As grocery prices climb and fuel costs surge, Billings nonprofit leaders report a noticeable increase in requests for help from local veterans. Jerry Hudson, a Vietnam‑era veteran and post commander of VFW Post 1634, says he receives four to five calls each week from veterans struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, gas and even rent.
Direct assistance from the VFW
When a veteran reaches out, Hudson provides food or gas cards whenever possible. “I get probably four or five calls a week that some veterans need help,” he said. “They show proof that they’re a veteran, and if they’re in need, I don’t question them.” Hudson funds this assistance through two annual Poppy Drive fundraisers held around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. So far this year the VFW has distributed about $2,000 in aid, matching the total amount given out during the entire previous year.
Dog Tag Buddies joins the effort
DeeDe Baker, executive director of Dog Tag Buddies, echoes Hudson’s observations. She notes that rising grocery and fuel costs have made it increasingly difficult for veterans—especially single parents—to support themselves and their families. “Going to the grocery store and if you’re trying to support a family, the expense associated with that just seems to be increasing exponentially,” Baker said.
To address the growing need, Dog Tag Buddies has partnered with Veterans Navigation Network, Adaptive Performance Center and the Billings Breakfast Exchange Club to organize a Thanksgiving food‑box drive. The coalition aims to provide at least 200 boxes on November 22‑23, each containing a turkey and other essential items for a holiday meal. More than 100 sign‑ups have already been received, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting veterans.
Wider context of veteran food insecurity
The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that over 100,000 veterans experienced food insecurity in 2025. A recent community health assessment in Yellowstone County found that 29 % of adults worry about having enough food. Baker expects the demand for assistance to remain high throughout the holiday season as families continue to navigate rising costs.
Both Hudson and Baker stress that community donations and volunteers are essential to keeping these programs running. “We want them to know we’re here to help,” Baker said. “And it becomes more and more dire as we’re looking at the increase of costs.” Hudson added, “Any way that we can help our veterans and their families, I think, is important. We give, and we receive, too. We need help. We’re humans. We’re veterans.”
Personal gratitude fuels the mission
Hudson also reflected on his own experience returning from Vietnam, noting that many veterans did not receive the welcome they hoped for. Today, he says, the gratitude expressed by community members at events like the Poppy Drive means a great deal. “I had several people come up to me at my Poppy Drive, shake my hand and say, ‘Welcome home,'” he recalled. “And that just touched my heart.”
As the holiday season approaches, Billings’ veteran‑focused nonprofits remain vigilant, ready to answer the growing calls for aid and to ensure that those who served the nation are not left behind during a time of financial strain.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
