(CROSSVILLE, TN)Now in its second year, the U.S. Chess federation’s Chess for Vets program has reached 146 Veteran hospitals in the United States, as well as providing chess sets, books, and supplies to active duty military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.

Spearheading the effort since its inception is the New Jersey State Chess Federation, and striving to make the program available wherever veterans and active duty military personnel are stationed. Across the nation, in 146 Veterans’ Hospitals, burn and spinal injury veterans are provided with computer stations to facilitate their active participation in chess, and even Braille chess sets have brought the challenging game to blind veterans. Eight of the Veterans’ Hospitals have volunteer chess players who visit on a regular basis to teach and play chess with these American heroes.

The program, called, ‘Sets for Vets’, is financed entirely by contributions from the public with every dollar donated going directly to purchase chess equipment. Initial funding provisions are, however, nearly spent, and the program cannot continue to grow, even short term, without new infusions of cash donations.

Aetna Insurance, an initial corporate contributor, The NJ State Chess Federation along with USCF members across the country, raised $13,750 in the program’s first year. That amount at the very least is needed in order to keep those troops currently involved in the program adequately supplied, plus the need to expand the program to all points of the globe.

You may go to www.uschess.org/setsforvets.php to get additional information. All donations, large and small will be appreciated.

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The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.