Tuesday, November 9, 2010

It's Never Too Late To Say 'Thank You' to Our Nation's Veterans: Even at The End of Life

/PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD, President/CEO, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization:

Americans across the country celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, a special day to salute the men and women who have bravely served our country in the military.

These fellow Americans have made profound sacrifices in defense of freedom and they deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Honoring our nation's Veterans includes supporting them throughout their entire lives, especially at the end.

As our nation marks Veterans Day 2010, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization deepens its commitment to increase Veterans' access to the compassionate, high quality care available from the nation's hospice and palliative care providers.

NHPCO has been a long-time supporter of the valuable work being done by the Department of Veterans Affairs to bring palliative care services to VA Medical Centers and the communities they serve.

This past month, NHPCO in collaboration with the VA, took a great step forward to help healthcare providers better serve Veterans at life's end by launching the website www.WeHonorVeterans.org, the centerpiece of the new We Honor Veterans campaign. This campaign will help those who provide care at the end of life, better understand the unique needs of our nation's Veterans.

But there is something that every American can do to honor and serve our Veterans – and that is to say, "thank you." Not just on November 11 but all year long.

Ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in your community whether they have served in the military (you may be surprised how many have)—and thank those who have served for their sacrifice.

A generation of World War II and Korean War Veterans are facing end-of-life care decisions now, and they are quickly being followed by younger Vietnam War Veterans, many of whom are confronting serious illnesses at an even earlier age.

It surprises many Americans to learn that every day, 1,800 Veterans die. That's more than 680,000 Veterans every year – or 25 percent of all the people who die in this country annually.

The liberty that we, as US citizens, enjoy comes at a price paid by these valiant men and women. Let each of us make sure we do our part to recognize and support them throughout their lives.

If you know a Veteran who is in need of the special care hospice and palliative care brings to people facing serious and life-limiting illness, please reach out and help them learn more about care options. Information is available from NHPCO's Caring Connections at www.caringinfo.org or by calling the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898.

To all our nation's Veterans, thank you.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Paralyzed Veterans Needs Your Vote to Win $250,000 Grant From Pepsi Refresh Project

/PRNewswire/ -- Beginning September 1, Paralyzed Veterans of America will begin competing for a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Grant funds will be used to support Paralyzed Veterans of America's adaptive sports and recreation programs. Each month, Pepsi selects groups working to "refresh the world" to compete for grants to fund their programs, and then invites the public to vote online for the winners.

Paralyzed Veterans of America will use the grant funds to sponsor 50 newly injured or wounded veterans to participate in adaptive sports and recreation programs, including the National Veterans Wheelchair Games--the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world; support 33 adaptive sports tournaments around the country, in such activities as bass fishing, trapshooting, bowling and billiards; and support five adaptive sports instructional clinics to train paralyzed veterans in adaptive sports.

"Sports and recreation are an integral part of rehabilitation for our injured and disabled veterans," said Andy Krieger, director of sports and recreation at Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Competition, camaraderie and achieving new goals from a wheelchair have immeasurable long-term health and fitness benefits."

Voters may vote once a day through September 30. To cast your vote for Paralyzed Veterans of America, go to http://www.refresheverything.com/paralyzedveterans. Voters may also cast their vote via mobile text message* by texting 102657 to 73774. (*Please note that standard text messaging rates may apply.)

Sixty-four years ago Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a band of spinal cord injured service members who returned home from World War II to a grateful nation--but also to a world with few solutions to the challenges they faced. These veterans from the "Greatest Generation" made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created an organization dedicated to veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities. And for more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans of America and its 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all veterans and people with disabilities, and their families, have everything they need to thrive. (www.pva.org).

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Thursday, September 2, 2010

200 American POWs and MIAs from 33 States and 5 Wars to be Honored at National POW/MIA Recognition Weekend in Andersonville, GA, Sept. 16-18, 2010

/PRNewswire/ -- Rolling Thunder®'s 2010 Ride Home, a multi-day annual activity held in conjunction with the Andersonville National Historic Site and the Friends of Andersonville to recognize and honor the nation's Prisoners of War (POW) and those still Missing in Action (MIA), will be held in Andersonville and Americus, GA, Sept. 16-18, 2010.

Hundreds of Rolling Thunder members are expected to gather to honor an estimated 200 former POWs/MIA family members from around the country who are scheduled to attend this year's program of events as guests of Rolling Thunder. A highlight of this year's activities is the presence of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which will be escorted by Rolling Thunder to the Andersonville National Historic Site where it will remain on display for 10 days.

This year's events will also include, for the first time, representatives of the American Gold Star Mothers, an organization founded in 1928 to remember and honor mothers who have lost sons or daughters in service to the United States. The organization was named after the Gold Star that families hung in their windows in honor of the deceased veteran.

Complete details on all events can be found on The Ride Home website. The national organization, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. was organized in 1987 to raise awareness of POW, MIA and Veterans rights issues. It is known for its annual demonstration "Ride For Freedom" in Washington, D.C. during Memorial Day weekend. For more information visit the National Rolling Thunder website.

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Friday, August 27, 2010

SIRIUS XM Patriot to Broadcast Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' Rally Live

/PRNewswire/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that it will air Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally live in its entirety from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The August 28th event begins at 10:00 am ET on SIRIUS XM Patriot (SIRIUS channel 144/XM channel 166), the conservative talk channel that airs Beck's daily radio show The Glenn Beck Program.

Beck will be joined by Sarah Palin, Jo Dee Messina, Alveda King (niece of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and many more in a non-political event paying tribute to America's service personnel and other citizens who embody the spirit of our nation's founding principles. Net proceeds raised by the event will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that provides scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the children of special operations personnel who lose their lives and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families.


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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Harley-Davidson Foundation Presents $1 Million Grant to Disabled American Veterans

/PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) yesterday announced the awarding of a second $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the non-profit organization, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Harley-Davidson's relationship with the DAV dates to 2006, when the Harley-Davidson Foundation made a prior $1 million grant to the organization. The new grant announced yesterday at the DAV National Convention in Atlanta is designated for continued funding of the DAV's Mobile Service Office (MSO) program over the next four years.

"We are proud to continue our relationship with the DAV and help the organization support veterans of all generations," said Gail Lione, President, Harley-Davidson Foundation. "Veterans have always been important members of the Harley-Davidson family and partnering with the DAV is an ideal way to support them and recognize their contributions to our country."

The DAV MSO program increases veterans' accessibility to benefits by literally putting service offices on the road. Since 2007, this program sponsored by Harley-Davidson -- dubbed Harley's Heroes® -- has visited thousands of sites across the United States, providing important counseling and assistance to help tens of thousands of veterans secure the benefits to which they are entitled from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and other government agencies.

"Harley-Davidson not only represents freedom and patriotism, the Company backs up its brand and generously supports those brave men and women whose sacrifices protect our nation," said DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson. "Through the support of the Harley-Davidson Foundation, DAV representatives have visited nearly 300 dealerships across the nation on the Harley's Heroes tour, delivering free benefits assistance to disabled veterans and their families through our Mobile Service Office program. It's hard to put into words just how much the Harley's Heroes program has meant to thousands of sick and wounded heroes."

Founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I, the DAV has continually represented the unique interests of the men and women who bear the wounds and scars of war. Through their network of 110 National Service Offices, 10 mobile service offices, and Transition Service Officers at more than 100 military installations, the 1.2 million member DAV builds better lives for all America's disabled veterans and their families. In 2009, DAV represented nearly a quarter of a million veterans and their families in their claims for VA benefits, obtaining for them nearly $4.5 billion in new and retroactive benefits.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson's support of veterans, visit, www.harley-davidson.com, including the "Salute to Veterans" page.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Veterans Support Organizations Dedicates Plaque to Honor Staff at Winder Walmart

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over Memorial Day weekend, while there were many tributes, backyard barbeques and pool parties, the local chapter of Veterans Support Organization took time to thank the staff of the Winder Walmart for their commitment to local veterans.

“Without the dedication of people like Chris, we would not be able to bring aid to so many of our local area veterans”

With the help of Walmart store #520 on Atlanta Highway in Winder, Georgia, the Georgia chapter of the Veterans Support Organization is able to help countless area veterans.

As a result, and to show their appreciation, Kelley Cassani and Chris Tullis, of the Veterans Support Organization, presented Chris Talley, operations manager of the Winder Walmart, with a plaque in recognition of his and the company’s ongoing support of the organization.

With Walmart’s permission, the Veterans Support Organization is able to raise funds at the Winder store. The organization’s fundraising efforts help them to provide ongoing assistance to local area veterans in need.

“Without the dedication of people like Chris, we would not be able to bring aid to so many of our local area veterans,” said Bill Mock, administrative director of the Georgia chapter of the Veterans Support Organization. “Walmart has been instrumental in our efforts in this area; their support is invaluable. We are extremely grateful.”

The Veterans Support Organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit that helps veterans who are homeless, or near homeless, organize a “path” to independent living. The organization has created and manages several programs that specifically address the emotional and financial needs of veterans.

The Veterans Support Organization currently operates in 11 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas. The organization plans to continue to open chapters in states that are not currently served.

To help, donate or learn more about the Veterans Support Organization, please log on to www.veteranssupportorganization.org or contact Bill Mock directly at 912.704.5523 or by email at bmock@veteranssupportga.org

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Soldiers' Angels Unveils New Text-to-Donate for Military Support

/PRNewswire/ -- Nonprofit Soldiers' Angels today announced a new way to support the troops just by using a cell phone. Patriotic Americans can now text "Soldiers" to 20222 to donate $5 toward care packages, assistance for wounded warriors, and support for veterans and their families.

A volunteer-based nonprofit awarded the prestigious Spirit of Hope by the Department of Defense, Soldiers' Angels has a long history of using high tech and social media platforms to motivate volunteers and donations. From raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through military and political blogs to winning a Twitter-based "Social Media Makeover" competition last summer, Soldiers' Angels has demonstrated a continuing commitment to using all available technological resources in its mission to support the troops.

"We are so excited to give Americans this great, cutting-edge way to help make sure our heroes receive the support they need in this time of war," said founder Patti Patton-Bader. "Five dollars really is a modest amount of money, but it adds up so quickly and means so much to our efforts. With text-to-donate we are continuing to use the latest technology to draw more Americans into this important work."

Along with text-to-donate, Soldiers' Angels is rolling out its new Mobile Support Club. Members of the club will receive up to four monthly alerts and updates on events, projects, soldier stories, support needs and much more, right on their mobile phones. Supporters can sign up automatically by texting "Soldiers" to 20222 to donate $5, or by visiting www.soldiersangels.org and clicking on the "Stay Connected" graphic.

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is an award-winning 501(c)(3) with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239. Tax ID# 20-0583415

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

SunTrust Invites You to Say Thank You to the Heroes in Your Life with 'Solid Salutes' Personalized Video

/PRNewswire/ -- This Memorial Day, Father's Day or "just because," pay tribute to the solid people in your life who go above and beyond and make a difference. With SunTrust Bank's "Solid Salutes," you can send a free, customized video thank you as unique as the person you're honoring - whether a loved one or friend in the military, a parent, special mentor, or your neighbor.

"The Solid Salutes video is a unique way to pay tribute to our servicemen and women and to say thank you to those who have shown us what it means to live solid," said Rilla Delorier, Chief Marketing Officer, SunTrust Bank. "We encourage people to share the video with their friends and family through the Internet, Facebook and Twitter so they, too, can pass it on."

Featuring photos of our country's military personnel and veterans and everyday heroes along with the song, "Thank You" by Diana DeGarmo, the video can be personalized by adding your own photo and message or can be sent as is. Intuitive and easy to customize, at www.suntrust.com/solidsalutes, the video takes only a few simple steps to create, review and send your own tribute. There's also an option to share this site with friends and family.

Beginning May 26 through Father's Day, June 20, you can visit www.suntrust.com/solidsalutes, to send a message to anyone who is a solid hero in your life - anywhere in the world.

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The American Legion and Military Channel Launch 'American Heroes' Vignettes Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq, Afghanistan

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion and Military Channel have teamed up to honor troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, including three soldiers who never made it back home. A series of ten, one-minute vignettes, "American Heroes" premieres Memorial Day on the Military Channel, which co-sponsored the production with The American Legion - the country's largest veterans service organization with about 2.5 million members worldwide.

Produced by Creative Street Entertainment, "American Heroes" includes the dramatic and poignant stories of those who fell in battle, suffered severe injuries, helped repair war-torn communities, or made it home to help other wounded warriors. Each American hero is honored with a Norman Rockwell Moments portrait at the close of the vignette. The profiles will air on the Military Channel for an entire year, starting with the network's live coverage of the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT.

"The 'American Heroes' stories are a collection that encompasses several different aspects of what it means to be a hero in wartime. First and foremost, we think of those who gave their lives - those whose memories we will honor forever," said Clarence Hill, national commander for The American Legion.

"Then there are those who return home with severe injuries, yet go on to succeed in the civilian world. We have American heroes who take care of wounded troops at VA hospitals, who have helped Iraqi children in their devastated cities, or who have taught their own families how to be heroes," Hill said. These vignettes really highlight the sacrifices of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how veterans of those wars continue to serve our country."

"Partnering with The American Legion to create these 'American Heroes' vignettes is emblematic of Military Channel's commitment to sharing compelling stories of heroism from within the U.S. Armed Services," said Henry Schleiff, general manager and president of Military Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater. "And what better day to launch these poignant stories than Memorial Day, a hallowed day for our country to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women serving in uniform, who have preserved our freedom and liberties while bringing security to the world."

The 11 individuals featured in the "American Heroes" vignettes are: Patrick Brady and his daughter, Meghan; David Brown, Tammy Duckworth, Dawn Halfaker, Nick Madaras, Jose Pequeno, Robert Posivio, Joseph Proctor, John Schatzel and Klay South.

Madaras, Posivio and Proctor died in Iraq; Proctor received the Silver Star. Duckworth, an assistant secretary in the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, was a pilot who lost both legs when her helicopter was shot down. Halfaker, vice president of the Wounded Warrior Project, lost an arm when an RPG exploded near her Humvee.

South, who founded the Veterans of Valor service organization, was shot while clearing out houses in Fallujah. Pequeno, whose story was told in the May 2009 issue of The American Legion Magazine, suffered severe traumatic brain injury from an IED explosion.

Patrick Brady, a retired Army major general, is a Medal of Honor recipient for bravery in Vietnam; his daughter, Meghan, has served in Kosovo, Kuwait and Iraq. Schatzel helped to rebuild the Iraqi scouting program in Baghdad, and Brown - twice-injured in battle - now spends his days helping veterans recover from war and readjust to the world of peace.

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Office Depot and Lexmark Team up with Operation Homefront to Provide Military Families with Free Printers

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Memorial Day, Office Depot® (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, and Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE:LXK), a leading global provider of imaging products, solutions and services, today announced a new program in conjunction with Operation Homefront that will provide military families with much-needed technology to help them stay in touch with their loved ones serving in the armed forces.

“We applaud Operation Homefront for their dedication to military families all over the world, and we hope that our customers will embrace the opportunity to help these families as well.”

The special program runs from May 30 through June 5. During that time Office Depot and Lexmark will donate a new Lexmark printer* to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of military families nationwide, each time a customer purchases a Lexmark printer in an Office Depot store (regularly priced at $199.99 and above) or online at www.officedepot.com/lexmark/operationhomefront. Office Depot and Lexmark hope to donate more than 4,000 printers.

“Office Depot is honored to support Operation Homefront through our partnership with Lexmark, and give back to thousands of military families by providing printers through this special program,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot. “We applaud Operation Homefront for their dedication to military families all over the world, and we hope that our customers will embrace the opportunity to help these families as well.”

“Operation Homefront provides necessary assistance to the families of U.S. military troops who are serving our country,” said Paul Rooke, executive vice president and president of Lexmark’s Imaging Solutions Division. “Lexmark is pleased to support dedicated partners like Office Depot that value corporate citizenship as much as we do. In addition to saving time and money with their purchase of a Lexmark all-in-one printer, customers will walk away feeling good about supporting this worthy cause.”

Program Featured on Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet

Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ champion Tony Stewart is helping the cause as well with his No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet featuring a special rear TV panel with the Office Depot, Lexmark and Operation Homefront logos, as well as the message, “Buy A Printer, Support Military Families.” The message will appear on the race car during the nationally televised Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend (Sunday, May 30, 6 p.m. EDT, FOX).

“I am very grateful to the men and women who serve our country, and that includes all of the military families who sacrifice time with their loved ones,” Stewart said. “They make it possible for people like me to do what I love and for fans to enjoy being at the race track every weekend. For any NASCAR fan who needs a new printer, now is the time to visit your local Office Depot store. Your purchase of a Lexmark printer will directly benefit a military family, and that is a great gift.”

Tweet Your Support: #OperationShoutOut

As part of the Office Depot and Lexmark program, people can also engage with Operation Homefront and support members of the military via Twitter. Beginning now through June 5, people can give a “Shout Out” to someone serving in the military and be entered for a chance to win one of 10 Lexmark printers. To participate, go to Twitter (www.Twitter.com) and tweet the name and rank of a loved one in the military, along with the hashtag: #OperationShoutOut, from your Twitter account.

For more information, please visit www.officedepot.com/lexmark/operationhomefront or your local Office Depot retail store location.

You can find Office Depot on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OfficeDepot and follow Office Depot on Twitter at http://twitter.com/officedepot.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com.

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

DRIFIRE, Provider of Comfortable FR Wear Donates Shirts to 2010 Run for the Heroes

/PRNewswire/ -- DRIFIRE, leading developer of comfortable flame resistant (FR) shirts and FR clothing, has donated its DRIFIRE Comfortable FR Wear t-shirts to the Run for the Heroes Memorial Day event. Run for the Heroes is a 260-mile run and relay across the state of Georgia from May 27 to May 31, and is open to all runners interested in supporting U.S. veterans.

The run was started in 2009 by John Teeples, a House of Heroes volunteer, as a way to raise money and awareness for the organization. House of Heroes provides free home repairs to disabled or elderly military heroes in gratitude for their service to the country.

"The DRIFIRE team is very excited to contribute to this event by donating our shirts. 260 miles is a really long distance, and our shirts will help runners stay dry, comfortable, and odor-free as they undertake this amazing feat of endurance and stamina," said Dustin Cohn, Chief Marketing Officer for DRIFIRE. "As a company that provides garments to many people serving in various branches of our country's military forces, DRIFIRE is honored to be working with an organization that strives to support our nation's heroes long after they've stepped off the battlefield."

The run begins at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, GA., and ends in Savannah, GA. Individual runners have 120 hours to complete the run, while relay teams of up to eight runners have 40 hours. Runners can follow their own schedule, stopping and starting at any time once the run has begun, but leaving markers at exact stopping point to allow them to pick up where they left off after taking a break.

"The House of Heroes is a compassionate and committed nonprofit organization, and we are proud to be a part of this unique, charitable event," said Cohn. "Together, we can make a difference in veterans' lives and give them a much-deserved 'thank you' for all they have done for this country. All of the runners have DRIFIRE's full support and encouragement in their Run for the Heroes."

For more information about House of Heroes or Run for the Heroes, visit http://www.houseofheroes.org/ or http://www.runfortheheroes.com/.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Military Pathways(R) Commemorates Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Month with iSalute Campaign

/PRNewswire/ -- Military Pathways is commemorating Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Month in May by launching a web-based greeting called "iSalute." The site, www.iSalute.org, allows friends and family to send an online greeting to active duty soldiers, veterans and military families in honor of their service and sacrifice, while providing access to a variety of online health services including anonymous mental health self-assessments.

To send an iSalute, users can visit www.iSalute.org, where they can choose a custom greeting and write their own personal message. "Military Pathways is excited to be able to offer an easy, free way for service members and their families to connect, show thanks to one another and assess their mental health all at the same time," said Connie DiCocco, Executive Director of Screening for Mental Health, Inc., the non-profit that runs the Military Pathways program.

Military Pathways offers service personnel and their families the opportunity to take anonymous, mental health and alcohol use self-assessments online, by phone, and through special events held at installations worldwide. The self-assessments are a brief series of questions that help those in need of assistance find it, without the stigma that is often attached to seeking care.

"As May is both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Month, this is the perfect opportunity to honor our service members and their families. And although we are launching this in May, it will be available year-round as it is important that we thank those in the military for their service and sacrifice throughout the year," said DiCocco.

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Raytheon Pledges $1.5 Million to Advance Army Museum's Education Programs

/PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) has committed $1.5 million to the National Museum of the United States Army as a sponsor of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education content in the Museum's Experiential Learning Center. The museum, which will open its doors in 2015, hopes to attract 200,000 students each year to its Fort Belvoir, Va., location.

"Today's young students represent the promise of a new generation of technologists and innovators to work in both the public and private sectors," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon. "The Army and Raytheon have a common goal to inspire these students to excel in STEM subjects in school in order to support our country's long-term competitiveness and security."

Swanson continued, "This museum will be a wonderful tribute to the millions of Americans who have served and sacrificed and are serving today in the United States Army, and we are proud to contribute to this important initiative."

General William W. Hartzog (USA-Ret.), president of The Army Historical Foundation said, "Research shows that middle school students are hands-on learners and benefit from interactive teaching tools. Raytheon's support will help make the Experiential Learning Center an unparalleled experience that will appeal to teachers, parents and students."

A cornerstone of the Museum's Experiential Learning Center will be the Raytheon-sponsored multi-user, multi-touch, interactive Learning Table with motion sensing technology. The Learning Table will accommodate more than a dozen simultaneous users or can be converted into four independent, team-oriented workstations.

Raytheon's support of the Army Museum's Experiential Learning Center is another element of the company's MathMovesU® program, which is committed to increasing middle school students' interest in math and science education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. The innovative programs of MathMovesU include Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills(TM) experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals; the "In the Numbers" game, a partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon; the company's multi-year sponsorship of the National MATHCOUNTS competition; and the Raytheon MathMovesU scholarship and grant program providing more than $1 million in annual funding to students and teachers.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

War Memorial Torn Down by Vandals!

/PRNewswire/ -- The Mojave Desert War Memorial, which was saved temporarily by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, was torn down by vandals sometime Sunday night. Liberty Institute, which represents longtime memorial caretakers Henry and Wanda Sandoz, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the American Ex-Prisoners of War, is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the removal of VFW property.

"This is an outrage, akin to desecrating people's graves," said Kelly Shackelford, president/CEO of Liberty Institute. "It's a disgraceful attack on the selfless sacrifice of our veterans. We will not rest until this memorial is re-installed."

The ACLU and its plaintiff originally won a decision to tear down the memorial cross, but that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28. The ACLU has stated that, as the case returns to the district court, it still plans to argue for the memorial to be torn down.

"This was a legal fight that a vandal just made personal to 50 million veterans, military personnel and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr. "To think anyone can rationalize the desecration of a war memorial is sickening, and for them to believe they won't be apprehended is very naive.

"The memorial will be rebuilt and the vandals will be caught and prosecuted in federal court, since the crime occurred on government property," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis. "We hope this horrible act will highlight the importance of resolving this case quickly so that the memorial and land can be transferred to the VFW so that the service and sacrifice of all American war dead will be properly recognized and honored, as originally intended by a group of World War I VFW members 76 years ago."

"Reports that the Mojave Cross was illegally removed overnight are very disturbing," said The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. "The American Legion expects whoever is responsible for this vile act to be brought to justice. While the memorial has been attacked, the fight will continue to ensure that veterans memorials will remain sacrosanct."

"This was never about one cross," said Hill. "It is about the right to honor our nation's veterans in a manner in which the overwhelming majority supports. The American Legion strongly believes the public has a right to protect its memorials."

Liberty Institute works to uphold Constitutional and First Amendment religious and speech freedoms in the courts. Liberty Institute represented all major veterans groups as amici in the Supreme Court case of Salazar v. Buono involving this 76-year-old war memorial.

For more information or to leave a tip, visit www.donttearmedown.com.

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Friday, May 7, 2010

Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band Launch 'Letters for Lyrics' National Letter-Writing Campaign to U.S. Soldiers

/PRNewswire/ -- -- Write a letter and receive a "Breaking Southern Ground" CD featuring
three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band

-- Goal to deliver 1 million letters to U.S. soldiers stationed across
the world
-- All U.S. Ram Truck dealerships will serve as collection points and
provide letter-writing stations
-- Letters to be collected at Zac Brown Band Concerts
-- Soldiers' Angels to deliver letters to U.S. Troops on behalf of the
Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band
-- Exclusive documentary-style footage of Zac Brown Band's USO tour
directed by Darren Doane to debut on RAM Truck Brand's Letter for
Lyrics site


The Ram Truck Brand, in partnership with Zac Brown Band, kicks off "Letters for Lyrics," a national letter-writing campaign targeted to U.S. soldiers. The goal for the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band is to send 1 million letters to U.S. troops deployed around the world.

In exchange for writing a letter to a U.S. soldier, participants will receive a special compilation CD titled, "Breaking Southern Ground." This exclusive CD features three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band, as well as music from artists signed to Zac Brown's label, Southern Ground Records - Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.

"The Ram Truck Brand is grateful for the commitment and courage that U.S. soldiers give to this country each day," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our company has been steadfast in its support of America's armed services; we know these letters will help brighten a soldier's day. We encourage our employees, suppliers and our customers to visit a local Ram Truck dealership to write or drop off a letter for these soldiers who protect our right to freedom."

"We've had several opportunities to perform for the troops over the past year and each time we were deeply inspired by their positive attitudes and dedication to protecting our country and preserving our way of life," said Zac Brown. "We were so moved that we knew we needed to recognize their efforts in a big way. Our hope is that by combining our experience overseas, our music, and the good people at Ram Truck Brand, we will be able to rally a movement of support for our brave service members abroad."

Darren Doane, the CMT nominated director of Zac Brown Band's live 'Pass the Jar' DVD (Southern Ground/Atlantic) and their music video for the #1 hit "Toes," traveled with the band to the Persian Gulf to document the moving experience - capturing footage of the band performing for the troops and meeting individually with the men and women in uniform. Bringing the experience home, Doane has constructed several mini-documentary style videos which will be posted to RamTrucks.com starting today and updated throughout the coming weeks.

"This unique endeavor is derived from respect and admiration, from both the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band, for the men and women in the military," said Marissa Hunter, Head of Ram Truck Brand Communications, Chrysler Group LLC. "It is our hope that these letters serve as a source of appreciation and comfort."

Letters will be collected at Zac Brown Band concerts and all U.S. Ram Truck dealerships. People interested in writing a letter can visit any Ram Truck dealership where special "Letters for Lyrics" stationery will be provided.

Soldiers' Angels, a nonprofit organization, will deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led organization with over 225,000 members providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.

"By standing wingtip to wingtip, the Ram Truck Brand, Zac Brown Band and Soldiers' Angels will be able to help build morale to heroes in combat zones one million fold," said Soldiers' Angels founder and president, Patti Patton-Bader. "We are truly grateful to the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band for their help in ensuring that our heroes know they are loved and appreciated."

The "Letters for Lyrics" campaign is part of an integrated marketing campaign for the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty and is supported with broadcast, print, digital and social media efforts that will run concurrently.

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Iraq Veteran Hikes U.S., Gathers Signatures for National 'Day of the Deployed'

/PRNewswire/ -- Iraq veteran Troy Yocum is beginning a journey of 7,000 miles on foot with a special message for the President and DC politicians from leaders around the country.

Crossing 30 states and 37 major cities in a sixteen-month effort dubbed "Drum Hike," Yocum will raise donations, support and awareness for military families who need financial assistance. He will also carry with him a Louisville Slugger baseball bat adorned with the signatures of hundreds of mayors and dozens of governors who are urging the president to declare a "National Day of the Deployed" to honor the sacrifices of military families in this time of war.

Yesterday, Yocum procured the signature of Louisville's Mayor Jerry Abramson. He will add eight more Kentucky mayors and the state's governor during the first two weeks of his hike. Forty-two additional mayors and governors have expressed an interest in adding their signatures during the hike, and hundreds more are expected. Yocum will present the bat to the White House at the conclusion of his hike.

Other events associated with the Drum Hike will span the nation, including motorcycle rallies, a Blue Star Mothers convention, mini marathons, concerts, a skydiver and the largest American flag to trail a licensed vehicle. Yocum will also participate in baseball-related patriotic activities at 20 stadiums, and attend ceremonies to rename highways for fallen heroes of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239. Tax ID# 20-0583415. For more information on Drum Hike, see www.drumhike.com or call 510-305-0004.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Week

/PRNewswire/ -- The week of April 11-17, 2010, marks the founding of Paralyzed Veterans of America 64 years ago. All Americans are being encouraged to take time out of their busy schedules to honor and help empower America's paralyzed veterans.

With events and activities across the country and the theme Empowering Lives, Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Week highlights the unique challenges facing veterans with spinal cord injury/dysfunction. It spotlights the work of Paralyzed Veterans to empower seriously wounded heroes and their families with everything they need to thrive.

This special week will also see the launch of Mission: ABLE, a new campaign that will enlist all Americans -- companies, citizens and communities -- to help our paralyzed heroes fully live the lives they deserve and to receive what they need most: care, benefits and jobs. Please visit www.mission-able.com for more details.

"Please take a minute during Awareness Week to think about the enormous challenges paralyzed veterans and their families face every day and then do something good to help empower their lives," said Gene A. Crayton, national president of Paralyzed Veterans. "From a community saying thanks to a paralyzed veteran who has just returned home from Iraq to an employer deciding to hire more veterans with disabilities, you can do something special to celebrate the 64th birthday of Paralyzed Veterans of America."

Paralyzed Veterans and its 34 chapters:

-- Fight for quality VA health care and ample military benefits.
-- Promote and provide wheelchair sports and recreational activities.
-- Lead the charge to make America more accessible.
-- Empower paralyzed veterans with the tools they need to secure good
careers, at a time when the unemployment rate for veterans with severe
disabilities is 85 percent.
-- Invest in research to find new treatments and a cure for paralysis.
-- Provide our services to all veterans and their families free of
charge. We simply couldn't do it without your generous support.


Sixty-four years ago, Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a band of spinal cord injured service members who returned home from World War II to a grateful nation, but also to a world with few solutions to the challenges they faced. These veterans from the "Greatest Generation" made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created Paralyzed Veterans, dedicated to veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities. And for more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans and its 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all veterans, and people with disabilities, and their families, have everything they need to thrive. (www.pva.org)

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

AirTran Airways Salutes Women Airforce Service Pilots as They Receive the Congressional Gold Medal

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today congratulates the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) as they receive the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroic service during World War II.

In 1942 and 1943, more than 1,000 women answered the call of duty, accumulating more than 60 million flight miles, ferrying all types of aircraft from factories to the front lines, providing training to male combat aviators, testing aircraft and even towing aerial targets for anti-aircraft artillery units. During that time, 38 WASPs made the ultimate sacrifice.

"We are overjoyed to see these pioneers and real American heroes finally recognized for their contributions and we are truly honored to salute them today along with a grateful nation," said Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways' vice president of marketing and sales. "To be able to fly some of these living heroes to this ceremony is a singular honor for the 8,500 Crew Members of AirTran Airways."

The low-cost carrier is an official sponsor of the group's festivities in Washington this week and offered complimentary flights to the ceremony for all living WASPs. The Company has a long history of supporting female aviation professionals from both the pilot ranks and throughout the industry.

"We are extremely grateful to AirTran Airways for stepping up to pay tribute to our WASPs, who after 66 years are finally receiving recognition for what they did for our country during World War II," said Brigadier General Wilma Vaught (ret). "Our corporate sponsors helped make the tribute special. I am a proud AirTran customer."

WASPs were officially classified as civilians by the U.S. government and were not considered to be members of the military during their service. They were responsible for providing their own transportation to and from duty and were not afforded veteran status until 1977. President Obama signed the bill officially awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the WASPs on July 1, 2009.

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Monday, March 8, 2010

WordpressURL Microsoft Announces Initiative to Help Prepare U.S. Veterans for Jobs

/PRNewswire/ -- Building on its Elevate America program to provide technology training to help prepare people for 21st-century jobs, Microsoft Corp. today announced an initiative to bring together a coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations to give veterans and their spouses the skills and resources they need to be successful in today's civilian work force.

Microsoft will contribute $2 million in cash and up to $6 million in software over the next two years to support programs for members of the armed services and their spouses who are separating from the military and reintegrating into their civilian communities and the work force. Through a competitive funding process, Microsoft will award cash, software and other resources to eligible organizations, including veterans service organizations, work force agencies, community colleges and other nonprofit organizations. The initiative will provide veterans and their spouses with the support they need to be successful in their transition to civilian careers, including technology skills training, job placement, career counseling and other support services such as childcare, transportation and housing. The initiative is intended to support active duty service members who are transitioning out of the military as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves who are returning to their civilian jobs.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the first organization to join the coalition and will work with Microsoft over the next two years on this initiative.

"In the coming years, a significant number of veterans will seek civilian employment opportunities. Microsoft's new initiative provides veterans with the tools to successfully transition to new careers and contribute to economic growth in an especially tough economy," said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and executive director of IAVA. "Microsoft has been the leader in the technology revolution, and we appreciate its strength and commitment to our returning heroes. The company is sending a message to veterans nationwide that it has their back. IAVA is excited to be a part of this coalition, and we look forward to working with Microsoft to make a historic impact."

"I salute Microsoft's plan to help our nation's veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian careers. The men and women who have served in uniform make excellent employees, and I believe this effort will go a long way to helping them succeed in the 21st century work force. I hope Microsoft's commitment will inspire all employers across the country to give back to veterans," said Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and World War II veteran.

"Programs such as Elevate America represent the uniquely American attributes of compassion for our fellow man and corporations answering the call to serve our veteran community in time of war," said Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "Education and training of the young men and women who have served our nation in the military and their families is often an afterthought and an unattainable goal in times of economic stress. This innovative program helps bridge that divide and opens up paths to new opportunities in life."

"Veterans and their families deserve our nation's best efforts in providing the resources to ensure a seamless transition from military service to civilian life. I commend Microsoft for working to support these heroes by providing the tools necessary to be part of a 21st century work force," said Congressman Bob Filner (D-California), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "As a nation, we reap the rewards of their dedication and sacrifice. Today, Microsoft has shown individuals, communities and neighborhoods what we can do if we work together. What may seem simple at the outset can lead to powerful changes for our heroes."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 185,000 unemployed Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The unemployment rate among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans is 20 percent higher than the overall unemployment rate for nonveterans. While veterans are highly trained in military and leadership skills, many lack the formal education, training and certifications required by employers as they transition into the civilian work force. More than half of today's jobs require some technology skills, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that will reach 77 percent in the next decade.

"Our servicemen and women are amazing leaders, but to be able to compete in the tough job market when they return from duty, many of them need access to technology training," said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs, who announced the initiative at today's National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum. "We are bringing together organizations and companies that can combine their competencies and resources with ours to make the greatest possible impact to help veterans and their spouses."

Organizations and veterans can find more information on this initiative by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/elevateamerica, and can get updates by following Elevate America on Twitter at http://twitter.com/elevateamerica.

Since launching Elevate America in February 2009 as part of Microsoft Unlimited Potential, Microsoft has partnered with states to provide people with technology skills training, industry-recognized certifications and work force readiness tools to help them prepare for today's jobs. Elevate America was designed as a program for all Americans, to help people gain skills to be more employable, sharpen their skills to retain current jobs, apply for jobs they were not previously qualified for and have the confidence to continue job-seeking. States have until March 31 to sign up for the program.

At the NAWB Forum, Passman reported on the results of Elevate America so far:

-- Twelve states have implemented the program: Colorado, Georgia,
Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri,
North Carolina, Virginia and Washington.
-- To date, Microsoft has distributed more than 300,000 free training and
certification vouchers to these states.
-- More than 50 percent of people who received vouchers proactively took
the next step -- beginning a training course or taking a certification
exam.
-- Around 70 percent of the people who received the vouchers were
unemployed.
-- Sixty percent were women, and 37 percent were between 41 and 55 years
of age.
-- Thirty-three percent had a high school diploma or GED, and 42 percent
had some postsecondary education or training (certificate, some
college or four-year degree).



More information on Elevate America is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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Friday, February 19, 2010

The SCOOTER Store Donates Scooters to WWII Veterans to Visit Jamestown Memorial

/PRNewswire/ -- J.A. Carlascio is one of the many veterans who fought for our freedom during World War II. Originally assigned to Italy, he was wounded and became a prisoner of war for two years. He also comes from a family of veterans: his oldest brother was wounded in Italy and his youngest lost his life in the Pacific. But that is not all that makes him noteworthy; he helped establish a veterans' memorial in his hometown.

One of only 17 sites in the nation, Flags Across America is a 30x60-foot flag on a 130-foot pole located on the grounds of Fort Seward. It features a new veterans' memorial that honors North Dakotans who fought and died for our country, and highlights the Congressional Medal of Honor winners from the state. Carlascio sent a letter to The SCOOTER Store asking for a scooter for those veterans who are unable to visit the memorial due to their mobility limitations or war-related injuries.

On Thursday afternoon, The SCOOTER Store provided AMVETS with two Go-Go scooters at the local Vets Club. On hand from the company's Bismarck operations was Mobility & Service Specialist Jason Roehrich to make the presentation. The scooters were donated under The SCOOTER Store Gift of Mobility program, which provides mobility equipment and assistance to those who do not have the financial resources or insurance to obtain power wheelchairs and scooters.

These scooters will help veterans in the area travel to the Flags Across America & Veteran's Memorial. To reach the memorial, visitors must follow a wooden pathway that starts at the Fort Seward Museum, to the eastern side of the Fort grounds, until it reaches the base of the flag. The path around the flag is made of paving brick, each holding the name of a veteran. Carlascio is responsible for selling more than 1,800 of these bricks.

"All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans," said North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad. "They have made great sacrifices to ensure our nation's freedom. It is a debt that we will never be able to fully repay, but we must make every effort to honor our veterans - both from the Greatest Generation and now this latest generation -- and ensure they continue to have our unwavering commitment and support."

The SCOOTER Store also proudly supports Honor Flight, a non-profit organization that transports World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials erected in their honor. Many veterans are more than 80 years old and need mobility assistance, so the company loans touring groups power wheelchairs and scooters for the day.

"Mr. Carlascio and his fellow veterans proudly served this country during World War II; the least we can do now is serve them," said Doug Harrison, Founder, President and CEO of The SCOOTER Store. "We started the Gift of Mobility program because we understand that mobility and the ensuing independence is fundamental to the freedom these veterans helped us keep. We hope the scooters remind the veterans how much their service is appreciated."

Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people improve their quality of life by assisting in achieving their independence and mobility. Since then, the outreach program has worked with non-profit groups around the country to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs, valued at more than $350,000 a year to individuals and community service organizations, enabling them to provide freedom and independence to people with limited mobility.

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Distinguished Sailors Saluted On Stamps

/PRNewswire/ -- Four revered U.S. Navy icons were commemorated with a First-Class salute with the dedication of the Distinguished Sailors collectable stamps. Available nationwide today, the 44-cent stamps immortalize four sailors who served with bravery and distinction during the 20th Century: William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy and Doris "Dorie" Miller.

The dedication ceremony took place today at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, DC.

"On behalf of the U.S. Postal Service, I am pleased to honor these four great sailors who impacted our nation and world," said Potter. "These brave individuals represent the U.S. Navy's proud legacy of service to this nation. Their example is an inspiration to every American."

Joining Potter in dedicating the stamps were Juan M. Garcia III, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs); Vice Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, Director, Navy Staff; Edward K. Walker Jr., Rear Admiral, Supply Corps (Ret.) and United States Navy Memorial President; David A. Rosenberg, PhD, Naval Historian/Captain, U.S. Navy Reserves; Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX); Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX); and, U.S. Postal Service Vice President, Supply Management, Susan M. Brownell.

"I am honored to recognize the contributions these great Americans made to our Navy and to our country," said Garcia. "It is only fitting that their legacy of honor, courage and commitment be spotlighted by the United States Postal Service."

The stamps, designed by Phil Jordan of Falls Church, VA, are based on photographs from Navy archives. Text along the top of the stamp sheet identifies the four sailors, the approximate date of each photograph, and a ship named in honor of each sailor.

William S. Sims

Commander of U.S. naval forces in European waters during World War I, Sims (1858-1936) was an outspoken reformer and innovator who helped shape the Navy into a modern fighting force. Frustrated by the Navy bureaucracy, he circumvented his superiors to get the Navy to adopt improved gunfire techniques that increased firing accuracy as ships rolled through ocean swells. He also is noted for promoting the convoy system that grouped ships closely together as they were accompanied by small numbers of Navy escorts while crossing the U-Boat infested Atlantic -- saving countless lives in both world wars. The stamp features a detail from a 1919 photograph of Sims and depicts the crest of the destroyer escort USS W.S. Sims (DE-1059), commissioned in 1970.

Arleigh A. Burke

After serving as one of the top destroyer squadron commanders of World War II, Burke (1901-1996) had an equally distinguished postwar career in which he played a major role in modernizing the Navy and guiding its response to the Cold War. During World War II, he gained a reputation for brilliance and innovation while commanding Destroyer Squadron 23, known as "the Little Beavers." The squadron fought in 22 separate actions in a four-month period, sinking or helping to sink nine enemy destroyers and downing 30 airplanes. He later served an unprecedented three terms as the Navy's highest ranking officer -- Chief of Naval Operations -- to speed construction of nuclear-powered submarines and initiating the Polaris Ballistic Missile Program. His stamp, based on a 1951 photograph, depicts the crest of the guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), commissioned in 1991.

John McCloy

Described by a shipmate as "like a bull" who couldn't be stopped, McCloy (1876-1945) holds the distinction of being one of the few men in the nation's history to earn two Medals of Honor for a rescue mission during the Boxer Rebellion in which he was wounded, and during the 1914 Mexican Revolt for intentionally exposing his boat to draw enemy fire to identify their positions for retaliation by U.S. cruiser gunfire. Shot in the thigh, he remained on post 48 hours until the brigade surgeon sent him to a hospital. In 1919 he was awarded the Navy Cross as commander of USS Curlew, which engaged in the "difficult and hazardous duty" of sweeping mines in the North Sea in the aftermath of World War I. His stamp is based on a circa 1920 photograph and depicts the crest of the destroyer escort, USS McCloy (DE-1038), commissioned in 1963.

Doris Miller

The first black American hero of World War II, Miller (1919-1943) became an inspiration to generations of Americans for his actions at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Serving aboard the battleship West Virginia as a mess attendant -- the only job rating open to blacks at the time -- Miller helped rescue scores of shipmates wounded or trapped in wreckage. He was later ordered to the bridge to help move the ship's mortally wounded captain. Never trained in its operation, he manned an unattended 50-caliber machine gun to fire on Japanese aircraft until ordered to abandon the bridge as fires raged out of control. He was later awarded the Navy Cross. Miller was promoted in June 1943 to Officer's Cook Third Class aboard the new escort aircraft carrier Liscome Bay and was killed in action on Nov. 24 that year along with more than 600 shipmates when an enemy torpedo sank the ship during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. His body was lost at sea. His stamp is based on a 1942 photograph and depicts the crest of the destroyer escort USS Miller (DE-1091), commissioned in 1973. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr., portrayed Miller in the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the third Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Distinguished Sailors Stamps
Special Cancellations
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282


After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 6, 2010.

How to Order First-Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or by writing to:

Information Fulfillment
Dept.6270
U.S. Postal Service
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products
There are four philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

-- 465863, First-Day Cover/Set 4, $3.28
-- 465868, Digital Color Postmark/Set 4, $6
-- 465891, Ceremony Program, $6.95
-- 465899, Digital Color Postmark/Set 4 w/Full Pane Keepsake, $14.95

William S. Sims

Commander of U.S. naval forces in European waters during World War I, Sims was an outspoken reformer and innovator who helped shape the Navy into a modern fighting force.

Sims was born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, where his father, an American citizen, was a railroad engineer. The family moved to Vermont when Sims was about 12 and soon settled in Pennsylvania.

Sims attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, from 1876 to 1880. He then spent nearly two decades at sea, interrupted by a year (1889) in Paris studying French. From 1897 to 1900, he served as naval attaché to the U.S. Embassy in France and to the ministry in Russia. During this time, he studied and made reports on European naval developments, which he found to be far more advanced than those in America. While in France, he met his future wife, Anne Hitchcock, daughter of the U.S. minister to Russia.

In 1901, at great risk to his career, Sims circumvented his immediate superiors and wrote directly to President Theodore Roosevelt about "the extreme danger of the present very inefficient condition of the Navy," emphasizing the glaring deficiencies of American battleships and the need for more accurate firepower. Roosevelt thanked Sims for the letter and encouraged him to continue offering suggestions. Sims was able to implement some of his ideas for reform, especially in the area of gunnery, while serving as inspector of target practice in the Navy's Bureau of Navigation from 1902 to 1909. He trained officers and gun crews in a new gun control method called "continuous aim firing," adapting the techniques of British officer Percy Scott and achieving significant improvements in firing speed and accuracy. He also served as President Roosevelt's naval aide from 1907 to 1909.

Shortly before the United States entered World War I, Sims, by this time a rear admiral, was sent on a secret mission to gather information on wartime conditions and to confer with the British Royal Navy. Soon after America entered the war, he was appointed commander of U.S. naval forces operating near Europe. To counter the German strategy of unrestricted warfare by U-boats, Sims advocated various anti-submarine measures. He played a critical role in promoting and coordinating a system of convoys -- using destroyers and other warships to escort merchant ships and transports through danger zones -- that achieved dramatic reductions in Allied shipping losses. To the extent that the defeat of German submarine warfare was "the critical naval campaign of the war, essential to victory over the Central Powers," as historian David Trask has written, Sims's contribution to the Allied victory in World War I was profound.

After the war, Sims returned to the same position he had held previously at the Naval War College, serving as president until his retirement in 1922. He sparked a congressional investigation in 1920 of the wartime conduct of the Navy Department, leading to extensive hearings on the subject. He also wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the war, Victory at Sea (1920).

Sims continued to write and lecture about naval reform until his death in 1936, at which time the New York Herald Tribune declared that he had "influenced our naval course more than any man who ever wore the uniform." The Navy has named three destroyers after Sims. The most recent, USS W.S. Sims (DE-1059), was commissioned in 1970.

Arleigh A. Burke

After serving as one of the top destroyer squadron commanders of World War II, Burke had an equally distinguished postwar career in which he played a major role in modernizing the Navy and guiding its response to the Cold War.

Born and raised on a farm near Boulder, CO, Burke secured an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1919 and graduated in 1923. After serving five years on the battleship USS Arizona, he pursued postgraduate work in ordnance at the United States Naval Postgraduate School and then earned a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1931. During the 1930s, Burke served in various capacities in a heavy cruiser and a destroyer before being given command of USS Mugford, which under Burke won the Destroyer Gunnery Trophy for 1939-1940.

At the outset of World War II, Burke was an inspector at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington, DC. His repeated requests for sea duty went unheeded until he was given command in early 1943 of a destroyer division in the South Pacific. He soon gained a reputation for brilliance and innovation, especially after taking command that fall of Destroyer Squadron 23. Under Burke the squadron became known as "the Little Beavers" and fought in 22 separate actions in a four-month period, sinking or helping to sink nine Japanese destroyers and downing 30 airplanes. His exploits and his own nickname, "31-Knot Burke," became widely known, and his performance in battle earned him an appointment in March 1944 as chief of staff to Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher in the famed Fast Carrier Task Force. According to the Dictionary of American Military Biography, in this post Burke "coordinated the operations of the largest naval striking force in history in the battles of the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa."

With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Burke was sent to Japan to serve as deputy chief of staff to the commander of U.S. naval forces in the Far East. In 1951, he briefly served as commander of Cruiser Division Five before being designated a member of the United Nations Truce Delegation, which sought to negotiate an armistice in Korea. In late 1951, Burke was summoned to Washington, DC, for a two-year tour as director of the Navy's Strategic Plans Division. In 1955, while still a rear admiral, he reached the pinnacle of his profession when President Eisenhower appointed him Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), promoting him ahead of nearly 100 more senior officers. During an unprecedented three terms as CNO, Burke sped up the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and initiated the Polaris Ballistic Missile Program.

Burke retired from the Navy in 1961 after nearly 40 years of service. He remained an influential figure and was at the forefront of efforts to establish the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, which was dedicated in 1987. In 1977, Burke was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Navy honored him by naming a new class of guided missile destroyers after him. On July 4, 1991, the first of these, the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), was commissioned in a ceremony attended by Burke and his wife, Roberta.

When Burke died in 1996, he was hailed as a "sailor's sailor" who defined what it meant to be a naval officer: "relentless in combat, resourceful in command, and revered by his crews."

John McCloy

Described by a shipmate as "like a bull" who couldn't be stopped, McCloy has the distinction of being one of the few men in the nation's history to earn two Medals of Honor for separate acts of heroism.

Born in Brewster, NY, McCloy went to sea as an adolescent, by some accounts joining the U.S. Merchant Marine when he was 15. In March 1898, at age 22, he enlisted in the Navy on the eve of the Spanish-American War.

During the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, McCloy earned his first Medal of Honor "for distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy" while participating in a relief expedition to rescue members of the foreign community under siege at 11 ministries in Peking (now Beijing), China. He was wounded in action on June 22, 1900, during the seizure of an arsenal near Tientsin (now Tianjin).

McCloy earned his second Medal of Honor for his heroism in 1914 when American forces landed at Veracruz, Mexico. On April 21, Chief Boatswain McCloy was in charge of three picket boats unloading men and supplies at a pier when his detachment came under fire from the nearby Mexican Naval Academy. To expose enemy positions, he took his boat away from the pier and directed fire at the building. His action drew retaliatory fire that allowed cruisers to locate and shell sniper positions, thus protecting the men on shore. McCloy was shot in the thigh but remained at his post for 48 hours until the brigade surgeon sent him to a hospital ship. His medal citation credited him with "distinguished conduct in battle and extraordinary heroism."

Described by one naval historian as "an almost legendary figure" by the time of the Veracruz incident, McCloy continued to live up to his reputation for bravery. In 1919, now a lieutenant, he was awarded the Navy Cross for "distinguished service" as commander of USS Curlew, which engaged in the "difficult and hazardous duty" of sweeping mines in the North Sea in the aftermath of World War I.

McCloy retired from active duty in 1928 after a 30-year career in the Navy and "a lifetime of service on all the seven seas," as the Kansas City Star put it. His service record notes that in 1942 he was advanced on the retired list to lieutenant commander after being "specially commended by the Secretary of the Navy for performance of duty in actual combat." McCloy died in 1945. In 1963, the Navy commissioned a destroyer escort named in his honor, the USS McCloy (DE-1038).

Doris Miller

The first black American hero of World War II, Miller became an inspiration to generations of Americans for his actions at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Miller was born into a family of sharecroppers and raised near Waco, TX. Imposing in stature, he played football in high school and later showed skills as a heavyweight boxer. In 1939, at 19, Miller enlisted in the Navy as a mess attendant, the only job rating open to Blacks at the time.

Miller was serving aboard the battleship West Virginia when the Japanese attacked while it was moored at Pearl Harbor. When damage to the ship prevented him from reaching his regular battle station, Miller helped with efforts to rescue his shipmates, scores of whom were wounded or trapped in wreckage. He was later ordered to the bridge to assist in moving the ship's captain, who had been mortally wounded.

After helping carry the captain to a more sheltered area, Miller took over an unattended 50-caliber machine gun nearby. Though never trained in its operation, he maintained fire on Japanese aircraft until ordered to abandon the bridge as fires raged out of control.

After the attack, West Virginia's senior surviving officer wrote in his report that Miller's contributions as a rescuer were crucial, "unquestionably saving the lives of a number of people who might otherwise have been lost." Thanks to press coverage and the tremendous interest of the Black community, Miller (who was often referred to as "Dorie" in press accounts), became, arguably, the best known enlisted sailor of World War II.

On May 27, 1942, Miller was awarded the Navy Cross "for distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor." While presenting the award, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of the Pacific fleet, commented: "This marks the first time in this conflict that such high tribute has been made in the Pacific fleet to a member of his race and I'm sure that the future will see others similarly honored for brave acts."

After serving aboard the Indianapolis for nearly a year, Miller took overdue leave and made public appearances in California, Texas and Illinois before being advanced in June 1943 to the rating of officer's cook, third class, and assigned to the new escort aircraft carrier Liscome Bay. On Nov. 24, 1943, he was killed in action along with more than 600 shipmates when a Japanese submarine torpedoed and sank Liscome Bay during Operation Galvanic, the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. His body was lost at sea.

Miller received numerous posthumous honors. A destroyer escort, USS Miller (DE-1091), commissioned in 1973, was named for him. A number of elementary schools across the country have been named after Miller. A school, park, cemetery, and YMCA branch in Waco, TX, bear his name.

Although he was only the first of a number of African Americans to be recognized for their heroism in World War II, Miller is singularly remembered for providing inspiration to a campaign for equal recognition and opportunity for Blacks in the military, a campaign that bore fruit in 1948 when President Truman ordered "that there shall be equality and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces."

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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Miramar National Cemetery Dedicated

/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a dedication ceremony today in San Diego for the Miramar National Cemetery.

"Offering more burial options for Veterans in southern California is a top priority," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "With this cemetery, we are keeping our commitment to provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who sacrificed to protect our Nation."

VA's Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro, gave the keynote address and was joined by elected officials as the dedication plaque was unveiled. Military honors included a firing salute and the ceremony ended with the playing of "Taps."

The 313-acre Miramar National Cemetery will include both gravesite and columbarium development, providing a full range of burial alternatives to approximately 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego County area.

The nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery closed to first interment casketed burials in 1966, although it stays active with casketed interments of family members of those already interred and inurnments of cremated remains. Riverside National Cemetery, 90 miles from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, is currently the nearest national cemetery offering full burial options.

The design contract for $961,004 was awarded to Van Dyke Landscape Architects, a small business firm in San Diego.

The first phase of construction will include approximately 11,500 conventional gravesites; 4,500 in-ground cremation sites; 10,000 columbarium niches; an administration building and maintenance complex; two committal service shelters; and a public assembly area. The project will also include systems for water distribution, roads, utilities, signs and landscaping.

VA chose Kirk Leopard as director of the cemetery. He will continue as the director of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that appointment, he was director of Baltimore National Cemetery and assistant to the director at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Alabama. In June 2006, he completed 12 months of training as a cemetery director intern at VA's National Cemetery Administration training center in St. Louis. Leopard is a 21-year Navy Veteran, having served as a hospital corpsman, medical laboratory technician and medical research technician during his military career.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Burials in VA-run national cemeteries are also open to military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents.

Other burial benefits for eligible Veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker - even if the burial is not in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA's national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. Additional information about the Miramar National Cemetery is available by calling the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at 619-553-2084. To make burial arrangements at the time of need at any VA national cemetery, call the national cemetery scheduling office at 800-535-1117.

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Monday, January 11, 2010

Cell Phones for Soldiers Announces Free Phone Program for Returning Troops

/PRNewswire/ -- In response to a growing need to support military members returning from active duty, Cell Phones for Soldiers today announced an expansion of their services by offering free cell phones to all armed forces returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To achieve this goal, the charity is calling on all Americans to donate their old phones to the cause. The free phones are drawn from those donated by individuals and corporations; to achieve this goal, an additional 1 million phones will need to be donated in 2010.

"With tens of thousands of our brave troops returning from active duty this year, the need to help them get back on their feet here at home has never been greater," said Brittany Bergquist, cofounder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. "We are thrilled to be able to provide this tremendous service to our brave men and women."

The Helping Heroes Home campaign relies on the donations of used phones. Qualifying phones are refurbished and given to requesting soldiers along with a month of calling time. Other donated phones will either be recycled or used to fund the charity's free calling-card program for troops overseas.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 by brother and sister Robbie and Brittany Bergquist. To date, they have provided more than 60,000,000 minutes of free calling cards thanks to a national network of individual and corporate supporters donating phones and money.

"There are more than 130 million phones retired every year in the United States," said Robbie Bergquist, cofounder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. "If just 2% of all American's were to donate their phones, we could supply every troop with a phone as a small measure of the gratitude of a nation."

Sponsors for this initiative include the Consumer Electronics Association, One Source Inc. and ReCellular Inc.

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