the Veterans Advisory Councils of most of our State Legislators. This participation helps to insure that the needs of our veterans are known, promoted and protected. Participation in local and regional VA Councils also promoted. Coordinator for the program is [email protected].