American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a DoD program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It's ringing in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation's military men and women and their families each month.
"Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation's servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.
The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The site not only offers ideas on how individuals can support the troops, but also contains information about troop-support groups in their area.
Some suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine's Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child.
When summer rolls around with swim lessons, camp dates and family vacations, the June calendar includes a reminder to donate frequent-flier miles to servicemembers and their families who so often are separated. September brings the opportunity to join in or plan a local America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
The calendar also includes ways to honor servicemembers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do," Barber said. "I hope people nationwide will take the time to remember the troops when setting their New Year's goals and that they find the reminders in the calendar helpful in achieving them."
For more information about the calendar, visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the New Year's Resolution icon.
Showing posts with label america supports you. Show all posts
Showing posts with label america supports you. Show all posts
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
America Supports You: Project Keeps Mail Moving to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 14, 2007 - Staten Island residents are getting a little help sending mail to servicemembers these days thanks to a local troop-support group. Staten Island Project Homefront Inc. in the New York City borough has set up a "Postage Due" account for those sending mail to troops from the community's main post office, its executive director said.
"Our main effort is to send items to our military," John T. Semich said. "We also help families by supplying postage (for Staten Island residents to send packages) to the combat zones."
The project's volunteers focus on packing up special-request items and shipping them off to servicemembers, he said. Those items have included global positioning systems, camp showers, metal detectors, and food items.
"We mail every six weeks to the troops we have registered," Semich said. "Residents of Staten Island can mail out any time, and we (cover the cost.)"
Though the project focuses on getting requested items to the troops, it also acts as a support organization for families of deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines if requests for assistance are within the group's capabilities.
The group, which was started by three veterans and an attorney, has grown to include many military family members. In fact, the project's chief financial officer is a Coast Guardsman, and the people who handle shipping and outreach both have sons in the military, Semich said.
"We have spouses and family members join us all the time, and they form their own sort of support group to handle stress," he said. "(It's) a side benefit I did not expect, but recognize and like."
The project recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 14, 2007 - Staten Island residents are getting a little help sending mail to servicemembers these days thanks to a local troop-support group. Staten Island Project Homefront Inc. in the New York City borough has set up a "Postage Due" account for those sending mail to troops from the community's main post office, its executive director said.
"Our main effort is to send items to our military," John T. Semich said. "We also help families by supplying postage (for Staten Island residents to send packages) to the combat zones."
The project's volunteers focus on packing up special-request items and shipping them off to servicemembers, he said. Those items have included global positioning systems, camp showers, metal detectors, and food items.
"We mail every six weeks to the troops we have registered," Semich said. "Residents of Staten Island can mail out any time, and we (cover the cost.)"
Though the project focuses on getting requested items to the troops, it also acts as a support organization for families of deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines if requests for assistance are within the group's capabilities.
The group, which was started by three veterans and an attorney, has grown to include many military family members. In fact, the project's chief financial officer is a Coast Guardsman, and the people who handle shipping and outreach both have sons in the military, Semich said.
"We have spouses and family members join us all the time, and they form their own sort of support group to handle stress," he said. "(It's) a side benefit I did not expect, but recognize and like."
The project recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
America Supports You: Deployed Units Get Boost From Donated Computers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2007 - Many deployed servicemembers have received a morale boost thanks to computers donated by a Michigan-based organization. "We are a group of volunteers (who) rebuild laptop computers and supply them to deployed units for (morale, welfare and recreation), education and entertainment," said James R. Payne, a Vietnam veteran who's president of JDS Computer Donations.
The group accepts laptops, which it refurbishes and donates to nonprofit groups, public schools, and most recently, to deployed servicemembers. Nearly 500 of the refurbished machines already have been sent overseas to help servicemembers keep in touch with their loved ones back home.
Payne and his volunteers have received many responses from grateful servicemembers, many of which appear on the JDS Computer Donations Web site. One from the executive officer of Company A, 50th Signal Battalion, is a good summary of the sentiment expressed by others.
"On behalf of the soldiers, NCOs, and officers of Alpha Company, 50th Signal Battalion, I want to express how grateful we are for the donation of laptops to our unit," said Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Quimby. "Especially with the price of telephone minutes being so high, being able to use computers to communicate to loved ones back in the States is a convenience that we do not take for granted.
"Your effort in supporting our deployed soldiers is inspiring and represents the true heart of the American people," he concluded.
JDS Computer Donation as part of the Any Soldier Inc. support team. Both JDS Computer Donations and Any Soldier Inc. are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2007 - Many deployed servicemembers have received a morale boost thanks to computers donated by a Michigan-based organization. "We are a group of volunteers (who) rebuild laptop computers and supply them to deployed units for (morale, welfare and recreation), education and entertainment," said James R. Payne, a Vietnam veteran who's president of JDS Computer Donations.
The group accepts laptops, which it refurbishes and donates to nonprofit groups, public schools, and most recently, to deployed servicemembers. Nearly 500 of the refurbished machines already have been sent overseas to help servicemembers keep in touch with their loved ones back home.
Payne and his volunteers have received many responses from grateful servicemembers, many of which appear on the JDS Computer Donations Web site. One from the executive officer of Company A, 50th Signal Battalion, is a good summary of the sentiment expressed by others.
"On behalf of the soldiers, NCOs, and officers of Alpha Company, 50th Signal Battalion, I want to express how grateful we are for the donation of laptops to our unit," said Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Quimby. "Especially with the price of telephone minutes being so high, being able to use computers to communicate to loved ones back in the States is a convenience that we do not take for granted.
"Your effort in supporting our deployed soldiers is inspiring and represents the true heart of the American people," he concluded.
JDS Computer Donation as part of the Any Soldier Inc. support team. Both JDS Computer Donations and Any Soldier Inc. are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Group Seeks Outstanding Military Fathers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 6, 2007 - The National Fatherhood Initiative is looking for a few good military fathers for the 2008 NFI Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award. "The purpose of the award is to recognize the outstanding efforts of military fathers to stay engaged with their families while meeting the military missions, even through deployments," said Jim Knotts, Lockheed Martin Corp.'s director of corporate citizenship. "(It) helps bring attention to those sacrifices and celebrates the efforts above and beyond the call of duty to balance military duty with family obligations."
Though the award is given to the father, he added the National Fatherhood Initiative's first guideline for being a good father is to respect the children's mother; therefore, he said, it recognizes the whole family.
The first award was presented in 2007 to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Andrade.
Nominations for the 2008 award are being accepted through Jan. 4, Knott said. Nominations in the form of a one- to two-page explanation of how the nominated father meets established contest criteria can be e-mailed through the National Fatherhood Initiative Web site, www.fatherhood.org/mfa.asp.
Any father serving on active duty or in the National Guard or reserves is eligible for the award. It is not required that he be deployed.
The winner will be announced Feb. 28 and honored at an April 29 gala in Washington.
Nomination information must include name, rank, and service affiliation of the nominee, as well as information about his family, number and ages of children, marital status, and his contact information. The nominator also should include his or her name, contact information and connection to the nominee.
Knott said the award is part of Lockheed Martin's "United in Gratitude" initiative to provide support to servicemembers in many different areas.
"With a large number of employees who are veterans, and employees who are activated and deployed, we understand the challenges faced by our military families," he said. "Outstanding military fathers take extraordinary efforts to father from a distance during military separation and go to great lengths to successfully balance mission requirements and their fathering role.
"They also are active to help other military fathers or military children who are separated from their fathers," he said.
Knotts, a father and veteran, also gave a nod to the moms. "It simply would not be possible (to be good military fathers) without the steadfast dedication and support of our military moms," he added.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to support from the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 6, 2007 - The National Fatherhood Initiative is looking for a few good military fathers for the 2008 NFI Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award. "The purpose of the award is to recognize the outstanding efforts of military fathers to stay engaged with their families while meeting the military missions, even through deployments," said Jim Knotts, Lockheed Martin Corp.'s director of corporate citizenship. "(It) helps bring attention to those sacrifices and celebrates the efforts above and beyond the call of duty to balance military duty with family obligations."
Though the award is given to the father, he added the National Fatherhood Initiative's first guideline for being a good father is to respect the children's mother; therefore, he said, it recognizes the whole family.
The first award was presented in 2007 to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Andrade.
Nominations for the 2008 award are being accepted through Jan. 4, Knott said. Nominations in the form of a one- to two-page explanation of how the nominated father meets established contest criteria can be e-mailed through the National Fatherhood Initiative Web site, www.fatherhood.org/mfa.asp.
Any father serving on active duty or in the National Guard or reserves is eligible for the award. It is not required that he be deployed.
The winner will be announced Feb. 28 and honored at an April 29 gala in Washington.
Nomination information must include name, rank, and service affiliation of the nominee, as well as information about his family, number and ages of children, marital status, and his contact information. The nominator also should include his or her name, contact information and connection to the nominee.
Knott said the award is part of Lockheed Martin's "United in Gratitude" initiative to provide support to servicemembers in many different areas.
"With a large number of employees who are veterans, and employees who are activated and deployed, we understand the challenges faced by our military families," he said. "Outstanding military fathers take extraordinary efforts to father from a distance during military separation and go to great lengths to successfully balance mission requirements and their fathering role.
"They also are active to help other military fathers or military children who are separated from their fathers," he said.
Knotts, a father and veteran, also gave a nod to the moms. "It simply would not be possible (to be good military fathers) without the steadfast dedication and support of our military moms," he added.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to support from the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
America Supports You: Chefs Let Wounded Troops Taste Gratitude
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Monday, December 03, 2007
America Supports You: Toys Salute Soldiers with Holiday Classic
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Bookseller Makes Troop Support Easy for Shoppers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 28, 2007 - With thoughts turning from tasty Thanksgiving turkey to holiday shopping lists, one national bookseller has made it easy to find the perfect gift for everyone, including the nation's servicemembers. Barnes & Noble, a corporate supporter of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, has created an online book store that benefits troop-support organizations with a 5 percent donation from each sale made through the www.bn.com/asy Web site.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"After Barnes & Noble made our multi-million dollar book donation earlier this year, we considered how we could continue to support ASY," said Brian Buckley, vice president of online partnership for Barnes&Noble.com. He was referring to a nearly $3.5 million dollar product donation the bookseller made in May to several nonprofit supporters of the America Supports You program.
"We felt that this online bookstore could be advertised in supporting publications and every time someone wanted to buy a book, DVD or CD they would be supporting selected home-front groups," he said.
The groups, all supporters of America Supports You, include: ThanksUSA, Operation Troop Appreciation, Operation AC, Adopt-A-Chaplain, Comfort for America's Uniformed Services, Give2TheTroops, Operation Paperback, and United Through Reading.
The groups offer a wide range of support including providing servicemembers with care packages, offering support to military family members and the wounded, and helping keep deployed servicemembers connected with their children through reading.
Each group will receive an equal share of the total donations annually, Buckley said.
While the Web site is a great way to take care of holiday shopping, it will be available year round and allows buyers to shop Barnes & Noble's online inventory.
"We have no time limit on this program and hope to support these groups for years to come," Buckley added.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 28, 2007 - With thoughts turning from tasty Thanksgiving turkey to holiday shopping lists, one national bookseller has made it easy to find the perfect gift for everyone, including the nation's servicemembers. Barnes & Noble, a corporate supporter of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, has created an online book store that benefits troop-support organizations with a 5 percent donation from each sale made through the www.bn.com/asy Web site.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"After Barnes & Noble made our multi-million dollar book donation earlier this year, we considered how we could continue to support ASY," said Brian Buckley, vice president of online partnership for Barnes&Noble.com. He was referring to a nearly $3.5 million dollar product donation the bookseller made in May to several nonprofit supporters of the America Supports You program.
"We felt that this online bookstore could be advertised in supporting publications and every time someone wanted to buy a book, DVD or CD they would be supporting selected home-front groups," he said.
The groups, all supporters of America Supports You, include: ThanksUSA, Operation Troop Appreciation, Operation AC, Adopt-A-Chaplain, Comfort for America's Uniformed Services, Give2TheTroops, Operation Paperback, and United Through Reading.
The groups offer a wide range of support including providing servicemembers with care packages, offering support to military family members and the wounded, and helping keep deployed servicemembers connected with their children through reading.
Each group will receive an equal share of the total donations annually, Buckley said.
While the Web site is a great way to take care of holiday shopping, it will be available year round and allows buyers to shop Barnes & Noble's online inventory.
"We have no time limit on this program and hope to support these groups for years to come," Buckley added.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Hewlitt Packard Employees to Help Colorado Families
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 27, 2007 - Military families in Colorado whose major breadwinners are deployed to the Middle East are getting help with seasonal yard tasks from an unexpected source. From raking leaves to hanging Christmas lights, Hewlett Packard Co. employees will pitch and help three military families Nov. 29 through a partnership with the Minnesota-based Project EverGreen Foundation.
"The HP employees are going above and beyond," said Den Gardner, executive director of the foundation, which matches volunteers and lawn or landscaping firms with military families in need of outdoor help. "In addition to helping the families clean up their yards, they are helping hang up Christmas lights and even helping one military family paint the walls inside their house."
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's "GreenCare for Troops" program was developed in 2006 to provide free lawn and landscape care for families who have a major breadwinner serving in the Middle East. Project EverGreen has signed up more than 1,000 lawn and landscape contractors and volunteers to assist in this effort to help the more than 4,300 military families currently registered with the foundation.
Gardner said the roots of this program go back to the basic mission of his organization. "Quite simply," he explained, "we are working to emphasize the benefits that green spaces provide to our environment, economy and lifestyles. At the same time, we realized that, for many service families, lawn and landscape care can become a burden when there are concerns for the safety of a loved one overseas."
There is no cost or obligation to families who apply to participate in GreenCare for Troops, Gardner said.
"Project EverGreen makes every effort to link families in need with local lawn and landscape firms or community volunteers who have indicated a desire to help," he added.
Gardner said the appreciation expressed by service personnel and their families has been gratifying. "We even had one soldier serving in Iraq ask us to send him a Project EverGreen banner to display -- and we were happy to oblige."
Hewlett Packard employees heard about the need for volunteers in the Colorado Springs area through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and knew they wanted to pitch in. They contacted Project EverGreen and were matched up with three families in the area, HP officials said.
"We are thrilled to give back," said Tara Agen, Hewlett Packard Imaging and Printing chief of staff. "Lots of our employees volunteer individually, but to do this as a group and really make a difference is very special."
Agen said a lot of the employees involved really wanted to help military families. "I also personally had a sister and brother-in-law who served overseas," she said. "So the decision was an easy one."
Nov. 27, 2007 - Military families in Colorado whose major breadwinners are deployed to the Middle East are getting help with seasonal yard tasks from an unexpected source. From raking leaves to hanging Christmas lights, Hewlett Packard Co. employees will pitch and help three military families Nov. 29 through a partnership with the Minnesota-based Project EverGreen Foundation.
"The HP employees are going above and beyond," said Den Gardner, executive director of the foundation, which matches volunteers and lawn or landscaping firms with military families in need of outdoor help. "In addition to helping the families clean up their yards, they are helping hang up Christmas lights and even helping one military family paint the walls inside their house."
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's "GreenCare for Troops" program was developed in 2006 to provide free lawn and landscape care for families who have a major breadwinner serving in the Middle East. Project EverGreen has signed up more than 1,000 lawn and landscape contractors and volunteers to assist in this effort to help the more than 4,300 military families currently registered with the foundation.
Gardner said the roots of this program go back to the basic mission of his organization. "Quite simply," he explained, "we are working to emphasize the benefits that green spaces provide to our environment, economy and lifestyles. At the same time, we realized that, for many service families, lawn and landscape care can become a burden when there are concerns for the safety of a loved one overseas."
There is no cost or obligation to families who apply to participate in GreenCare for Troops, Gardner said.
"Project EverGreen makes every effort to link families in need with local lawn and landscape firms or community volunteers who have indicated a desire to help," he added.
Gardner said the appreciation expressed by service personnel and their families has been gratifying. "We even had one soldier serving in Iraq ask us to send him a Project EverGreen banner to display -- and we were happy to oblige."
Hewlett Packard employees heard about the need for volunteers in the Colorado Springs area through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and knew they wanted to pitch in. They contacted Project EverGreen and were matched up with three families in the area, HP officials said.
"We are thrilled to give back," said Tara Agen, Hewlett Packard Imaging and Printing chief of staff. "Lots of our employees volunteer individually, but to do this as a group and really make a difference is very special."
Agen said a lot of the employees involved really wanted to help military families. "I also personally had a sister and brother-in-law who served overseas," she said. "So the decision was an easy one."
Group Helps Vets by Helping Caregivers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 26, 2007 - A Texas-based group is working to give caregivers of war wounded and military spouses the support they need as they transition from the military community to the civilian sector. "Our goal is to empower achievement, independence, and the assurance of renewed hope," said Tania Mercurio, an Air Force spouse who serves as executive director of Operation Life Transformed.
In working to help every caregiver or military spouse achieve that goal, the group provides virtual or classroom training and education. The training programs allow better job marketability and retention, Mercurio said.
The training focuses on fields that are flexible enough to accommodate the sometimes unpredictable schedule of the target audience. Medical transcription, for example, is 80 percent outsourced, she said.
Kimberly Ryusaki Marrerro, another executive director of Operation Life Transformed and a Navy spouse, said these types of positions work well for caregivers or military spouses.
"We have a talented, untapped pool of resources that needs temporary work," she said. "Operation Life Transformed works with the caregiver and corporation to provide temporary placement while the caregiver is supporting the injured at a medical facility."
Being able to find temporary employment while helping a wounded servicemember recover can help ensure the family's economic stability, Marrero said.
The organization, which has won the Newman's Own Award for excellence and innovation within the military community, has recently become a supporter of America Supports You.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The credibility the affiliation provides groups like Operation Life Transformed in the military community is priceless, said Colleen Saffron, another executive director of Operation Life Transformed and an Army spouse.
She also hopes it will help the group network with complementary organizations.
"Operation Life Transformed realizes that no one group can meet all of the needs of all of these families, so it seeks to create partnerships with other organizations in order to create a network of support for our military families during this tumultuous time in our nation's history," Saffron said. "When someone comes to us needing help that's not part of our mission, we (want to be) able to send them to other organizations within our network that can help them."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 26, 2007 - A Texas-based group is working to give caregivers of war wounded and military spouses the support they need as they transition from the military community to the civilian sector. "Our goal is to empower achievement, independence, and the assurance of renewed hope," said Tania Mercurio, an Air Force spouse who serves as executive director of Operation Life Transformed.
In working to help every caregiver or military spouse achieve that goal, the group provides virtual or classroom training and education. The training programs allow better job marketability and retention, Mercurio said.
The training focuses on fields that are flexible enough to accommodate the sometimes unpredictable schedule of the target audience. Medical transcription, for example, is 80 percent outsourced, she said.
Kimberly Ryusaki Marrerro, another executive director of Operation Life Transformed and a Navy spouse, said these types of positions work well for caregivers or military spouses.
"We have a talented, untapped pool of resources that needs temporary work," she said. "Operation Life Transformed works with the caregiver and corporation to provide temporary placement while the caregiver is supporting the injured at a medical facility."
Being able to find temporary employment while helping a wounded servicemember recover can help ensure the family's economic stability, Marrero said.
The organization, which has won the Newman's Own Award for excellence and innovation within the military community, has recently become a supporter of America Supports You.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The credibility the affiliation provides groups like Operation Life Transformed in the military community is priceless, said Colleen Saffron, another executive director of Operation Life Transformed and an Army spouse.
She also hopes it will help the group network with complementary organizations.
"Operation Life Transformed realizes that no one group can meet all of the needs of all of these families, so it seeks to create partnerships with other organizations in order to create a network of support for our military families during this tumultuous time in our nation's history," Saffron said. "When someone comes to us needing help that's not part of our mission, we (want to be) able to send them to other organizations within our network that can help them."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Group 'Adopts' Troops to Show Gratitude
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 21, 2007 - Connecting supportive Americans with deployed troops keeps one Colorado-based support group busy. "In the last two years and eight months, we have grown to 16,000 registered supporters," said Ann Johnson, founder of Adopt A US Soldier. But that number doesn't accurately represent the volume of volunteers, she added.
"Many schools, synagogues, churches, companies and organizations are counted as one in our system, and yet the supporters are many more," she explained.
And they don't just live in the United States. Johnson said Adopt A US Soldier has supporters in 52 countries. "It's a very important reality that many countries support and are appreciative of the U.S. soldier," she said.
The number of troops that receive care packages of snacks, entertainment, hygiene and comfort items is a little under-reported as well, Johnson said. Before July 2005, 3,000 servicemembers had been "adopted."
"The numbers now must be (near) 10,000 or closer to 15,000 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen," Johnson said. "One soldier will sign up his unit, platoon or company."
Johnson started Adopt A US Soldier in July 2004 when her son, Paul, was first deployed to Iraq. She asked everyone she knew to help support his company. She set out to adopt 175 soldiers, a number that seemed daunting. But then local media got wind of what she was doing and ran a spot on Jan. 10, 2005.
"It got such a huge response," Johnson said. And so did she, in the form of 600 e-mails from supporters wanting a servicemember to write to. That was just the first day after the news spot aired.
The organization has grown from there. Adopt A US Soldier now has 12 core volunteers and 11 volunteers in supporting roles nationwide.
Adopt A US Soldier is hoping for even more exposure as a new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The group also would benefit from any networking its affiliation with America Supports You can provide, Johnson said.
"We have thought (about) having welcome-home parties," she said. "And having a welcome home for (3,000 to 5,000), we could use all the help we could get."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 21, 2007 - Connecting supportive Americans with deployed troops keeps one Colorado-based support group busy. "In the last two years and eight months, we have grown to 16,000 registered supporters," said Ann Johnson, founder of Adopt A US Soldier. But that number doesn't accurately represent the volume of volunteers, she added.
"Many schools, synagogues, churches, companies and organizations are counted as one in our system, and yet the supporters are many more," she explained.
And they don't just live in the United States. Johnson said Adopt A US Soldier has supporters in 52 countries. "It's a very important reality that many countries support and are appreciative of the U.S. soldier," she said.
The number of troops that receive care packages of snacks, entertainment, hygiene and comfort items is a little under-reported as well, Johnson said. Before July 2005, 3,000 servicemembers had been "adopted."
"The numbers now must be (near) 10,000 or closer to 15,000 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen," Johnson said. "One soldier will sign up his unit, platoon or company."
Johnson started Adopt A US Soldier in July 2004 when her son, Paul, was first deployed to Iraq. She asked everyone she knew to help support his company. She set out to adopt 175 soldiers, a number that seemed daunting. But then local media got wind of what she was doing and ran a spot on Jan. 10, 2005.
"It got such a huge response," Johnson said. And so did she, in the form of 600 e-mails from supporters wanting a servicemember to write to. That was just the first day after the news spot aired.
The organization has grown from there. Adopt A US Soldier now has 12 core volunteers and 11 volunteers in supporting roles nationwide.
Adopt A US Soldier is hoping for even more exposure as a new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The group also would benefit from any networking its affiliation with America Supports You can provide, Johnson said.
"We have thought (about) having welcome-home parties," she said. "And having a welcome home for (3,000 to 5,000), we could use all the help we could get."
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Americans Can Text 'Thanks' to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said of the text messaging program.
The program, which already has received nearly 4,000 messages, officially kicks off at 6 a.m. EST Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22. Between those times, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return.
Major mobile wireless providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, will provide access to the Giving Thanks text messaging program.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the Giving Thanks program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There, they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Troops of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform Hispanic communities that many Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
MTV Tr3s, an American Spanish-language network launched in September 2006, is one way the firm hopes to reach America's Hispanic community. The network reaches 30 million homes and 6.5 million Hispanic households across the country, Rodriguez said.
"MTV Tr3s has Mi TRL, (and) what they're going to do is ... live reads on their video countdown, which is their signature program," he said. "They're going to talk about, 'Hey, support this initiative.'"
Mi TRL also will run a banner at the bottom of the screen promoting the text messaging program. In addition, the program will air a full screen of information on how to thank troops.
Interlex USA also is working to involve Hispanic celebrities to let the Hispanic community know that thanking a servicemember for their sacrifices this holiday season is as easy as sending a text message.
"When we talk about text messaging, Hispanics ... out-pace all groups," Rodriguez said, adding the text messaging group tends to be younger, much like MTV Tr3s viewers, who range from 12-34.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You Giving Thanks program to the general market, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said of the text messaging program.
The program, which already has received nearly 4,000 messages, officially kicks off at 6 a.m. EST Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22. Between those times, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return.
Major mobile wireless providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, will provide access to the Giving Thanks text messaging program.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the Giving Thanks program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There, they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Troops of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform Hispanic communities that many Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
MTV Tr3s, an American Spanish-language network launched in September 2006, is one way the firm hopes to reach America's Hispanic community. The network reaches 30 million homes and 6.5 million Hispanic households across the country, Rodriguez said.
"MTV Tr3s has Mi TRL, (and) what they're going to do is ... live reads on their video countdown, which is their signature program," he said. "They're going to talk about, 'Hey, support this initiative.'"
Mi TRL also will run a banner at the bottom of the screen promoting the text messaging program. In addition, the program will air a full screen of information on how to thank troops.
Interlex USA also is working to involve Hispanic celebrities to let the Hispanic community know that thanking a servicemember for their sacrifices this holiday season is as easy as sending a text message.
"When we talk about text messaging, Hispanics ... out-pace all groups," Rodriguez said, adding the text messaging group tends to be younger, much like MTV Tr3s viewers, who range from 12-34.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You Giving Thanks program to the general market, officials said.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Americans Can Text 'Thanks' to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 2, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison.
Between 6 a.m. Nov. 17 and midnight Nov. 22, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief one- or two-line message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the "Giving Thanks" program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Members of Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
Barber is hoping troops around the globe will participate, as well. Troops serving anywhere in the world can e-mail a brief message to americasupportsyou@osd.mil to communicate their gratitude for support from back home. Responses must be received by Nov. 9.
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform the Hispanic communities that a number of Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to the Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You "Giving Thanks" program to the general market.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 2, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison.
Between 6 a.m. Nov. 17 and midnight Nov. 22, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief one- or two-line message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the "Giving Thanks" program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Members of Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
Barber is hoping troops around the globe will participate, as well. Troops serving anywhere in the world can e-mail a brief message to americasupportsyou@osd.mil to communicate their gratitude for support from back home. Responses must be received by Nov. 9.
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform the Hispanic communities that a number of Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to the Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You "Giving Thanks" program to the general market.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
America Supports You: Adventure Trip Hits Mark With Veterans
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2007 - Five days after their adventure began, seven injured veterans packed up with the satisfaction of knowing they'd done what they set out to do: conquer sand, sea and the cloud of mosquitoes that seemed to follow them everywhere. Their adaptive-sports adventure in the Virgin Islands was organized by the nonprofit group Team River Runner. Team River Runner is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"I'm glad to get the opportunity, ... because this is stuff that just doesn't happen on a normal basis," said Scott Morgan, a former soldier whose legs were severely damaged in a mortar attack Feb. 18, 2004, in Taji, Iraq. "It's pretty awesome. It makes me want to go home and start pursuing some of this stuff just so I can get out on the open water."
Kevin Pannell, a former soldier who lost both legs above the knee when a hand grenade exploded during a foot patrol in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, agrees. He said trips like the adaptive paddling trip Pannell and six other wounded warriors went on are a great benefit for servicemembers dealing with life after a catastrophic injury.
"There's a real isolation whenever you get home," Pannell said, explaining that he thinks he is the only person in his hometown of Hot Springs, Ark., whose amputation is the result of combat. "(The trip) is great. You compare notes and find out about new stuff."
The trip had some simpler benefits, as well. Aside from being a safe way to test some boundaries and talk to others who face the same situations, it was a chance to get away from the daily grind and relax. For most of the participants, it provided new experiences, as well.
"I've never snorkeled, but I've done a little bit of kayaking," Pannell said, adding that "hands down" snorkeling was his favorite part of the trip. "I saw like a five-foot barracuda."
The fish startled Pannell, who said he wasn't scared, just curious what the fish, famous for its own curiosity, would think of his prosthetic legs. "They're attracted to shiny things, and I have all the little screws and twinkles on my legs," he said. "I didn't know how into that he was going to be.
"I guess if he attacked my legs it'd be all right," Pannell said with a chuckle.
The troops' spouses may not have been as flippant about being so near a barracuda, but they all agreed the trip was better than anything the doctor could have ordered.
"The water is absolutely beautiful," Amber Jones said. "I have never in my life seen water this clear. Even in Hawaii, which I've always considered the best of the best, ... the water doesn't even compare."
Amber's husband, former Marine John Jones, lost both his legs below the knee on Jan. 3, 2005, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a double-stacked land mine in Qaim, Iraq.
Danielle Pannell, Kevin's wife, said the trip offered the spouses almost as much benefit as it did the veterans. "It's just neat getting to see that I'm not the only one that gets frustrated sometimes," she said. "For so long I was like, 'It's just me.' But I got to talk to (the wife of another veteran with post traumatic stress disorder), and we were sharing stories, and I was like, 'My husband does that!'"
As the trip all-too-quickly came to an end, Joe Mornini, Team River Runner's director and the trip's organizer, contemplated the recent events and looked forward to making the next trip even better.
"I can't believe that I'm sitting here in the Virgin Islands with all these people," Mornini said. "We've accomplished some great snorkeling. We've (paddled) to the British Virgin Islands, and we've got seven guys here that all of them are either amputees or mobility impaired.
"I just knew that if we did it right it would work, but I didn't know what right was," he added.
He may still not know exactly what "right" is, but he's relying on feedback from the group to get him closer for the next trip. "I'm really going to feel better about this trip after I hear from people after it's over," Mornini said.
While challenges cropped up -- sand and broken prosthetics topping the list -- and Mornini took notes on lessons learned, the trip seemed to come off exactly as he envisioned it. It allowed wounded warriors to push boundaries, learn some new skills and heal just a little more.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2007 - Five days after their adventure began, seven injured veterans packed up with the satisfaction of knowing they'd done what they set out to do: conquer sand, sea and the cloud of mosquitoes that seemed to follow them everywhere. Their adaptive-sports adventure in the Virgin Islands was organized by the nonprofit group Team River Runner. Team River Runner is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"I'm glad to get the opportunity, ... because this is stuff that just doesn't happen on a normal basis," said Scott Morgan, a former soldier whose legs were severely damaged in a mortar attack Feb. 18, 2004, in Taji, Iraq. "It's pretty awesome. It makes me want to go home and start pursuing some of this stuff just so I can get out on the open water."
Kevin Pannell, a former soldier who lost both legs above the knee when a hand grenade exploded during a foot patrol in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, agrees. He said trips like the adaptive paddling trip Pannell and six other wounded warriors went on are a great benefit for servicemembers dealing with life after a catastrophic injury.
"There's a real isolation whenever you get home," Pannell said, explaining that he thinks he is the only person in his hometown of Hot Springs, Ark., whose amputation is the result of combat. "(The trip) is great. You compare notes and find out about new stuff."
The trip had some simpler benefits, as well. Aside from being a safe way to test some boundaries and talk to others who face the same situations, it was a chance to get away from the daily grind and relax. For most of the participants, it provided new experiences, as well.
"I've never snorkeled, but I've done a little bit of kayaking," Pannell said, adding that "hands down" snorkeling was his favorite part of the trip. "I saw like a five-foot barracuda."
The fish startled Pannell, who said he wasn't scared, just curious what the fish, famous for its own curiosity, would think of his prosthetic legs. "They're attracted to shiny things, and I have all the little screws and twinkles on my legs," he said. "I didn't know how into that he was going to be.
"I guess if he attacked my legs it'd be all right," Pannell said with a chuckle.
The troops' spouses may not have been as flippant about being so near a barracuda, but they all agreed the trip was better than anything the doctor could have ordered.
"The water is absolutely beautiful," Amber Jones said. "I have never in my life seen water this clear. Even in Hawaii, which I've always considered the best of the best, ... the water doesn't even compare."
Amber's husband, former Marine John Jones, lost both his legs below the knee on Jan. 3, 2005, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a double-stacked land mine in Qaim, Iraq.
Danielle Pannell, Kevin's wife, said the trip offered the spouses almost as much benefit as it did the veterans. "It's just neat getting to see that I'm not the only one that gets frustrated sometimes," she said. "For so long I was like, 'It's just me.' But I got to talk to (the wife of another veteran with post traumatic stress disorder), and we were sharing stories, and I was like, 'My husband does that!'"
As the trip all-too-quickly came to an end, Joe Mornini, Team River Runner's director and the trip's organizer, contemplated the recent events and looked forward to making the next trip even better.
"I can't believe that I'm sitting here in the Virgin Islands with all these people," Mornini said. "We've accomplished some great snorkeling. We've (paddled) to the British Virgin Islands, and we've got seven guys here that all of them are either amputees or mobility impaired.
"I just knew that if we did it right it would work, but I didn't know what right was," he added.
He may still not know exactly what "right" is, but he's relying on feedback from the group to get him closer for the next trip. "I'm really going to feel better about this trip after I hear from people after it's over," Mornini said.
While challenges cropped up -- sand and broken prosthetics topping the list -- and Mornini took notes on lessons learned, the trip seemed to come off exactly as he envisioned it. It allowed wounded warriors to push boundaries, learn some new skills and heal just a little more.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Groups Team Up to Entertain Military Kids
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Children of servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here have a new recreation option thanks to the team effort of three nonprofit groups and a defense contractor. The Yellow Ribbon Fund dedicated a playground at Walter Reed's Mologne House yesterday. The facility was constructed primarily for children staying at the residential facility for recovering servicemembers and their families.
"This playground fills a longstanding need for children staying at our facility who, until now, had very limited recreational opportunities," said Peter Anderson, Mologne House's general manager. "We are extremely grateful to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and the employees of BAE Systems for their generosity and kindness."
The completion of the playground fulfills a dream, said Edward J. Quinn, a member of Yellow Ribbon Fund's board of directors.
"Every day, our wounded servicemen and women return from combat, many to long-term rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and (the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.)," he said. "The Yellow Ribbon Fund's mission is to welcome them home and into our community. We are equally committed to making their families feel at home."
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Both the Armed Forces Foundation and Operation Homefront, also supporters of America Support You, lent their assistance to the playground project.
Operation Homefront provides emergency support and services to servicemembers and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation works to promote the morale, welfare and quality-of-life of active and retired servicemembers, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their families.
"When we heard of the Yellow Ribbon Fund's plans to build a playground that would fill such a huge need for the children at Mologne House, we knew we had to get involved," said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront's executive vice president of operations and development.
BAE System's ongoing "Operation Noble Cause" initiative led to the contractor's involvement in the Mologne House playground project.
"Our employees embrace the credo, 'We protect those who protect us,'" said Rebekah Nottingham, BAE's vice president of customer requirements. "This commitment applies as much to our individual support of our fighting men and women as it does to the products and services we provide."
BAE employees across the country raised $60,000 for the playground project through "Operation Noble Cause."
(From a Yellow Ribbon Fund news release.)
Oct. 15, 2007 - Children of servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here have a new recreation option thanks to the team effort of three nonprofit groups and a defense contractor. The Yellow Ribbon Fund dedicated a playground at Walter Reed's Mologne House yesterday. The facility was constructed primarily for children staying at the residential facility for recovering servicemembers and their families.
"This playground fills a longstanding need for children staying at our facility who, until now, had very limited recreational opportunities," said Peter Anderson, Mologne House's general manager. "We are extremely grateful to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and the employees of BAE Systems for their generosity and kindness."
The completion of the playground fulfills a dream, said Edward J. Quinn, a member of Yellow Ribbon Fund's board of directors.
"Every day, our wounded servicemen and women return from combat, many to long-term rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and (the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.)," he said. "The Yellow Ribbon Fund's mission is to welcome them home and into our community. We are equally committed to making their families feel at home."
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Both the Armed Forces Foundation and Operation Homefront, also supporters of America Support You, lent their assistance to the playground project.
Operation Homefront provides emergency support and services to servicemembers and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation works to promote the morale, welfare and quality-of-life of active and retired servicemembers, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their families.
"When we heard of the Yellow Ribbon Fund's plans to build a playground that would fill such a huge need for the children at Mologne House, we knew we had to get involved," said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront's executive vice president of operations and development.
BAE System's ongoing "Operation Noble Cause" initiative led to the contractor's involvement in the Mologne House playground project.
"Our employees embrace the credo, 'We protect those who protect us,'" said Rebekah Nottingham, BAE's vice president of customer requirements. "This commitment applies as much to our individual support of our fighting men and women as it does to the products and services we provide."
BAE employees across the country raised $60,000 for the playground project through "Operation Noble Cause."
(From a Yellow Ribbon Fund news release.)
Friday, October 12, 2007
America Supports You: Group Gears Up to Send Holiday Goodies
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - In California, a modern-day Mrs. Claus is rallying her helpers once again to fill care packages with goodies for troops serving far from home during the upcoming holiday season. Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" doesn't officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers already are hard at work, founder Carolyn Blashek said.
"Our volunteers have already started the prep process (of) soliciting for products, collecting troop names, and sorting, inspecting ... and folding products," she said.
Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30. Blashek said she expects not only to fill about 60,000 care packages in those four weekends, but also to reach another milestone.
"(Operation Gratitude's) 300,000th package will be assembled on Dec. 15 with a projected delivery on or near Dec. 24," she said. "We already have a very wonderful commitment for another exciting gift!"
Blashek is keeping that tidbit to herself for the time being, but recipients of the 200,000th and 250,000th packages each received a new car. Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards, the recipient of the 200,000th package, received a new Dodge Caliber. Blashek is hoping to present Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez, the recipient of the 250,000th package, with the keys to his new Jeep Patriot by the end of the year.
Those receiving an Operation Gratitude care package won't be disappointed even if it's not the milestone 300,000th box, though. Blashek said packages will include food items, T-shirts, toiletries, greeting cards, as well as DVDs, CDs and other entertainment items.
"In addition, we are looking at generous commitments for computer flash drives and small plush toys," she said, adding that a new and "vastly improved" Operation Gratitude Magazine with letters from "very special people" will be included in the boxes.
This campaign marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive, but Blashek hasn't lost her enthusiasm for showing her appreciation to troops. In fact, she said, it's the troops' e-mails, and one in particular, that help keep her going.
She recently received an e-mail from a soldier whose unit was getting ready to head home. He just wanted to thank Blashek and let her know that she was doing more than just packing boxes. "Your care packages helped lift morale here greatly, and you should know helped save the life of a young soldier," he wrote.
That young soldier never got anything at mail call and didn't have much family back home, the writer said. His unit learned later that he had planned to commit suicide on Christmas, but changed his mind after receiving one of Operation Gratitude's care packages.
"The soldier now writes letters and e-mails to folks whose names were in the bo,x and the soldier's attitude and outlook on life has really improved," the writer told Blashek. "Your care package made a major difference in a human life."
Letters like that motivate all of Operation Gratitude's volunteers to push on, Blashek said.
Operation Gratitude is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - In California, a modern-day Mrs. Claus is rallying her helpers once again to fill care packages with goodies for troops serving far from home during the upcoming holiday season. Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" doesn't officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers already are hard at work, founder Carolyn Blashek said.
"Our volunteers have already started the prep process (of) soliciting for products, collecting troop names, and sorting, inspecting ... and folding products," she said.
Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30. Blashek said she expects not only to fill about 60,000 care packages in those four weekends, but also to reach another milestone.
"(Operation Gratitude's) 300,000th package will be assembled on Dec. 15 with a projected delivery on or near Dec. 24," she said. "We already have a very wonderful commitment for another exciting gift!"
Blashek is keeping that tidbit to herself for the time being, but recipients of the 200,000th and 250,000th packages each received a new car. Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards, the recipient of the 200,000th package, received a new Dodge Caliber. Blashek is hoping to present Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez, the recipient of the 250,000th package, with the keys to his new Jeep Patriot by the end of the year.
Those receiving an Operation Gratitude care package won't be disappointed even if it's not the milestone 300,000th box, though. Blashek said packages will include food items, T-shirts, toiletries, greeting cards, as well as DVDs, CDs and other entertainment items.
"In addition, we are looking at generous commitments for computer flash drives and small plush toys," she said, adding that a new and "vastly improved" Operation Gratitude Magazine with letters from "very special people" will be included in the boxes.
This campaign marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive, but Blashek hasn't lost her enthusiasm for showing her appreciation to troops. In fact, she said, it's the troops' e-mails, and one in particular, that help keep her going.
She recently received an e-mail from a soldier whose unit was getting ready to head home. He just wanted to thank Blashek and let her know that she was doing more than just packing boxes. "Your care packages helped lift morale here greatly, and you should know helped save the life of a young soldier," he wrote.
That young soldier never got anything at mail call and didn't have much family back home, the writer said. His unit learned later that he had planned to commit suicide on Christmas, but changed his mind after receiving one of Operation Gratitude's care packages.
"The soldier now writes letters and e-mails to folks whose names were in the bo,x and the soldier's attitude and outlook on life has really improved," the writer told Blashek. "Your care package made a major difference in a human life."
Letters like that motivate all of Operation Gratitude's volunteers to push on, Blashek said.
Operation Gratitude is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
'Neighbors' Positively Affect Troops' Lives
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 10, 2007 - Volunteers with a Northern Virginia military-support group gather twice a month to fill care packages for troops serving overseas. "One of our primary focuses for the past few years has been sending care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Sharon Rainey, founder of the group, Neighbors International Foundation. "To date, we have sent over 7,000 packages and more than 26,000 letters of support."
Those packages create strong connections between the senders and the recipients and often result in thank you letters, Rainey said. Those small items are all the proof the volunteers need to know they're touching real lives.
"One chaplain would write us and tell us who got each item and why," she said. "For instance, the guys who burn sensitive documents got the bag of marshmallows so they could roast them while burning the documents."
The connection that develops extends beyond the troops, however.
One of the packages the foundation sent contained small stuffed animals for the recipients to share with local Iraqi children. "Animal drops" in several remote locations brought smiles to the faces of the local children. Better yet, the toys take the servicemembers a step closer to winning the kids' loyalty, Rainey said.
Another soldier wrote the foundation about handing out the same type of small stuffed toys in the local community. "The next day they were driving their tanks through the town and one little girl sat in the road and would not move," Rainey recounted from the soldier's letter.
Recognizing the girl, the soldier approached her to find she was holding the toy she'd received the day before.
"(She) moved so he could see that she was next to a (roadside bomb)," Rainey said. "She saved their lives because he offered a gift of friendship the day before.
"We are making a difference," she said.
The foundation also helped stock a school with supplies after the military rebuilt it, Rainey said.
Neighbors International Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's mission extends beyond supporting the military, however. It provides funds and volunteer services to support local charitable, educational, religious, public safety and similar organizations that serve the surrounding neighborhoods and communities, Rainey said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 10, 2007 - Volunteers with a Northern Virginia military-support group gather twice a month to fill care packages for troops serving overseas. "One of our primary focuses for the past few years has been sending care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Sharon Rainey, founder of the group, Neighbors International Foundation. "To date, we have sent over 7,000 packages and more than 26,000 letters of support."
Those packages create strong connections between the senders and the recipients and often result in thank you letters, Rainey said. Those small items are all the proof the volunteers need to know they're touching real lives.
"One chaplain would write us and tell us who got each item and why," she said. "For instance, the guys who burn sensitive documents got the bag of marshmallows so they could roast them while burning the documents."
The connection that develops extends beyond the troops, however.
One of the packages the foundation sent contained small stuffed animals for the recipients to share with local Iraqi children. "Animal drops" in several remote locations brought smiles to the faces of the local children. Better yet, the toys take the servicemembers a step closer to winning the kids' loyalty, Rainey said.
Another soldier wrote the foundation about handing out the same type of small stuffed toys in the local community. "The next day they were driving their tanks through the town and one little girl sat in the road and would not move," Rainey recounted from the soldier's letter.
Recognizing the girl, the soldier approached her to find she was holding the toy she'd received the day before.
"(She) moved so he could see that she was next to a (roadside bomb)," Rainey said. "She saved their lives because he offered a gift of friendship the day before.
"We are making a difference," she said.
The foundation also helped stock a school with supplies after the military rebuilt it, Rainey said.
Neighbors International Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's mission extends beyond supporting the military, however. It provides funds and volunteer services to support local charitable, educational, religious, public safety and similar organizations that serve the surrounding neighborhoods and communities, Rainey said.
Monday, October 08, 2007
America Supports You: Opry to Send 'World's Largest Care Package'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 5, 2007 - Country music fans soon will be invited to join top country artists and the Grand Ole Opry in creating the "World's Largest Care Package" for troops serving overseas. "We feel like this is a great way to thank (servicemembers) and recognize the sacrifices that they made to serve our country and defend our freedom," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. "This just seemed like a great idea that we thought would catch people's attention and put some smiles on some faces overseas."
The Grand Ole Opry, with the United States Postal Service and the Defense Department's America Supports You program, will unveil the World's Largest Care Package during its televised "Grand Ole Opry Live" show on Oct. 6. The project is part of the theater's 82nd birthday activities.
America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "(America Supports You) is a campaign we believe very strongly in," Fisher said. "We also think it's important to provide an opportunity ... for country music fans and Opry fans to express their support (for the troops). So America Supports You is always on our mind."
That opportunity comes in a box large enough to contain 1,000 individual packages, exactly the number of boxes the U.S. Postal Service donated, Fisher said. Those boxes, which carry the Grand Ole Opry and America Supports You logos, will be filled with letters from Opry fans, as well as gifts from musicians and record labels and some of America's most recognized corporate brands.
"We're welcoming (fans) to drop off letters," Fisher said. "What we will really emphasize is really to share their thoughts in a letter."
Fan letters will be accepted through the end of October. The packages will be shipped by Nov. 11 so troops serving overseas will receive them by Thanksgiving, Fisher said.
"Mail is a great morale booster for our troops," Joanne Giordano, Postal Service vice president for public affairs and communications, said in a joint Opry, Postal Service, America Supports You news release. "We're proud to be part of an effort to connect our brave men and women in uniform with their friends and family back home."
Support for the project has been widespread, including fans who participated in an Opry online auction that netted $10,000 to ship the packages. Volunteers from the nonprofit group Tennessee Marine Family will pack the boxes with goodies that are collected.
Donna Clemons, the mother of a Marine who has served three tours in Iraq, founded the group, which also supports the America Supports You program.
"The way all these organizations have come together, I believe, is truly representative of the support of our mission for our military family, and we're grateful for their generosity," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison. "The partnership between the Grand Ole Opry, one of our earliest supporters, and the U.S. Postal Service is an excellent example of how organizations can come together through the America Supports You program."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 5, 2007 - Country music fans soon will be invited to join top country artists and the Grand Ole Opry in creating the "World's Largest Care Package" for troops serving overseas. "We feel like this is a great way to thank (servicemembers) and recognize the sacrifices that they made to serve our country and defend our freedom," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. "This just seemed like a great idea that we thought would catch people's attention and put some smiles on some faces overseas."
The Grand Ole Opry, with the United States Postal Service and the Defense Department's America Supports You program, will unveil the World's Largest Care Package during its televised "Grand Ole Opry Live" show on Oct. 6. The project is part of the theater's 82nd birthday activities.
America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "(America Supports You) is a campaign we believe very strongly in," Fisher said. "We also think it's important to provide an opportunity ... for country music fans and Opry fans to express their support (for the troops). So America Supports You is always on our mind."
That opportunity comes in a box large enough to contain 1,000 individual packages, exactly the number of boxes the U.S. Postal Service donated, Fisher said. Those boxes, which carry the Grand Ole Opry and America Supports You logos, will be filled with letters from Opry fans, as well as gifts from musicians and record labels and some of America's most recognized corporate brands.
"We're welcoming (fans) to drop off letters," Fisher said. "What we will really emphasize is really to share their thoughts in a letter."
Fan letters will be accepted through the end of October. The packages will be shipped by Nov. 11 so troops serving overseas will receive them by Thanksgiving, Fisher said.
"Mail is a great morale booster for our troops," Joanne Giordano, Postal Service vice president for public affairs and communications, said in a joint Opry, Postal Service, America Supports You news release. "We're proud to be part of an effort to connect our brave men and women in uniform with their friends and family back home."
Support for the project has been widespread, including fans who participated in an Opry online auction that netted $10,000 to ship the packages. Volunteers from the nonprofit group Tennessee Marine Family will pack the boxes with goodies that are collected.
Donna Clemons, the mother of a Marine who has served three tours in Iraq, founded the group, which also supports the America Supports You program.
"The way all these organizations have come together, I believe, is truly representative of the support of our mission for our military family, and we're grateful for their generosity," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison. "The partnership between the Grand Ole Opry, one of our earliest supporters, and the U.S. Postal Service is an excellent example of how organizations can come together through the America Supports You program."
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Arizona Organization Works to Help Vets
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 19, 2007 - An organization in Phoenix is offering individuals, including some veterans, a lifeline when it comes to meeting some of their needs, such as housing, employment or just a simple word of encouragement. "We're here if anyone desires a more positive road," said Jacque Harris, business developer for the group, "My Brothers Keeper." "We try to help people get on the right track as much as we possibly can, (to) be a support system, a lifeline for them."
Some of the training and development center's clients are trying to reintegrate into their communities after incarceration. Some, however, are veterans of past wars looking for a better lease on life.
"We service a lot of the vets when they come through needing assistance with jobs, skill development, (and) housing referrals," she said. "I think every week we have a vet or two in our different workshops.
"We've found (vets) to be looking for about the same thing (as other clients)," Harris added, referring to the 28 veterans the program has helped since March.
The center also offers substance abuse and anger management counseling, as well as parenting skill development. All of the programs are free to anyone over the age of 18.
My Brothers Keeper, which will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 16, currently serves only Maricopa County and is doing a lot of what Harris called "soft skill" job training. That includes customer service, inventory management, sales and telemarketing.
The staff also has just implemented a business plan class, which offers those thinking of starting their own business a few reality checks, including an assessment of personal finances, she said.
"We teach them actually how to write their business plan and about projections and how do you project what's really your direct cost?" Harris said. "We also have referrals for funding small business loans, which we're really excited about."
Part of that syllabus includes a financial literacy workshop taught by a local bank executive. Students learn proper use of credit, how to look at interest rates, how to read a credit report, and how to spot fraudulent activity on that document.
All of this is done in the interest of placing veterans and other clients in jobs. Most have been unemployed for awhile and might be placed in several jobs before finding one that's mutually beneficial for employer and employee.
"We always encourage people, 'Don't quit. Allow us the opportunity to find you something else if this is not a good fit,'" Harris said. "We have built relationships with employers where we can really ... help them find (gainful) employment."
But My Brothers Keeper doesn't walk away after a vet is placed in that perfect job. The new employees are followed for 90 days to ensure their success, she said.
"There's accountability along the way," Harris said. "We're referring people to employers that we have relationships with, and we want to place other people there so it's important that we're there and involved."
Harris' goal for the next year is for My Brothers Keeper to open three more locations in Arizona.
"Then we want to go to California, (and) I don't know from there," she said. "Definitely the West Coast over the next two years is the plan."
If some have their way, My Brothers Keeper will eventually become a national organization. Harris already has received inquiries from people in Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas who heard about the program and hoped it was operating in their state. "That's encouraging," she said.
Each week between 15 and 20 people begin the weeklong orientation process, and while interested parties can walk into the Phoenix-based office, Harris suggests calling (602) 344-7504 to make sure there's space available that week.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The Defense Department's America Supports You program directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 19, 2007 - An organization in Phoenix is offering individuals, including some veterans, a lifeline when it comes to meeting some of their needs, such as housing, employment or just a simple word of encouragement. "We're here if anyone desires a more positive road," said Jacque Harris, business developer for the group, "My Brothers Keeper." "We try to help people get on the right track as much as we possibly can, (to) be a support system, a lifeline for them."
Some of the training and development center's clients are trying to reintegrate into their communities after incarceration. Some, however, are veterans of past wars looking for a better lease on life.
"We service a lot of the vets when they come through needing assistance with jobs, skill development, (and) housing referrals," she said. "I think every week we have a vet or two in our different workshops.
"We've found (vets) to be looking for about the same thing (as other clients)," Harris added, referring to the 28 veterans the program has helped since March.
The center also offers substance abuse and anger management counseling, as well as parenting skill development. All of the programs are free to anyone over the age of 18.
My Brothers Keeper, which will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 16, currently serves only Maricopa County and is doing a lot of what Harris called "soft skill" job training. That includes customer service, inventory management, sales and telemarketing.
The staff also has just implemented a business plan class, which offers those thinking of starting their own business a few reality checks, including an assessment of personal finances, she said.
"We teach them actually how to write their business plan and about projections and how do you project what's really your direct cost?" Harris said. "We also have referrals for funding small business loans, which we're really excited about."
Part of that syllabus includes a financial literacy workshop taught by a local bank executive. Students learn proper use of credit, how to look at interest rates, how to read a credit report, and how to spot fraudulent activity on that document.
All of this is done in the interest of placing veterans and other clients in jobs. Most have been unemployed for awhile and might be placed in several jobs before finding one that's mutually beneficial for employer and employee.
"We always encourage people, 'Don't quit. Allow us the opportunity to find you something else if this is not a good fit,'" Harris said. "We have built relationships with employers where we can really ... help them find (gainful) employment."
But My Brothers Keeper doesn't walk away after a vet is placed in that perfect job. The new employees are followed for 90 days to ensure their success, she said.
"There's accountability along the way," Harris said. "We're referring people to employers that we have relationships with, and we want to place other people there so it's important that we're there and involved."
Harris' goal for the next year is for My Brothers Keeper to open three more locations in Arizona.
"Then we want to go to California, (and) I don't know from there," she said. "Definitely the West Coast over the next two years is the plan."
If some have their way, My Brothers Keeper will eventually become a national organization. Harris already has received inquiries from people in Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas who heard about the program and hoped it was operating in their state. "That's encouraging," she said.
Each week between 15 and 20 people begin the weeklong orientation process, and while interested parties can walk into the Phoenix-based office, Harris suggests calling (602) 344-7504 to make sure there's space available that week.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The Defense Department's America Supports You program directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Media Icon Sheds Light on 'Signature Wound'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - On Jan. 29, 2006, a roadside-bomb explosion near Taji, Iraq, started one TV news personality on a journey from war correspondent to casualty of war, and finally to co-founder of a fund-raising organization to improve awareness about traumatic brain injury. Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, the tank he was riding in was hit. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury.
During his recovery, he gained personal insight into what many servicemembers injured in Iraq are enduring, which prompted him and his family to found the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.
"The (fund) assists servicemembers injured while serving in the United States armed forces," Rene Bardorf, the fund's executive director, said. "Bob Woodruff and his family have become the face of the injured with whom both military and civilian sectors can relate."
More importantly, servicemembers and their families have said Woodruff's role as a journalist gave a voice to servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, she added.
"We believe that the Bob Woodruff Family Fund has a unique opportunity to assist servicemembers and their families by increasing public awareness and educating the American public on the hidden injuries of war," Bardorf said.
Often referred to as "the signature wound of the Iraq war," traumatic brain injury can cause lingering problems with speech and concentration. It also can trigger mood difficulties, including violence and anger issues, according to the fund's Web site.
The fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
"We are committed to partnerships with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry to develop excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured," Bardorf said. "We are truly hopeful that we will help to ensure that our young heroes and their families have access to a lifetime of state-of-the-art treatment options, education, employment opportunities, and other long-term support to help them reintegrate back into their communities."
After five months in a medically induced coma, Woodruff awoke on March 6, 2006. Through intensive speech and cognitive therapy and the relearning of what most would consider simple tasks, the reporter provided ABC with "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports" in February. The documentary detailed his recovery and looked closely at how traumatic brain injuries affect soldiers wounded in Iraq.
Since then, Woodruff has been making regular contributions to ABC news programming.
The Bob Woodruff Family Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military members and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're excited to collaborate with this DoD-sponsored nationwide program that recognizes the American public's support for our military men and women and communicates that support to servicemembers," Bardorf said. "It is our hope that this support will serve to improve the quality of life for our injured servicemembers, veterans and their families."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - On Jan. 29, 2006, a roadside-bomb explosion near Taji, Iraq, started one TV news personality on a journey from war correspondent to casualty of war, and finally to co-founder of a fund-raising organization to improve awareness about traumatic brain injury. Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, the tank he was riding in was hit. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury.
During his recovery, he gained personal insight into what many servicemembers injured in Iraq are enduring, which prompted him and his family to found the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.
"The (fund) assists servicemembers injured while serving in the United States armed forces," Rene Bardorf, the fund's executive director, said. "Bob Woodruff and his family have become the face of the injured with whom both military and civilian sectors can relate."
More importantly, servicemembers and their families have said Woodruff's role as a journalist gave a voice to servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, she added.
"We believe that the Bob Woodruff Family Fund has a unique opportunity to assist servicemembers and their families by increasing public awareness and educating the American public on the hidden injuries of war," Bardorf said.
Often referred to as "the signature wound of the Iraq war," traumatic brain injury can cause lingering problems with speech and concentration. It also can trigger mood difficulties, including violence and anger issues, according to the fund's Web site.
The fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
"We are committed to partnerships with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry to develop excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured," Bardorf said. "We are truly hopeful that we will help to ensure that our young heroes and their families have access to a lifetime of state-of-the-art treatment options, education, employment opportunities, and other long-term support to help them reintegrate back into their communities."
After five months in a medically induced coma, Woodruff awoke on March 6, 2006. Through intensive speech and cognitive therapy and the relearning of what most would consider simple tasks, the reporter provided ABC with "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports" in February. The documentary detailed his recovery and looked closely at how traumatic brain injuries affect soldiers wounded in Iraq.
Since then, Woodruff has been making regular contributions to ABC news programming.
The Bob Woodruff Family Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military members and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're excited to collaborate with this DoD-sponsored nationwide program that recognizes the American public's support for our military men and women and communicates that support to servicemembers," Bardorf said. "It is our hope that this support will serve to improve the quality of life for our injured servicemembers, veterans and their families."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Brooks and Dunn, Toyota Salute Troops
By Willard Thomas
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 9, 2007 - More than 50 servicemembers not only enjoyed front-row seats at a Brooks and Dunn concert here last night, but also were guests at a backstage reception where they got a handshake and the personal thanks of the country music giants. The tab for this special recognition event was picked up by Toyota Motor Sales USA, who invited the troops as part of becoming a corporate supporter of "America Supports You," a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The servicemembers topped off the evening as on-stage guests of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. The singers saluted them and all their military teammates with the song they use to end all of their concerts: "Only in America."
The host for the event was Don Esmond, Toyota's senior vice president of automotive operations, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
Toyota's affiliation with America Supports You is an expansion of an on-going commitment to troop support. The automaker already was involved with programs such as Hire-A-Hero, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Camp Pendleton Concert Series.
"We have a civic duty to keep our troops top of mind as they defend our freedoms, and Toyota is happy to help bring the America Supports You message to the public through these key, grassroots partnerships," Esmond said.
Brooks and Dunn also are supporters of "America Supports You," along with hundreds of other corporations and organizations.
(Willard Thomas is a retired Marine artillery officer who is a freelance writer for military publications and is writing a book about war.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 9, 2007 - More than 50 servicemembers not only enjoyed front-row seats at a Brooks and Dunn concert here last night, but also were guests at a backstage reception where they got a handshake and the personal thanks of the country music giants. The tab for this special recognition event was picked up by Toyota Motor Sales USA, who invited the troops as part of becoming a corporate supporter of "America Supports You," a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The servicemembers topped off the evening as on-stage guests of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. The singers saluted them and all their military teammates with the song they use to end all of their concerts: "Only in America."
The host for the event was Don Esmond, Toyota's senior vice president of automotive operations, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
Toyota's affiliation with America Supports You is an expansion of an on-going commitment to troop support. The automaker already was involved with programs such as Hire-A-Hero, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Camp Pendleton Concert Series.
"We have a civic duty to keep our troops top of mind as they defend our freedoms, and Toyota is happy to help bring the America Supports You message to the public through these key, grassroots partnerships," Esmond said.
Brooks and Dunn also are supporters of "America Supports You," along with hundreds of other corporations and organizations.
(Willard Thomas is a retired Marine artillery officer who is a freelance writer for military publications and is writing a book about war.)
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