MONTPELIER – The Union Mutual of Vermont Companies announced today that it was making a yearend gift to the Military Friends Foundation to assist families of Massachusetts National Guard members activated to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We are pleased to be able to help families of servicemen and women during these times of stress,” said Union Mutual President John H Fitzhugh. “These are our neighbors, business associates and friends who are being called to active duty, and their absence has an impact on their families and our communities. Our contribution is intended to ameliorate that impact.”

“The generosity of Union Mutual will directly impact the lives of National Guard families across the Commonwealth,” said Sarah Keller-Likins, Executive Director of the Military Friends Foundation. “Our military families serve alongside their citizen soldiers and can face many challenges related to deployments. Through their donations, President Fitzhugh and the Union Mutual have recognized the service of the entire Guard family of New England.”

The company’s announcement was made shortly after President Barack Obama called for an additional 30,000 troops to be sent to Afghanistan. The company made donations totaling $15,000 to Guard-related charities in all New England States.

Union Mutual, founded in 1874 and based in Montpelier, VT, provides home, auto and commercial insurance throughout New England through two companies, Union Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and New England Guaranty Insurance Co. Inc. The insurance is sold exclusively through a network of independent insurance agents.