The Kaufman Fund Supporting Veterans and Families

🎧 Listen now as The Kaufman Fund is explored in this heartfelt and meaningful interview about honoring Veterans, supporting families, and answering the call when help is needed most.   🎤 Listen Here

In this inspiring and heart-touching episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel welcomes Wayne Kaufman, Founder and Board President of The Kaufman Fund. Created in honor of Wayne’s brother Ralph Kaufman, The Kaufman Fund provides essential support and referrals for Veterans and their families, guided by compassion, respect, and service.

Betsy Wurzel’s guest today is Wayne Kaufman, Founder and Board President of The Kaufman Fund. In this inspiring and heart-touching interview, Wayne shared how he started The Kaufman Fund in 1990 to honor the life and values of his older brother, Ralph Kaufman.

Ralph Kaufman served four years in the United States Air Force and later became a highly successful businessman, earning many prestigious awards from the Small Business Administration and other organizations. Despite his success, Ralph never forgot those who served our country. He always honored and respected Veterans and deeply cared about their children and families.

Wayne began raising funds through golf tournaments, which is how the organization became known as The Kaufman Fund. Wayne and Betsy discussed why Veterans deserve not only our gratitude, but continued respect and support long after their service ends.

One of the most unique aspects of The Kaufman Fund is that every service they provide began with a phone call from a Veteran seeking help. The organization responds directly to real needs, offering services that support not only the Veteran, but the entire family.

The Kaufman Fund provides a wide range of services, including legal referrals, dental referrals, mental health support, chiropractic care, Food for Vets, Trees for Vets — which provided more than 300 Christmas trees this past holiday season — and Artists First for Veterans. The organization also collaborates with other Veteran-serving organizations to extend its reach and impact.

Wayne and Betsy spoke about the importance of mental health care for Veterans and their families, emphasizing that when a Veteran struggles, the entire family is affected. Supporting the whole family is essential to long-term healing and stability.

The conversation also addressed the painful reality of how Vietnam Veterans were treated when they returned home, including the lack of respect, services, and support available at that time. Wayne shared why acknowledging this history matters as we continue improving care for today’s Veterans.

Another critical topic discussed was the growing number of women Veterans and how the VA will address their medical and psychological health care needs. With more women serving on the battlefield and being exposed to burn pits and other hazardous conditions, these concerns require focused attention and action.

Wayne also highlighted The Kaufman Fund’s YouTube channel, which features powerful testimonials and showcases the organization’s life-changing work. The Kaufman Fund is doing remarkable work in the St. Louis area, and Veterans in other locations are encouraged to reach out for referral information and guidance.

Betsy previously mentioned The Kaufman Fund during her December interview with Jerry Glazer, whom she met on LinkedIn. Jerry Glazer is the author of Vietnam Uncensored: 365 Days in a Nightmare, with all proceeds from the book benefiting The Kaufman Fund.

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About the Author

Wayne Kaufman is the Founder and Board President of The Kaufman Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to helping Veterans and their families.

Wayne served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971 and was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster and attained the rank of Sergeant. In 2024, Wayne was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. He also served as Vice President of Sales with Dalco Remodeling.

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Betsysy was honored to chat with Wayne Kaufman and dedicated this podcast in loving memory of his brother Ralph Kaufman.

For more information about the services, mission, and impact of The Kaufman Fund, please visit their official website and social media channels below.

Website https://www.thekaufmanfund.org/

YouTube Channel – The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans
https://youtube.com/@thekaufmanfund?si=IMpbmVNFGAQi_-G5

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kaufman-fund/

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.🎧 Listen to the episode and explore more powerful interviews here:  https://passionateworldtalkradio.com/blog