If you are in crisis, please click here to be taken to the Veteran Crisis Center.

Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.

Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.
  • Home
  • Programs and Events
    • America250
    • Annual Blue Star Salutes
    • Charity Ride
    • Deployment Ceremonies
    • Fallen Heroes Memorials
    • Fallen Warriors Monument
    • Misc. Events - 2019-2021
    • Misc. Events - 2022-Now
    • National Veterans Day
    • State Honors
    • Veterans Assistance
    • Wreaths Across America
  • Donate or Sponsor
    • General Fund Donations
    • Veterans Assistance Fund
    • Wreaths Across America
    • Wreaths- Corporate Giving
    • Bequests
  • Membership
  • About Us
    • Leadership Team
    • Blue Star Roll of Honor
    • Emeritus Members
    • In the News
    • Contact Us
  • Other
    • Blue Star Service Banner
    • Partners
    • Members Only
  • More
    • Home
    • Programs and Events
      • America250
      • Annual Blue Star Salutes
      • Charity Ride
      • Deployment Ceremonies
      • Fallen Heroes Memorials
      • Fallen Warriors Monument
      • Misc. Events - 2019-2021
      • Misc. Events - 2022-Now
      • National Veterans Day
      • State Honors
      • Veterans Assistance
      • Wreaths Across America
    • Donate or Sponsor
      • General Fund Donations
      • Veterans Assistance Fund
      • Wreaths Across America
      • Wreaths- Corporate Giving
      • Bequests
    • Membership
    • About Us
      • Leadership Team
      • Blue Star Roll of Honor
      • Emeritus Members
      • In the News
      • Contact Us
    • Other
      • Blue Star Service Banner
      • Partners
      • Members Only
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.

Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Programs and Events
    • America250
    • Annual Blue Star Salutes
    • Charity Ride
    • Deployment Ceremonies
    • Fallen Heroes Memorials
    • Fallen Warriors Monument
    • Misc. Events - 2019-2021
    • Misc. Events - 2022-Now
    • National Veterans Day
    • State Honors
    • Veterans Assistance
    • Wreaths Across America
  • Donate or Sponsor
    • General Fund Donations
    • Veterans Assistance Fund
    • Wreaths Across America
    • Wreaths- Corporate Giving
    • Bequests
  • Membership
  • About Us
    • Leadership Team
    • Blue Star Roll of Honor
    • Emeritus Members
    • In the News
    • Contact Us
  • Other
    • Blue Star Service Banner
    • Partners
    • Members Only

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account

Joel Adkins Memorial Veterans Assistance Fund

Overview

Blue Star President Tom Long first proposed the idea of a Veterans Assistance Fund at our March 12, 2020 meeting in order to provide a quick and efficient way for veterans in need of emergency financial assistance (i.e., medical and dental co-pays and deductibles, plumbing repairs, etc.) to get the help they need.  The COVID-19 Virus immediately followed which created a greater need for a fund of this manner.  The Blue Star Salute Foundation membership was unable to meet for several months due to the virus, which delayed both the vote to formally establish the fund and to determine how to generate the necessary seed money.  


One week prior to the June 2020 meeting, Vietnam Veteran and Navy Seal Joel Adkins passed away and his family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Blue Star Salute Foundation.  Some called it divine intervention when the first two weeks raised $2,950.00 in contributions, exceeding our initial goal of the seed money by 50%.  When the vote to establish the fund was cast on June 11, 2020, it was named the Joel Adkins Memorial Veterans Assistance Fund to honor the decorated sailor who gave his all in distinguished service to his family and friends, his community, and his country.  

Joel Adkins

Military Service

Military Service

Military Service

Following his graduation from Minor High School in May of 1965, Joel joined the United States Navy and was trained in Special Operations and became a member of Navy Seal Team 3.  He deployed to South Vietnam in late 1968 and performed missions from the USS Forrestal in the South China Sea into Cambodia and Laos and returned stateside in January 1970.  Like other special forces soldiers and sailors, Joel's military records were sealed for 50 years and are due to be released in October of 2020.

Civilian Life

Military Service

Military Service

Following his service in Uncle Samuel's Navy, Joel attended the University of Alabama where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Following graduation, Joel  was active in the Mechanical Industry for 44 years where he began as a field superintendent and worked his way to ownership of a successful mechanical business of his own.  Joel was an appointed member on the State Board of HVAC Contractors, as well as an active member of the Alabama ABC Association where he was recognized with many awards. 

Donate

 

Our Veterans gave more than their innocence...


These brave men and women often gave their blood, limbs, sight, and all too frequently, sacrificed their lives… Lest we forget, we can give also!


The Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc., (BSSFI) Joel Adkins Memorial Veterans Assistance Fund prides itself on two significant financial capabilities: 

1. BSSFI can often turn a request for veteran assistance into a delivered check in less than 48 hours, and

2. BSSFI is able to distribute nearly 100% of funds donated since it has no overhead and strictly uses dedicated volunteers.


You can make your contribution online in the next two sections, or scroll down further for a printable form for mailing.


The Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.  EIN: 02-0763282.  


All Donations are sincerely appreciated!

Online Donation Form

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Donate Online

After you have completed and submitted the online donation form above, pay for your donation by clicking the "Donate Now" button below.


Donations are made through PayPal. A PayPal account is not required. A donation receipt will be provided by PayPal after the transaction is completed.

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Donate by mail

Download and complete the form below.

Veterans Assitance Fund Mail-in Form (pdf)

Download

Copyright © 2025 Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy

Powered by