By Melinda L. Larson
Dec. 23, 2006 – Using his weekly radio address to highlight the sacrifices servicemembers and their families make, President Bush today urged Americans to visit the Defense Department's "America Supports You" Web site for ideas on how to support them. The America Supports You program spotlights and facilitates support for the nation's servicemembers and their families.
Bush cited Jim Wareing -- founder of an America Supports You member organization called New England Caring for Our Military -- as an example of how Americans are supporting servicemembers.
"This year, Jim helped organize a gift drive by thousands of students from Massachusetts and New Hampshire," the president said. "Students from kindergarten to high school collected more than 20,000 gifts for our troops abroad."
Urging listeners to visit the America Supports You site at www.americasupportsyou.mil, the president lauded the example set by Wareing.
"Citizens like Jim Wareing represent the true strength of our country, and they make America proud," Bush said. "I urge every American to find some way to thank our military this Christmas season. If you see a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or a member of the Coast Guard, take a moment to stop and say, 'Thanks for your service.'"
Christmas reminds Americans of their duty to others, and that sense of duty is fulfilled by the men and women who wear the nation's uniform, Bush said.
"America is blessed to have fine citizens who volunteer to defend us in distant lands," he said. "For many of them, this Christmas will be spent far from home, and on Christmas our nation honors their sacrifice and thanks them for all they do to defend our freedom."
Bush also pointed out the sacrifices of the nation's military families, and thanked them for their support. "Staying behind when a family member goes to war is a heavy burden, and it is particularly hard during the holidays," he said. "To all our military families listening today, Laura and I thank you."
While thousands of military families spend the holiday apart, Bush noted this season ushers in a time of change for the nation. With a review of Iraq war strategy under way, a new secretary of defense in office, and changes in Congress, Bush said those serving on the front lines can be assured of continued support.
"I want our troops to know that while the coming year will bring change, one thing will not change, and that is our nation's support for you and the vital work you do to achieve victory in Iraq," the president said.
Millions of Americans are proving their support of deployed troops, wounded warriors, and the children of those serving abroad, Bush noted.
"Patriotic groups and charities all across America are sending gifts and care packages to our servicemen and women, visiting our troops recovering at military hospitals, reaching out to children whose moms and dads are serving abroad, and going to airports to welcome our troops home and to let them know they are appreciated by a grateful nation," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Pep Rally Heightens Excitement for Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
By Annette Crawford
Dec. 23, 2006 – Team spirit was evident last night all over the streets of the downtown area here known as Sundance Square. Whether it was wearing the school colors of two teams ready to take each other on in a gridiron challenge, or the uniform pride of armed forces members, there was no doubt this is an all-American event. The University of Tulsa and the University of Utah go head to head in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl tonight at Texas Christian University's Amon G. Carter Stadium. But before the teams take to the field, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned pep rally the night before the game.
But this pep rally had an added element. Like most such gatherings, there were the typical marching bands and cheerleaders working the crowd, urging the fans to root for their team. But on the other side of the square, there was an impressive array of military recruiting displays - after all, this is the Armed Forces Bowl.
In addition to getting up close to a tank, Humvee, flight simulator and mini Raptor, fans of all ages were quick to grab promotional items such as T-shirts, hats, pens and posters.
The sponsor of the event, Bell Helicopter, teamed up in its display booth with Give 2 to the Troops, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical, spiritual and morale well-being of servicemembers in combat. They do this by raising money and gathering donations to make care packages to send to deployed servicemembers.
When Andrea Harmon of Give 2 to the Troops was contacted by Bell Helicopter and asked if she wanted her organization sponsored by Bell at the bowl game, she said it was an awesome offer.
"Who wouldn't?" she asked.
Bell's Brad Wanek said the reason his company is sponsoring the bowl game is a way to give back to the troops. But in addition to those who will be able to enjoy the game in person, he said there are many more servicemembers out there they would like to help.
"We started to brainstorm on how we could reach out to the troops who could not be at the stadium, and one of the ways we came up with was by partnering with Give 2 to the Troops," Wanek said.
"By taking collections here at the pep rally and at the game, we hope to immediately generate care packages. We're also hoping that those who weren't aware before the game, become aware, and there would be a whole cascade of benefits following the game," Wanek said.
Dee Bash, dressed in 1940s-era garb and sitting in a World War II jeep, said her group, the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, is a living history group that honors veterans.
"We ride in veterans parades and go to swing dances and have the vehicles on display. They absolutely love to see us participate," Bash said. "We try to honor them in any way we can."
One of the Air Force recruiters at the event, Master Sgt. Greg Baker of the 344th Recruiting Squadron, said events like this pep rally are great for generating interest.
"We're planting seeds, so to speak," said Baker, a 20-year veteran. "We're looking for people who are motivated, responsible and want to serve their country."
Army Sgt. Chris Taylor said the service's presence at the event went beyond simple recruiting.
"More of the interest that we hope to generate here is not only that we're seeking new recruits, but that we want to be involved in the community," Taylor said. "We're here to support them."
Taylor said he thinks the Armed Forces Bowl is a great event for the nation as a whole.
"Look at all the veterans over the years, and it's a way to pay respect to those who got us this far," said Taylor, who has been in the Army 10 years and a recruiter for one.
"I want to thank the American public for their support," Taylor said. "It's a hard time in the world right now."
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is an event in partnership with America Supports You, a Department of Defense program that showcases American support for members of the armed forces. Since its inception in November 2004 by DOD, America Supports You has welcomed nearly 250 grassroots organizations and more than 33 corporate sponsors to its team.
This is Bell Helicopter's first year as title sponsor for the Armed Forces Bowl. The game airs at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN television and ESPN Radio to more than 200 stations in 44 states. One of the highlights of the game will be the presentation of the "Great American Patriot Award" at halftime to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 23, 2006 – Team spirit was evident last night all over the streets of the downtown area here known as Sundance Square. Whether it was wearing the school colors of two teams ready to take each other on in a gridiron challenge, or the uniform pride of armed forces members, there was no doubt this is an all-American event. The University of Tulsa and the University of Utah go head to head in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl tonight at Texas Christian University's Amon G. Carter Stadium. But before the teams take to the field, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned pep rally the night before the game.
But this pep rally had an added element. Like most such gatherings, there were the typical marching bands and cheerleaders working the crowd, urging the fans to root for their team. But on the other side of the square, there was an impressive array of military recruiting displays - after all, this is the Armed Forces Bowl.
In addition to getting up close to a tank, Humvee, flight simulator and mini Raptor, fans of all ages were quick to grab promotional items such as T-shirts, hats, pens and posters.
The sponsor of the event, Bell Helicopter, teamed up in its display booth with Give 2 to the Troops, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical, spiritual and morale well-being of servicemembers in combat. They do this by raising money and gathering donations to make care packages to send to deployed servicemembers.
When Andrea Harmon of Give 2 to the Troops was contacted by Bell Helicopter and asked if she wanted her organization sponsored by Bell at the bowl game, she said it was an awesome offer.
"Who wouldn't?" she asked.
Bell's Brad Wanek said the reason his company is sponsoring the bowl game is a way to give back to the troops. But in addition to those who will be able to enjoy the game in person, he said there are many more servicemembers out there they would like to help.
"We started to brainstorm on how we could reach out to the troops who could not be at the stadium, and one of the ways we came up with was by partnering with Give 2 to the Troops," Wanek said.
"By taking collections here at the pep rally and at the game, we hope to immediately generate care packages. We're also hoping that those who weren't aware before the game, become aware, and there would be a whole cascade of benefits following the game," Wanek said.
Dee Bash, dressed in 1940s-era garb and sitting in a World War II jeep, said her group, the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, is a living history group that honors veterans.
"We ride in veterans parades and go to swing dances and have the vehicles on display. They absolutely love to see us participate," Bash said. "We try to honor them in any way we can."
One of the Air Force recruiters at the event, Master Sgt. Greg Baker of the 344th Recruiting Squadron, said events like this pep rally are great for generating interest.
"We're planting seeds, so to speak," said Baker, a 20-year veteran. "We're looking for people who are motivated, responsible and want to serve their country."
Army Sgt. Chris Taylor said the service's presence at the event went beyond simple recruiting.
"More of the interest that we hope to generate here is not only that we're seeking new recruits, but that we want to be involved in the community," Taylor said. "We're here to support them."
Taylor said he thinks the Armed Forces Bowl is a great event for the nation as a whole.
"Look at all the veterans over the years, and it's a way to pay respect to those who got us this far," said Taylor, who has been in the Army 10 years and a recruiter for one.
"I want to thank the American public for their support," Taylor said. "It's a hard time in the world right now."
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is an event in partnership with America Supports You, a Department of Defense program that showcases American support for members of the armed forces. Since its inception in November 2004 by DOD, America Supports You has welcomed nearly 250 grassroots organizations and more than 33 corporate sponsors to its team.
This is Bell Helicopter's first year as title sponsor for the Armed Forces Bowl. The game airs at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN television and ESPN Radio to more than 200 stations in 44 states. One of the highlights of the game will be the presentation of the "Great American Patriot Award" at halftime to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.
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