Tuesday, November 08, 2011

4000 Military Books

With the addition of Lt. Colonel Albert W. Johnson’s book Rules of Chivalry for Nuclear War: How We Fight and Persuade Each Other, Military-Writers.com now lists 4000 books written by 1273 US Military Servicemembers.

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Albert W. Johnson “knows warfare. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he was assigned as an armament officer in the last year of the Korean War. He then became project officer in developing the B-52 bomber and was one of the original team members on the Discoverer/Corona project – the nation’s first spy satellite program – later inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. He earned a master’s degree from MIT and worked at Lockheed Corp., a leading defense contractor. Lieutenant Colonel Albert W. Johnson is the author of Rules of Chivalry for Nuclear War: How We Fight and Persuade Each Other.

Face of Defense: Veterans Inspire Longest-Serving Recruiter

Discover incredible true stories from the best military books as veterans tell you their experiences and sacrifices.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md., Nov. 8, 2011 – Last week, retired Army Sgt. Maj. Ray Moran visited the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station here to bid goodbye and good luck to young men and women, many whom he recruited himself, as they headed off to basic military training.

Moran’s frequent visits to the station are reminiscent of his boyhood days in Latrobe, Pa. He remembers fondly when he and his brother, Sam, ran to the local railroad station to wave goodbye to U.S. troops bound for combat during World War II.

Veterans inspired Moran’s life-long love of the military and the men and women who serve in uniform.

He joined their ranks as soon as he was old enough, in 1948. It was the start of a 30-year career that included duty in post-World War II Japan, in Korea during the Korean Conflict, in Vietnam, and after volunteering to return to active duty after his retirement, during Operation Desert Storm.

Today, as he celebrates his 82nd birthday, Moran continues to make his mark on the military as its oldest and longest-serving recruiter. Over the past 60 years, he figures he has enlisted more than 1,000 soldiers, and he continues to sign on more every day.

Talking with Moran, still widely known by the moniker he picked up in Vietnam, “Old Soldier,” is like reading chapters out of a history book.

He remembers being too young to enlist during World War II, but making a point with his brother to give a proper send-off to combat-bound troops marching down his street to the local train station every Tuesday. “We were always there,” he said.

Looking at his long list of duties after he enlisted in the Army, it’s clear that Moran was, in fact, always where the action was.

Shortly after his basic training at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., he found himself helping keep the peace in post-World War II Tokyo. When war broke out in Korea, he deployed there on July 17, 1950, with the 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry.

Moran recalls moving with his unit into North Korea, all thinking the war was almost over when news broke that China had entered the conflict. “The Chinese had joined the North Koreans in the war and were pushing back our troops,” he said.

Moran was among the troops charged with retrieving the bodies of more than 800 of their fellow soldiers killed during an attack near North Korea’s Yalu River. Some, their hands tied behind their backs with barbed wire, had been shot in the head.

The experience was a far cry from the triumphant Armistice Day parade Moran had expected to be a part of in Japan.

Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur had personally selected his unit to return from Korea to parade through downtown Tokyo. “The problem was, there were so many mines in the bay in Korea that the Navy couldn’t come in to get us,” Moran said.

Instead, he remained in Korea, where, time and time again, he enjoyed chance encounters with his brother. Moran remembered setting up and manning roadblocks one blustery night in November 1950 when Sam drove through, transporting wounded troops.

“That night, I’d been freezing until I heard his voice,” Moran recalled. “But after that, I stayed warm all night long.”

Serendipity struck again when both Moran boys returned home from the war hours apart on July 10, 1951.

Members of the local VFW and American Legion – many of them the same World War II troops they had bid farewell to at the railroad station -- descended on their home to make them honorary members.

“They kind of motivated us,” Moran said.

Moran was so motivated, in fact, that he decided to reenlist and continue his military service that ultimately lasted three decades.

It was the start of his recruiting career that included some of the toughest assignments ever: recruiting for other recruiters in Vietnam, and recruiting the first members of the all-volunteer military force.

Looking back, Moran said he’s proud of what he helped create. “We built a volunteer Army that really proved itself in Desert Storm,” he said. “They were just a marvelous bunch of soldiers, and they have done it right through to Iraq and Afghanistan today. We are very proud of the all-volunteer Army.”

Even after hanging up his uniform in 1978, Moran has remained an integral part of that force as a civilian Army Reserve recruiter here at U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s 1st Recruiting Brigade.

He had only one brief hiatus from that duty when, after three phone calls to the Army retired branch in St. Louis, Mo., he convinced the right person to recall him to active duty during Operation Desert Storm.

Moran, who was 60 years old at the time, served casualty escort duty at the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Del. “It was what the Army needed me to do, so that’s what I did,” he said.

He recalled the sad duty of escorting the remains of 28 members of the Army Reserve’s 14th Quartermaster Detachment soldiers, some from his hometown, killed by an Iraqi Scud missile attack on Feb. 25, 1991.

When terrorists struck the United States on 9/11, 70-year-old Moran again volunteered to return to military duty, but the Army drew the line.

“I got really upset when the Army said no,” he said. “They told me that at my age, they were only accepting doctors [from the retirement rolls].”

The consolation, he said, was knowing he could continue to serve the military he loves by recruiting good-quality, dedicated forces to fill its ranks.

Recruiting runs in Moran’s blood. He admits that back during his first recruiting stint in Pennsylvania, he took his future wife, Barbara, on their first date to a one-day recruiting training conference in Pittsburgh.

Moran bonds with potential recruits easily, with his big, easy smile and encouraging manner. One needs to spend only a few hours with him to realize that he has friends of all ages nearly everywhere he goes.

He’s become a fixture in and around Fort Meade and within the recruiting community. A Fort Meade street now bears his name. He was honored in late 2008 as one of the first two inductees into the Army’s Recruiting and Retention Hall of Fame at Fort Jackson, S.C. Even the name of that honor recognizes Moran’s legendary status; it’s known as the Sgt. Maj. Ray Moran “Old Soldier” Hall of Fame.

Moran marvels that he now finds himself recruiting children, and even the grandchildren, of the veterans he enlisted -- including his own grandson.

“Recruiting is easy when you love something, and I happen to love the military. So talking about it is an easy task for me,” he said. “Everyone in the service is red, white and blue to me.”

Moran said he recognizes that military service isn’t for everyone, and takes pains not to “sugar-coat” the military experience to the men and women he talks with.

“I know we have tough times and we make sacrifices and there are hardships. I’m not getting away from that,” he said. “But I will tell you this: there are a lot of rewards. And the biggest reward in the world is just having the camaraderie and respect that you get from your fellow soldiers.”

Today’s recruits are smart, he said, and know what they are signing on for and what they want to do in the military. “So I am sort of a locomotive, to take them where they want to go,” he said. “It’s pretty wonderful.”

Despite the vast changes he’s witnessed, Moran finds that the same values continue to attract people to the armed services. “I just think it’s personal pride, and I really think it is patriotism and love of country,” he said. “I see that in their faces every day.”

Moran recognizes that cuts in budgets and recruiting billets are likely to force him into a second retirement, probably early next year. “It wasn’t my time to retire, in my book, but Uncle Sam needs it to happen, so we are going to salute and say, ‘We’ll do it,’” he said.

His perpetual ear-to-ear smile faded only slightly as he acknowledged what seems to be inevitable.

Looking back over his career, Moran said he has just one regret: he offered his father a handshake rather than a hug when he left home more than six decades ago to join the Army. It’s a transgression he apologized for when he returned home, and that his father assured him he’d more than made up for with a belated bear hug as he returned home.

“I am grateful,” Moran said of his career, regaining his infectious enthusiasm. “I look back and say, there’s no reason in the world not to be so happy that everything turned out the way it has,” with a devoted wife and family and rewarding career.

“The work I have done has been so meaningful to me, and I have made so many friends along the way,” he said. “So when I look back, I just have too much to be grateful and thankful for to even think any other way.”

This Veterans Day, Moran will express that gratitude through a tradition he shares with his family and their closest friends. They’ll travel to Washington to attend a full day of ceremonies, beginning at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery, then at the Vietnam Memorial Wall and, finally, at the Korean War and World War II memorials.

Moran said he takes pride knowing he has recruited and served with some of the “finest people in the world” who took part in those conflicts and continue to serve in the military.

“I’ve had a challenging career and loved every minute of it, and I would do it all again,” he said. “And it all stems from veterans. They were the ones that inspired me when I was a young man, and continue to do so to this day.”

Restaurants Offer Military Members, Vets Thank-You Meals

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2011 – A variety of restaurants and fast-food chains are offering free or discounted meals to active-duty, reserve and retired military members and veterans in thanks for their service this Veterans Day.

Most participating restaurants will require patrons to arrive in uniform or with some form of military identification, officials said. This can be a U.S. Uniform Service card, a current leave and earnings statement, a DD 214 discharge form or American Legion or VFW membership card. In some cases, restaurants will accept a photograph of the service member or veteran in uniform.

Officials encourage military members to call participating restaurants ahead or check their websites to ensure they are participating in the offer, as many are franchises and may have different policies.

Among restaurants offering Veterans Day appreciation meals or specials are:

-- Applebee’s, which will offer veterans and active-duty service members a free meal on Nov. 11. According to company officials, Applebee’s served more than 1 million free meals last Veterans Day, and will allow them to choose from seven entrees this year. Military ID or proof of service is required.

-- Chili’s, which will offer all military veterans, past and present a choice of six meals on Nov. 11. The offer is available at stateside restaurants only and does not include beverages and tip, officials said. Proof of military service is required.

-- Golden Corral, which will host its 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Dinner Nov. 14 from 6 - 9 p.m. at all stateside Golden Corral restaurants. Veterans, military retirees and currently serving members of the active or reserve components are invited to enjoy a free thank-you dinner, officials said. Over the past 10 years, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed more than $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization, they noted.

-- Hooters, which will serve up a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11. Patrons can choose from new specialty items on the menu at participating restaurants, officials said. A valid military ID or proof of service is required, and guests are required to purchase a beverage.

-- Krispy Kreme, where participating stores will present a free donut on Nov. 11 to all active-duty members, retirees and veterans. Officials encourage people to call ahead to ensure that their local Krispy Kreme is participating.

-- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, which will offer a free lunch or dinner during its 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Nov. 13. Veterans are encouraged to make reservations because space is limited, and must show proof of military service, officials said.

-- Outback Steakhouse, where active-duty military members and veterans will receive a free serving of bloomin’ onions and a non-alcoholic beverage from Nov. 7 to 11. Patrons must be in uniform or show proof of current or past military service, officials said. During the past two years, Outback and its patrons have donated $2 million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides support for active-duty troops, wounded warriors and their families, officials reported.

-- Subway, with select locations to offer veterans free six-inch subs on Nov. 11. Officials advise calling ahead to see if a particular restaurant franchise is participating.

 -- Texas Roadhouse, which will serve up free meals from opening to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11. Officials encourage veterans and active-duty service members to call ahead to check on restaurants’ hours and availability of offer.

 -- T.G.I. Friday’s, where participating restaurants will offer a buy-one, get-one-free special to anyone with a current or old military ID from Nov. 11 to 14.

 -- Uno Chicago Grill, which will offer a free entrée or individual pizza on Nov. 11 to patrons who buy another entrée or pizza of equal or greater value. The offer is good for all veterans and active-duty military members in uniform or with a military ID or proof of military service.

Panetta Urges Employers to Hire Veterans

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Ensuring combat veterans who have sacrificed for their country have job opportunities when they return to civilian life is a national responsibility with roles for government and private sector alike, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today in New York.

Speaking with CEOs and veterans at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Goldman Sachs Foundation in New York, the secretary emphasized the country’s moral obligation to those who have served and sacrificed in uniform.

“These are men and women in uniform that have dedicated themselves to serving this country,” he said. “They have been deployed time and time again. They have gone to the battle area time and time again.”

Now that they have returned home, Panetta said it’s up to the country to stand up to support them. “In the end, the best thing we can do to honor those that have served is to make sure that when they come back, they have some opportunity to be a part of our society and not just wind up on the unemployment rolls,” he said.

Panetta shared his personal experiences of visiting the wounded and talking with other members of “the next greatest generation.”

All, along with their families, are “committed to what this country is all about,” the secretary said. “They put their lives on the line.”

Panetta acknowledged it will be a challenge to provide those opportunities during a slow economy. “It’s going to require a partnership between government, the private sector and the non-profit community to try to provide the jobs and opportunities that are there,” he said. “I’m convinced it can happen.”

The secretary recognized promising efforts already being made to develop jobs, including those President Barack Obama announced today. These, being instituted through executive orders, include tax credits for employers who hire unemployed post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, and new initiatives to help veterans connect with employers seeking to employ them.

“It’s a responsibility that we all have,” Panetta said, pledging whatever help he might be able to offer. “I want to encourage you to do whatever you can to try to help provide those jobs,” he said. “We can’t just talk about it. We have to do something about it.”

The Goldman Sachs Foundation brought together executives during today’s forum to discuss best practices for hiring veterans to make recommendations on how DOD can improve career transition, education and training.

NMSC Civilians, Sailors Participate in Toys for Tots Program

Other than Toys For Tots, the military and toys bring you Toy Box Leadership!

From Navy Medicine Support Command Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors, civilian employees and contracted workers from the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery's (BUMED) Navy Medicine Support Command (NMSC) in Jacksonville began participation Nov. 7 in what has become a Christmas mainstay throughout the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The much-heralded U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, an initiative designed to collect new toys and distribute them to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas, is now underway for NMSC personnel. NMSC Toys for Tots coordinator and NMSC Centralized Credentialing and Privileging Directorate (CCPD) Nurse Corps Division Lead Jeannette Tuionetoa said participating in the program serves two purposes.

"Those of us in the military or working for the military are sometimes in a position where we can help out people who might not be as fortunate," she said. "Knowing that you've helped make a child's Christmas special is a good feeling, and contributing to the community [Jacksonville] that does so much for the military population here is important."

Tuionetoa said this year's Toys for Tots campaign - the third annual iteration among NMSC personnel - is scheduled to continue through Dec. 18, ample time for NMSC personnel interested in donating a new unwrapped toy to participate. She said donation boxes would be available at the NMSC Headquarters building as well as at CCPD.

Tuionetoa added that all donations are voluntary, and NMSC employees and military personnel are encouraged to participate.

"This toy drive is something that has been going on for years and while what might seem like an insignificant donation to some of us, it can really have an impact on a young child's Christmas," she said. "Each of us should count our blessings and try and help out a child during this holiday season."

Toys for Tots began as a Los Angeles charitable effort in 1947, with an estimated 5,000 toys for local children distributed that year from collection bins placed outside of Warner Brothers movie theaters. The effort proved so successful that in 1948, Toys For Tots was launched as a national campaign. Until 1979, Marine Corps Reservists (frequently in their dress blue uniforms) and volunteers would collect and refurbish used toys, but in 1980, only new toys were accepted.

In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the creation and affiliation with the non-profit charity foundation and in 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve.

As of 2009, the Toys for Tots Program and Foundation has collected and distributed almost 500 million toys.

Navy Medicine Support Command, which oversees CCPD, is Navy Medicine's single point of accountability for all medical education and training, and public health and resources for Sailors and Marines.

Graffiti of War Exhibit Debuts Veterans Day

By Army Pvt. Andrew Slovensky
362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2011 – Overseas-deployed service members’ artwork will be highlighted during a national exhibition tour that kicks off on Veterans Day in Pottsville, Pa.

The “Graffiti of War” project represents an anthology of more than 400 pieces of art left by deployed service members in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. The collection includes images of graffiti murals painted on the tall concrete barriers at many operating bases in Iraq now being turned over to Iraqi security forces.

Deployed service members have often designed murals on walls around U.S. bases in Iraq. The paintings illustrated unit affiliations, military vehicles and equipment, mythological and historic figures, ranks, names, and anything else that flowed from the creative minds of the artists.

However, those murals are disappearing quickly, being covered over with fresh coats of white paint in preparation for the departure of U.S. troops.

“Painting over the murals is part of giving the installation back to Iraq,”said Army Sgt. Maj. Charles Rosado, 25th Infantry Division tactical command post noncommissioned officer-in-charge on Contingency Operation Base Adder.

But first, the Graffiti of War effort is working to document those murals and artistic efforts so they’re not lost in time.

“The project came to life as an idea within my platoon,” said Jaeson Parsons, an original collaborator and director of operations for Graffiti of War. Parsons, who deployed to Iraq as a combat medic in early 2006, said he and his fellow soldiers were discussing the graffiti they saw during a long mission in Al-Taqaddum Airbase, Iraq.

“Many of these murals are historical markers, a sort of ‘who's who’ of units and divisions that were deployed in this war,” he said.

Parsons made a return trip to Iraq this summer to document many of the murals and expressions.

By displaying them for the American public to see in the Graffiti of War traveling exhibit, he said he hopes to help them better understand the struggles and accomplishments of service members deployed to combat zones.

Parsons, who said he suffered his own battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, wants to raise awareness for PTSD and other “invisible wounds” that service members suffer in combat that are not always evident.

“These murals and artistic creations represent a glimpse of a moment in time when this unit was there, an unconventional record of the decade of war our nation and her warfighters struggled through,” Parsons said.

The Graffiti of War exhibit will debut Nov. 11 to 20 as part of Pottsville’s Block of Art event. Additional venues are being arranged, including a February showing at Wolf Gang Gallery in Montgomery, N.Y.

Frank Cable Hosts Korean Sailors

Check out the best Korean War books to know more about the close relationship between the American and South Korean militaries!

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Starr, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

POLARIS POINT, Guam (NNS) -- Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) welcomed Republic of Korea Sailors from the submarine ROKS Park Wi (SS 065), Nov. 7.

The ROKS Sailors were given a tour showcasing the Frank Cable's multifaceted capabilities that included many of the repair shops as well as other departments throughout the ship.

"The Korean sailors came on board to understand why the United States Navy uses submarine tenders and what services they provide to the submarines whether homeported here in Guam, in a foreign port or out to sea," said Lt. Cmdr. Shadrick Williams, Frank Cable's assistant repair officer.

Korean sailors visited the carpenter, machine, pipe-fitting and sheet metal shops. They viewed the recompression chamber the divers use. They also shopped in the ship's store, walked through the crew's mess and toured the Medical and Dental departments.

"I heard of the Frank Cable so many times in the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercise that happens on a yearly basis near Korea," said Lt. Kunwook Kang, the Park Wi operations officer. "Now, to see the ship I always heard about is very impressive."

Kang said during a scenario in Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercise, the Frank Cable sails to a damaged submarine and fixes it. After he toured the ship and observed the ship's capabilities he said the Frank Cable is very capable of completing that mission.

Lt. Jimmy Suh, navigation officer of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715), who acted as the translator for the Korean Sailors said he was glad that he was available to help out and make sure that they understand the Frank Cable's mission as a submarine tender supporting the fleet.

"The comments and reactions the Koreans gave really showed that they got a lot out of their tour," said Suh. "For them to look at the ship they always heard and talked about in their war games that they do on a yearly basis really helped out."

Frank Cable conducts maintenance of submarines and service vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, which includes Korea as well as other locations.

Air Force Investigates and Improves Mortuary Operation

The Air Force announced today that it has completed a year-long investigation of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., and the point of entry for U.S. service members who are killed or die overseas.  The service implemented multiple corrective actions and took action regarding three senior mortuary officials responsible for operations at AFMAO after some employees complained about the handling of certain cases.

The Air Force Inspector General began its investigation in June 2010.  The investigation focused primarily on the handling of remains of four service members.  The Air Force inspector general’s investigation was conducted in coordination with other federal offices and included nearly 50 interviews and an extensive review of mortuary operating procedures.  Investigators found no evidence anyone intentionally mishandled remains, but concluded the mortuary staff failed to maintain accountability while processing portions of remains for three service members.  While it is likely that disposition of remains was by an appropriate method, it could not be shown that it was in accordance with the families’ directions.

Each family received remains of their service member for interment; the staff, however, was not able to ensure additional portions of remains were handled in a manner consistent with the families’ instructions.

The Air Force determined senior AFMAO officials failed to provide proper management and corrective actions when they did not respond appropriately to indications that procedures were inadequate to prevent problems related to the tracking of portions of human remains.

Additionally, the Air Force investigation determined the mortuary staff could have communicated more clearly with the representatives of a sister service about restorative actions taken to prepare the remains of a service member, killed by an improvised explosive device, whose family requested to view him in uniform.  In addition, the investigation found that while there were some deficiencies in administrative procedures, documentation, and electronic record keeping, the processes to which they related were appropriately conducted.  Public health was not endangered.

“The investigation concluded that the mission was always conducted with reverence, dignity, honor and respect for all served through the facility,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff.

 “However, the standard is 100 percent accountability in every instance of this important mission.  We can, and will, do better and as a result of the allegations and investigation; our ability to care for our fallen warriors is now stronger,” Schwartz said.  “In fact, throughout the past year new processes have been put in place to ensure the exacting standards are met every time.”

The Air Force has contacted family designated representatives of the four families directly affected and discussed these matters with them personally.

 “It is the AFMAO staff’s mission and obligation to fulfill the nation’s commitment to caring for our fallen service members while also serving and supporting the families of these heroes,” said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley.  “The employees who brought forth their concerns gave the Air Force an opportunity to make the operation of AFMAO better and stronger.  Their initiative allowed us to correct procedures and make long-term improvements to management of Air Force mortuary operations.”

The Air Force has requested, and the Secretary of Defense has directed, an independent assessment of the current overall operations of the Port Mortuary.

An independent panel of the Defense Health Board will evaluate current operations to ensure continued effectiveness of the Port Mortuary.  In addition, the review panel will identify whether the Air Force should be considering or taking any further actions to enhance these operations.

“I want to reassure our men and women in uniform, and the American public, that the Air Force mortuary standards they expect for our fallen heroes are being met,” Schwartz said.

The Dover mortuary’s staff consists of members of all branches of the military, including civilians and reservists.  The staff includes mortuary affairs specialists, morticians and other technical experts.  The staff operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and regularly responds to the trauma of war as staff members prepare the remains of fallen warriors under often-difficult circumstances.  Since 2003, the mortuary center has prepared more than 6,300 deceased individuals for return to their loved ones.

Families of fallen service members may contact the Air Force toll free at 1-855-637-2583 or e-mail at dover.pm@pentagon.af.mil if they have questions about this investigation or Air Force mortuary operations.

For additional information, media should contact Air Force Public Affairs at 703-695-0640 or after hours at 202-528-4929.

Old Guard Drum and Fife Corps

Check out the best American Revolutionary War books to learn more about the role of the state militias (today’s National Guard) in the Revolutionary War.

The United States Army Old Guard Drum and Fife Corps performs in colonial-era uniforms during the opening ceremonies of the 2011 Joint Senior Leadership Conference at Gaylord National Harbor in Oxen Hill, Md. Nov. 7, 2011. The theme for this year's JSLC is a celebration of the National Guard and it's 375th birthday in December.

U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer

Bill of Rights Institute to Honor Veterans by Donating $1 of every $10 of Curriculum Sales to Veterans Inc

Arlington, VA -   During Veteran's Day week 2011, the Bill of Rights Institute will pay tribute to veterans past and present by donating $1 of every $10 of curriculum sales to Veterans Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that helps veterans re-gain control of their lives in order to eliminate homelessness among veterans.

Beginning at 12 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 7 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, $1 of every $10 of educational resources purchased on the Bill of Rights Institute website will support this honorable cause.

From its founding to today, the Institute has remained steadfast in its mission of educating young people about the Constitution. Through educational resources on America's Founding documents and principles, and intensive teacher programs, the Institute has significantly increased the Constitutional knowledge and understanding of over 18,000 teachers. The Institute’s educational resources, national Being an American Essay Contest, and Constitutional Academy have provided a better understanding of the Constitution to more than 1.9 million students.

"By providing 10 percent of our total Veteran's Day Campaign sales to Veterans Inc., the Bill of Rights Institute will not only benefit veterans but their families as well." says Jason Ross, Ph.D., Vice President of Education Programs at the Bill of Rights Institute. "American veterans have protected the Constitution, and we're proud to honor their sacrifice."

About Veterans Inc.
Veterans Inc.’s mission is to help veterans re-gain control of their lives to eliminate homelessness among veterans. In many cases, Veterans Inc. actually saves lives, as their clients tell them time and again. They aim to remain a leading provider of services that improve the lives of veterans and their families by providing the highest quality services; and continuing to create new opportunities in the areas of health, employment and housing. For more information visit www.veteransinc.org.

About The Bill of Rights Institute
The Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on educating young people about the Constitution. The Institute was launched in September 1999 to fill the need expressed by many high-school teachers for educational materials about American Founding documents and principles. For information visit www.BillofRightsInstitute.org.