The American War Dads was a non-profit group started May 12, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri, by Nat Milgrim, a grocery store executive. He got the inspiration for the group during a visit to his son at Camp Lee, Virginia. All of the men in his son's unit donated $1.25 from their pay to buy war bonds, an inspiration to Milgram.
"When I saw those boys do that, knowing they didn't have much left over after odds and ends are taken care of, I made up my mind fathers can give the boys some encouragement they aren't getting from anyone else," Milgram said in an AP wire news story dated May 12, 1942.
Milgrim's plan for the group was various volunteer opportunities to include letter-writing campaigns and care packages for servicemembers. He also hoped to ensure that inductees received a "rousing send-off" to camp. The only requirement for membership was one must have had a son or foster son serving in the military.
I have not been able to find much information on the organization online. However, it is clear that it was a popular idea as local chapters begun to spring up all over the United States. Based on various newspaper articles from the time it appears that the group turned in to a major national organization and it still has active chapters today, though I do not believe that the national headquarters still exists.
Is anyone familiar with the American War Dads? I would love to find out more so please share your stories.
10 comments:
I've never heard of it - but it sounds interesting!
The organization still exist and is very active in the NY State area. If you Google American War Dads you will see the locations of all that are still active and online. I am the treasurer for the American War Dads Chapter 57 out of Wayne County NY. We raise money to support veteran organizations and even help the families of veterans during the holiday seasons whether they are active or have already served. You can check out our website to see what we do and where we donate the money we raise. It is an excellent organization that is always willing to help support our troops. Our website is www.americanwardadschapter57.com and our Facebook is www.facebook.com/AWD57. Hope this helps you understand what we are about.
If you get us any information regarding your Great Grandfather we will be happy to add it to out website as a memorial as you will see the one about Frank Buckles
Adam, thank you for the update! I had come across several chapters in the NY area and was so happy to see that it is still an active organization. I was unable to find any current connection to the Kansas City area. Is there no longer a national headquarters?
Thank you so much for what you do for Soldiers and veterans. There aren't words to explain how much it means.
My Grandfather Fred Janacaro Sr. was treasurer of an American War Dads group in Kansas City Missouri of primarily Italian-American men. This group continued to meet until the mid-1960's. I have the memebership records for this group. The reason this group was formed was due to the fact that Italians were not welcomed as members of the other group that had been formed in Kansas City.
Larry, great information! Thank you for the comment. I don't know if my grandfather's membership extended to KC but would be interested to know if he is on your roles.
Larry I would love to see your roster of American War Dads. My grandfather was Italian, and in his wallet that I have today is his membership card stating he belonged to East No 11. in Kansas City. He was member # 47.
My grandfather and grandmother were both active in the American War Dads, I know they both donated and were members. Grandpa collected newspapers to raise money for them while grandma was in the auxiliary. Some are still active while others became American legion posts
Hi
My grandfather was O.A. Greer. He was sent by the AWD to Italy after WW2 to visit some sites and report back to Truman. I have a carbon copy of the telegraph that he sent to Truman from Italy. (Anzio cemetery) And him laying wreath and saluting the tomb. He was one of the first presidents of AWD. I think. Kansas City. On the internet there is a pic from the KC library site with a bunch of people sitting in an outdoors function. My grandfather is on the right. I think that that fact is credited to me- since I told the paper it was a speech by Eddie Richinbaker about Communism. I am Stephen Wilson. Mom told me the AWDs had something to do w the GI bill. Donno. Thanks for doing this. sw
I know this has been a long, long time but . . . I have a badge and ribbon from the first National Convention of the American Ward dads in Kansas City MO in October 1943.
We purchased it in an estate and are planning on selling it.
Please let me know if you are interested.
I am in Leavenworth, KS
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