Families start fund for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three affluent families are starting a fund to raise money for military veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They are giving more than $1 million themselves and asking for donations from other wealthy families whose children did not serve in the wars.

Their argument is that it's unfair that military families have carried the burden of the past decade's wars while others haven't made equal sacrifices.

On Fourth of July week, they're starting the Veterans Support Fund, which will funnel money to five organizations already giving medical, financial and other help to vets and active duty troops. The three families launched the effort at a news conference with one of the five groups -- the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.