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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American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Reaches 90% of Fundraising Goal

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. has secured 90 percent of funding needed to break ground on the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (AVDLM) in Washington DC, announced the Foundation's Co-founder and Chairperson Lois Pope. With the final phase of the fundraising campaign now kicking into gear, Pope added that $5.9 million must still be raised through corporate and individual donations before the Memorial can become a reality.

Unlike other war and veteran memorials, the AVDLM will be dedicated to both living and deceased disabled veterans, including army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard. The focal point of the Memorial design will be a star-shaped reflecting pool, its surface broken by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will stand sentry beside the pool, symbolizing the persistence of hope. Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd., of Alexandria, Virginia, designed the Memorial following a national invitational design competition.

“When Congress approved the Memorial for Washington DC and President Clinton signed it into law, one of the stipulations was that 100 percent of the money needed to design, build and maintain the Memorial had to come from private donations,” said Pope. “And the Foundation, which was created to raise these funds, must have all the funds in place before construction can begin. We're almost there.”

The Memorial will command an impressive two-acre site between Washington Avenue SW, C Street SW and Second Street SW, in Washington DC. It will be within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden.

“It is important to remember that of the 26 million American veterans living across the world today, three million are permanently disabled from injuries suffered in our nation's defense,” said actor, director and musician Gary Sinise, the Memorial's national spokesperson. ”It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to recognize the sacrifices that our country's disabled veterans have made on behalf of us all.”

The Foundation anticipates breaking ground on the Memorial in 2010. The Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. To make a donation, or for more information, visit www.avdlm.org.

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NCO shares his love of the Army with school children

As a group of students from Blackmon Road Middle School mingle around him, Staff Sgt. Terry Jones, a platoon sergeant in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, holds the group’s guidon at Essenbager Field, on Kelley Hill at Fort Benning, Ga., May 12. The seventh graders spent the day with Soldiers of the 3rd BSTB, learning about what life as a Soldier is about.

As seventh graders from Blackmon Road Middle School filed off their school buses and made their way down to Essenbager Field, Staff Sgt. Terry Jones, a platoon sergeant in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stood perfectly still. The red guidon in his right hand was held firmly and he stared stoically forward as the children in his platoon flowed around him. Many made jokes and giggled at his military bearing, not knowing what to make of it.

“I wanted to show the pride I held for the organization,” he said. “For that day, red platoon was my organization. It was their organization. They needed to see that as long as that guidon was standing tall, they would be to.”

For many of those students, their field trip to Kelley Hill, May 12, was a day away from school. For Jones, it was a chance to represent the organization he has made his life.

“The news shows positive images of what we do,” he said. “These kids see us serving our country, saving lives and fighting for freedom on the news. I just wanted to maintain that and give them a live example of that.”

For one day, Jones was allowed to let the students into his world. It was an opportunity, he enjoyed.

“I know there were a lot of future Soldiers in that group,” he said. “The Army has taken me all over the world, taken care of my family and helped give my life discipline. I just hope the example I set that day helped give one of those children the same opportunity I was given.”

Jones was given the opportunity to give his platoon a mock physical training session, show them the equipment he and his fellow Soldiers use to accomplish their missions and let the students try on his gear.

“We take that stuff for granted and don’t realize how special it is,” he said. “As Soldiers we can get side-tracked by taskings and extra-duties. It can be frustrating. Days like that allow us to get back to having the same pride we had when we first joined.”

Jones believes that being around civilians can help Soldiers rediscover why they became Soldiers.

“I saw some of my lesser motivated Soldiers take pride in what they do during that event,” he said. “Everyone was very professional and took pride in what they did. We don’t see how important what we do is, sometimes. Events like that remind us.”

Jones is quick to point out that in five years, many of those students will be making the decision to join the Army.

“It’s not a long time,” he said. “You just hope you made the right impression and helped bring a quality person to the organization.”

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Celebrate the U.S. Army Birthday, Tell Your Army Story

(BUSINESS WIRE)--This June, Soldiers, Veterans, families, and supporters will celebrate the U.S. Army turning 234 years strong. In keeping with the tradition of celebration, the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute, the Army’s official “Thank You” commendation program, is welcoming submissions of stories including accomplishments, memorable moments, and lessons learned, by those in the Army family.

The U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Web site, www.freedomteamsalute.com, will feature a selection of compelling submissions, which will also be included in the special e-salute U.S. Army Birthday edition.

“The Army has a long and proud history, one that is celebrated by installations and commands all over the world,” explained Colonel David Griffith, Director, U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute. “We are asking for story submissions so that we can capture the accomplishments and defining moments of our Soldiers, Veterans, families, and supporters.”

Submissions should be 500 words or less and submitted by Friday, June 5.

Topics can be (but are not limited to):

* A defining moment in your Army life
* A lesson learned from the Army
* How the Army changed your life
* The reason you decided to join the Army
* Your most memorable Noncommissioned Officer

To submit a story, please go to:

https://www.freedomteamsalute.com/people/armystory.aspx.

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Army Honors 1st Female Aviator in Recognition of Women’s History Month

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thirty-five years ago, 2nd Lieutenant Sally Murphy walked across a stage at Fort Rucker, Alabama and stepped into U.S. Army history. It was 1974 and Murphy became the first woman to graduate from the Army Aviation School. She was the Army’s first female helicopter and fixed wing pilot. She retired as a Colonel in 1999.

Murphy was honored in a formal ceremony last week at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia and received the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Veteran Commendation to commemorate her 27 years of service and her place in military history.

“I come from an Army family that is dedicated to service,” said Murphy, now 60 years old. “My husband was an Army combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam. My son and daughter-in-law are Army officers and have served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am humbled and take great pride in receiving the Freedom Team Salute Commendation.”

Murphy joined the Army’s Women Army Corps (WAC) program in 1972 and entered the Aviation School when the Army opened its ranks to women. She had previously attended the Military Intelligence School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. After graduating from Aviation School, she served with the 330th Army Security Agency Company (Guardrail II) flying RU-21 airplanes as an intelligence officer along the border between Germany and the Soviet Union. Later she flew Huey helicopters and commanded a Company for the 1st infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas and went on to command the 62nd Aviation Company in Germany and the 78th Aviation Battalion (Provisional) in Japan.

“I was the only woman in Army Aviation School in the early 70s and if I told you I did not have problems with a few people, I would not be truthful,” said Murphy. “But things were changing and with the Vietnam War winding down, the Army needed to fill some voids. There were some tough times but it made me stronger. The Army is a family and there was always someone giving me encouragement and ready to assist me anytime I needed help.”

“Colonel (Ret.) Sally Murphy is an Army Aviation legend,” said Colonel David Griffith, Director of the Army’s Freedom Team Salute Program. “It is not often we have the opportunity to honor someone with a commendation who was a trailblazer. Sally Murphy has paved the way for hundreds of women to follow her footsteps and become Army Aviators. She is truly living history.”

Freedom Team Salute Commendations consist of a personalized letter and certificate signed by the Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren and the Army Chief of Staff, General George W. Casey Jr. Honorees also receive official Army Lapel pins and The Salute, a quarterly newsletter that contains information of interest to the Army family.

Freedom Team Salute is a U.S. Army program established in 2005 by the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff which gives the public the opportunity to thank all U.S. Army Veterans for their service by recognizing them with Commendations. The program also honors and recognizes the Parents, Spouses, Employers, and Supporters of Active Duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers. Freedom Team Salute has honored more than 1.9 million individuals since its launch. For more information on honoring a Veteran or becoming a Freedom Team Salute Ambassador, go to www.freedomteamsalute.com .

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101 Year Old Veteran Receives Commendation From the Army

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alyce Dixon is 101 years old but you would never know it if you had the opportunity to sit down and talk to her. Last week Dixon, Gladys Schuster Carter, and Mary Crawford Ragland, all members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, were honored by the U.S. Army’s Freedom Team Salute program at a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Dixon is the oldest surviving member of the Battalion.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all female African American Army unit to deploy to Europe during World War II. The unit was composed of approximately 850 members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WACs). They were tasked with sorting and distributing letters and packages to over 7 million Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Red Cross and civilian personnel all over Europe.

“I felt like I was doing something worthwhile for my country when I was in the Army with the 6888th in Europe,” said Dixon. “We had to find the Soldiers, their units and route the mail to them. I enjoyed the Army and I met a lot of nice people when I served overseas. The Army taught me discipline and to stop and think before making a decision.”

Dixon said the Battalion’s trip from the United States to Europe was very stressful because the boat they were on was sometimes followed by German submarines. She said to avoid contact with the submarines, the boat had to make various diversionary turns which caused pots, pans and other objects to fall to the floor.

Major Charity Adams, who later was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became the highest ranking African American female officer in the military, was the commander of the 6888th, and arrived with the unit in Birmingham, England in February, 1945. After completing their assignment in England, she and her unit were sent to Rouen, France and later to Paris. A few months after World War II ended, the unit was sent back to the United States.

“They sent us to Ft. Dix New Jersey, gave us our discharge papers, and sent us home,” said Mary Crawford Ragland, the clerk of the 6888th, who joined the Army at the age of 17 after finishing high school. “There were no parades, no welcomes, no nothing.”

“Honoring the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion with Commendations is long overdue,” said the Army’s Colonel David Griffith, Director of Freedom Team Salute. “These were strong women who faced prejudice in the United States but still managed to complete their mission, putting their Country ahead of their own trials. They did not have the luxury of working with automation equipment to help them organize, sort and distribute the millions of letters and packages that had accumulated in airplane hangars and other places in Europe. They are a true American story that needs to be told.”

The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WACs) 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was a World War II unit. Composed of approximately 850 African American women, the unit was formed in the days when the U.S. Armed Services was segregated. They were the only black women to serve with the U.S. military overseas during World War II. The group was charged with handling military mail, and was based at a boarding school in Birmingham, England.

“For the morale of Soldiers in war time, only one thing counts more than somewhere to sleep or something to eat,” said Freedom Team Salute’s Colonel Griffith. “That one thing is mail from home – holiday greetings, photographs, regular letters, and packages filled with items from relatives and friends. The Battalion broke all records for redistribution of mail to front line troops in the European theatre.”

Freedom Team Salute was established in 2005 by the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army, which gives the public the opportunity to thank all U.S. Army Veterans for their service by recognizing them with Commendations. The program also honors and recognizes the Parents, Spouses, Employers, and Supporters of Active Duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers. The Commendations consist of a personalized letter and certificate signed by Pete Geren, the Secretary of the Army and General George W. Casey Jr., the Army Chief of Staff. Honorees also receive lapel pins and The Salute, a quarterly newsletter that contains information of interest to the Army family. Freedom Team Salute has honored over 1.9 million Army Veterans, Spouses, Parents, Supporters, and Employers since its launch.

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