WHAT: A new initiative by the Manhattanville My Soldier program, Hats off to Veterans, asks participants send a heartfelt greeting of respect to a veteran. The program aims to provide recognition to Veterans, especially for those home or hospital bound due to injury while serving our country.

If you are an individual and wish to participate independently, a “Hats Off” Starter Kit is also available. Please click here for details

If you are interested in registering as a group please continue reading the following information.

WHY: While the regular My Soldier program attempts to foster a one on one pen-pal relationship, with a deployed soldier, Hats off to Veterans encourages honors and affirms the sacrifices of veterans. My Soldier program coordinators created the program after they recognized that hospitalized Veterans, like deployed soldiers, are prone to experiencing isolation and depression. We believe that Hats off to Veterans is a simple way to provide some cheer and gratitude for a veteran’s sacrifice to our country.

HOW: To qualify for participation, local (defined as within driving distance) youth/school groups must complete a “Hats Off” Application available by clicking here. Upon its review and acceptance, the My Soldier coordinators will make arrangements for local participants to pick up a free “Hats Off” Starter Kit. 

For other service groups who wish to participate, but do not live within driving distance of the college campus, “Hats Off “starter kits are also available to be shipped for a suggested donation. In addition, all other groups (i.e. offices, religious organizations, Rotary clubs, business associations, etc.) may take part by purchasing, the following:

The Basic Training HATS OFF TO VETERANS Kit costs $48.00 (suggested donation) and includes:

• 25 My Soldier Hats

• 50 Bracelets (for participants to wear in support of American service men and women)

• My Soldier and DVFLM Information and Awareness Postcards 

• Veteran soldier contact information and program rules 

The Advanced Training HATS OFF TO VETERANS Kit costs $158 (suggested donation) and includes:

• 75 My Soldier Hats

• 100 Bracelets (for participants to wear in support of American service men and women)

• My Soldier and DVFLM Information and Awareness Postcards 

• Veteran soldier contact information and program rules 

Please note that when we receive a donation of $48.00 or $158.00 we automatically process it as a “Hats Off To Veterans” order. 

IMPORTANT: Groups who wish to participate without purchasing a kit please see *** Footnote below.

Downloadable Forms and Templates

Hats Off to Veterans Starter Kit
Greeting Card Template
Group Application (Only needs to be completed if requesting a free kit)

*** Footnote: If your group is not within driving distance to the My Soldier Office or able to pick up a free kit and wants to participate without making the suggested donation please write us a letter explaining your reasons or situation. The My Soldier office coordinators will review your request letter for a free kit. If your group’s letter has conveyed a valid reason-hardship situation, arrangements will be made to mail your group a free kit. Hard copy request letters are preferred, and should be mailed to: 

Manhattanville My Soldier Office
Attn: Hats Off to Veterans
2900 Purchase Street 
Purchase, NY 10577 

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