As you can imagine, my inbox is filling up with stuff from folks who want you to know about what they’re doing for veterans, so I figured the best way to share it all with you is with links and you can choose that which interests you. I’ll update the links as they come in.<\/p>\n
First from our buddy, Gina Elise and Pinups for Vet;<\/p>\n
\nPin-Ups For Vets (www.PinUpsForVets.com<\/a>) is proud to introduce our 8th annual popular pin-up fundraiser calendar that will once again support VA Hospital Healthcare programs, hospitalized Veterans, deployed troops, homeless Vets, military spouses, and female Vets entering the workplace.
\n(Please check out all the pages on our website to see all the good things we are doing.) <\/p>\nOur new calendar features NINE Veterans this year–both male and female. The calendar also features two popular TV sportscasters who have each done multiple USO tours to the troops in the combat zones. One of these sportscasters is employed by the L.A. Lakers and is the only female scout in the NBA. ( Attached is a calendar photo for the month of November to honor our Vets from each branch of the military.) <\/p>\n
Our organization has received numerous community service awards— and America’s deployed troops have flown 9 U.S. flags over military bases to honor the work we are doing to support our Nation’s heroes. <\/p>\n
We are currently on a 50-state VA Hospital Tour where we have visited over 5000 ill and injured Vets at their bedsides across the U.S. to boost morale and to deliver gifts of appreciation. ( Please see our “Gina’s Visits” page on our website. ) Please check out all the pages on our website to see all the good things we are doing to support our Nation’s Heroes ! <\/p>\n
We reached our 25th state, two weeks ago, when we visited the Durham, NC, VA Hospital and Fort Bragg to deliver gifts of appreciation to the hospitalized Vets there, as well as to the troops. <\/p>\n
Thank you so very much, Jonn, for your consideration in doing a column about our unique all-volunteer nonprofit organization. We have so many interesting stories to tell about our interactions with our Vets….one Vet, with a traumatic brain injury, who hadn’t spoken for weeks, finally spoke his first words to us as we visited his bedside. <\/p>\n
We hope your readers might like to order a calendar for themselves or for a hospitalized Veteran that we will personally deliver or to donate one to an active duty service member that we will put into a care package. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nOn Monday, November 11, honor America\u2019s bravest for their patriotism, sacrifice, and valor with a cause. Give back this Veteran\u2019s Day with Operation Hat Trick<\/a> (OHT), a program that generates awareness, support, and funding for the recovery of America\u2019s wounded warriors through donations to participating organizations around the country. In an exclusive licensing partnership with leading sports apparel brand, \u201947 Brand, OHT provides continuous support to both active service members and veterans looking to further their education and future employment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Trust for the National Mall<\/a>, the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall, announced today the release of the smartphone app for the World War II Memorial. The free app, WWII Memorial, will be available for iOS and Android, and is available for download on iTunes and Google Play beginning today \u2013 just in time for Veterans Day. Download the ITune app here<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In honor of the service and sacrifice our nation\u2019s active duty service members, veterans and their families, the retail banking industry has committed to a number of programs to help them as they continue their missions or transition to civilian life. These programs include job training and hiring, small business funding, affordable housing, and financial education. A number of CBA\u2019s retail bank members<\/a> have also partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to launch a private sector national Veterans Employment Advisory Council<\/a> to promote veteran employment and best practices.<\/p>\n
\u201cVeterans, active-duty military, and their families have committed themselves to serving a nation we all love. Without their commitment to duty, the opportunities that we have here at home would be for not. We are proud of the many initiatives our member banks have undertaken to support these brave individuals and their families as they have supported us,\u201d said Richard Hunt, president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Free Tickets Available to Events Nationwide on Veterans Day Through Brown Paper Tickets<\/a> (Word Document link)
\n<\/p>\nThe first annual Veterans Glassblowing Day will take place on November 9, 2013 nationwide. Glassblowing schools across the country will open their studios for veterans to experience the craft of glass blowing.<\/p>\n
Veterans Glassblowing Day was initially inspired by President Obama\u2019s plea for citizens to help our veterans find work after returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Following President Obama\u2019s passing of the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act in July 2012, longtime glassblower Lisa Aronzon was inspired by this call to action and invited the glassblowing community to come together in support of our veterans. As our nation faces financial uncertainty, social revolution, acts of violence, and military conflicts, Veterans Glassblowing Day offers a terrific opportunity for Americans to pay it forward to our troops.<\/p>\n
As a studio glassblower with nearly 30 years of experience, Aronzon believes that educators are afforded the unique opportunity to open their studios to veterans, introducing men and women to their craft. Her hope is that on November 9, glassblowers will open their doors as a united front, providing an experience that is fun, challenging, and community driven. In addition to affording troops the chance to develop a technical skill, Veterans Glassblowing Day will unify the glassblowing community, bringing awareness to the craft and promoting each school or organization through their involvement in this nationwide initiative.<\/p>\n
The long-term goal of Veterans Glassblowing Day is to create a non-profit organization that will offer scholarships for veterans to attend glassblowing classes and apprentice with professional artists.<\/p>\n
Veterans can be treated to a free glassblowing class on Veterans Day, just by calling one of these participating glassblowing schools across the country to sign up:<\/p>\n
Participating Schools & Organizations<\/p>\n
Area 253 Glass Blowing area253glassblowing.com Tacoma WA<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hot Glass http:\/\/www.atlantahotglass.com Atlanta GA<\/p>\n
Blue Sage Studios http:\/\/www.bluesagestudios.com\/ Oklahoma City OK<\/p>\n
Conway Glass http:\/\/conwayglass.com\/classes Conway SC<\/p>\n
The Crucible http:\/\/www.thecrucible.org\/home Oakland CA<\/p>\n
The Crysler Museum http:\/\/www.chrysler.org Norfolk VA<\/p>\n
Diablo Glass School http:\/\/www.diabloglassschool.com\/ Boston MA<\/p>\n
Glen Echo Glassworks http:\/\/glenechoglassworks.com\/ Glen Echo,
\nGlass Axis http:\/\/glassaxis.org\/ Columbus OH<\/p>\nThe Glass Blowing Center http:\/\/www.glass123.com\/ Hilliards PA<\/p>\n
Goggle Works Center for the http:\/\/www.goggleworks.org Reading PA<\/p>\n
Hot Sand Glass Studio http:\/\/www.hotsand.com Asbury Park NJ <\/p>\n
Ignite Glass Studio igniteglass.com Chicago IL<\/p>\n
Indianapolis Art Center http:\/\/indplsartcenter.org Indianapolis IN<\/p>\n
J and C Glass Studio www.jandcglassstudio.com Cleveland OH<\/p>\n
Lisa Aronzon Glass Studio http:\/\/www.LisaAronzon.com Broadway VA<\/p>\n
Pratt Fine Art Center http:\/\/www.pratt.org\/ Seattle WA<\/p>\n
Public Glass www.publicglass.org San Francisco CA<\/p>\n
Revolution Glass http:\/\/www.revolutionglass.com Los Angeles CA<\/p>\n
The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass www.cmog.org Corning NY<\/p>\n
Schack Art Center www.schack.org Everett WA<\/p>\n
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio www.tacomaglassblowing.com Tacoma WA<\/p>\n
Toledo Museum of Art, Glass Pavillion http:\/\/www.toledomuseum.org\/glass-pavilion\/<\/p>\n
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center http:\/\/www.wheatonvillage.org Millville NJ<\/p>\n
The Works, Ohio Center for History, Arts and Technology, www.attheworks.org\/?<\/p>\n
In addition to glassblowing, veterans can claim free event tickets nationwide every day of the year, by logging on to Brown Paper Tickets Salutes at http:\/\/community.brownpapertickets.com\/LP\/BPTsalutes\/.<\/p>\n
Editor’s note: If you’d like to speak with Lisa, with any of the glassblowing schools, or with Brown Paper Tickets about free tickets for Veterans year round, don’t hesitate to call Barb Morgen at 206.898.8411.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Lack of sleep can be depressing\u2026literally. Particularly if you\u2019re in the military.<\/p>\n
Recent research suggests that US military personnel who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and comorbid insomnia have a higher likelihood of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who only had OSA or no sleep disorder.<\/p>\n
Your readers might suffer from OSA and insomnia and not even know it. Sleep expert, Dr. Teofilo Lee-Chiong of the University of Colorado Denver can speak to the signs and symptoms individuals should look for, as well as:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 What this research means for your readers<\/p>\n
\u00b7 How OSA threatens your health<\/p>\n
\u00b7 How to find out if you\u2019re at risk<\/p>\n
To schedule an interview with Dr. Lee-Chiong, I can be reached at (908) 499-1200.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
With Veteran\u2019s Day around the corner, I was hoping you would cover the launch of Unite US<\/a>, a platform designed by vets for vets which uses geolocation to help vets not only find resources in their community but to be resources. It helps with school, finding jobs, mentors, and much more. They have received 2 million in funding and have a partnership with Verizon. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Are you planning any stories surrounding Veterans Day promotions?<\/p>\n
ESquared Hospitality, the international restaurant and hospitality group, announced that in honor of this coming Veterans Day, it will recognize the many men and women who have served our country by offering a special restaurant discount. Any veteran or member of active military who visits a participating ESquared Hospitality restaurant on Veterans Day, November 11, will receive a 50 percent discount for parties of two or less or a 25 percent discount for parties of three or more off of the total check.* **<\/p>\n
Please let me know if you would like any additional information or high-resolution images.<\/p>\n
Thank you,<\/p>\n
Crystal<\/p>\n
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak Scottsdale<\/p>\n
Camelback Inn<\/p>\n
5402 East Lincoln Drive<\/p>\n
Scottsdale, AZ 85253<\/p>\n
ATLANTA, GEORGIA<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak Atlanta<\/p>\n
W Atlanta \u2013 Downtown<\/p>\n
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard<\/p>\n
Atlanta, GA 30308<\/p>\n
MIAMI, FLORIDA<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak Miami<\/p>\n
The Betsy Hotel<\/p>\n
1440 Ocean Drive<\/p>\n
Miami Beach, FL 33139<\/p>\n
HONOLULU, HAWAII<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak Waikiki<\/p>\n
Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk<\/p>\n
223 Saratoga Road<\/p>\n
Honolulu, HI 96815<\/p>\n
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Burger Las Vegas<\/p>\n
The Mirage<\/p>\n
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South<\/p>\n
Las Vegas, NV 89109<\/p>\n
NEW YORK, NEW YORK<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak New York<\/p>\n
106 East 57th Street
\n(bet. Park and Lexington)
\nNew York, NY 10022<\/p>\n\u00b7 BLT Prime New York<\/p>\n
111 East 22nd Street
\n(bet. Park and Lexington)
\nNew York, NY 10010<\/p>\n\u00b7 BLT Fish<\/p>\n
21 West 17th Street
\n(bet. 5th and 6th Ave)
\nNew York, NY 10011<\/p>\n\u00b7 BLT Fish Shack<\/p>\n
21 West 17th Street<\/p>\n
(bet. 5th and 6th Avenue)<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10011<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Burger New York<\/p>\n
470 Sixth Avenue
\n(bet. 11th and 12th Streets)
\nNew York, NY 10011<\/p>\n\u00b7 BLT Bar & Grill<\/p>\n
W New York \u2013 Downtown<\/p>\n
123 Washington Street<\/p>\n
(entrance on Albany Street)<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10006<\/p>\n
\u00b7 GO Burger Bar & Grill<\/p>\n
1448 2nd Avenue<\/p>\n
(bet. 75th and 76th Street)<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10021<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Casa Nonna<\/p>\n
310 West 38th Street<\/p>\n
(between 8th & 9th Avenue)<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10018<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Juni<\/p>\n
12 E 31st St<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10016<\/p>\n
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak White Plains<\/p>\n
The Ritz Carlton, White Plains<\/p>\n
221 Main Street<\/p>\n
White Plains, NY 10601<\/p>\n
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BLT Steak Charlotte<\/p>\n
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte<\/p>\n
110 North College Street<\/p>\n
Charlotte, NC 28202<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
We have a new project coming up, and wanted to share some information about it with you. <\/p>\n
HBO Documentary Films presents a weekly series this fall, debuting provocative new specials every Monday from October 7 through December 9. The timely documentary CRISIS HOTLINE: VETERANS PRESS 1 spotlights the traumas endured by America\u2019s veterans, as seen through the work of the hotline\u2019s trained responders, who provide immediate intervention and support in hopes of saving the lives of service members. CRISIS HOTLINE: VETERANS PRESS 1 debuts as part of the HBO Documentary Films Fall Series on Veteran’s Day, MONDAY, NOV. 11 (9:00-9:45 p.m. ET\/PT).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
NBCUniversal, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, announced today the launch of \u201cNext Steps for Vets<\/a>,\u201d a web portal that features tools and resources to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses with employment and education opportunities. The portal, hosted by NBCNews.com<\/a>, serves as a nationwide network that equips veterans with essential tools and information to help them in their transition after returning home from military service. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Car Wash Industry Honors Military Personnel on Veterans Day<\/p>\n
Lancaster, PA (Nov. 5, 2013) \u2013 More than 2,100 car wash owners and operators around the world will come together on November 11, to honor veterans and current military service personnel with a free car wash. Car washes in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will offer a free car wash on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, to those who have or are currently serving in the armed forces.<\/p>\n
Grace for Vets<\/a> founder Mike Mountz, former owner of Cloister Wash & Lube, vowed to find a way to honor veterans after serving in the armed forces and witnessing the seriously wounded soldiers at Veterans Hospital in Valley Forge, PA. Several years after opening his first car wash, Mountz started the Grace for Vets Free Car Wash Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis day is not about the car wash operators who are providing free washes, it\u2019s about honoring those who have and are still protecting their country. It\u2019s an exciting and emotional day for everyone. Every year we look forward to giving back to those that have given so much,\u201d Mountz explained. <\/p>\n
With the help of car washes around the world, Grace for Vets recognizes more military service personnel each year. The program is looking to increase its wash total to 150,000 this year. Owners and operators can register to participate at graceforvets.org\/register<\/a>, and Veterans can find a list of participating car washes at graceforvets.org\/veterans<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Below please find news about New Jersey\u2019s Crystal Springs Resort \u2013 home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City \u2013 announcing a \u201cService & Swing\u201d golf outing package for military, police, fire and EMT organizations.<\/p>\n
Rates start at $79 per person (minimum of 16 golfers). Groups booking by Nov. 30 are eligible for a five-percent donation back to their area of service.<\/p>\n
More information below and hi-res images are available by request. Your consideration of this news item is greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n
Warm regards,
\nStephen <\/p>\nCrystal Springs Resort Creates \u2018Service & Swing\u2019 Golf Outing Package for Military, Police Organizations<\/p>\n
Groups Booking by November 30 Receive Five-Percent Donation to Their Organization<\/p>\n
(HAMBURG, N.J.) \u2013 Crystal Springs Resort \u2013 home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City \u2013 announces its new \u201cService & Swing\u201d golf outing package for military, police, fire and EMT organizations.<\/p>\n
Rates start at $79 per person (minimum of 16 golfers) and include 18 holes of golf at the resort\u2019s Black Bear, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge or Cascades courses, American BBQ buffet, draft or bottled beer, unlimited range balls and $5 pro-shop merchandise credit. Each outing participant will also receive a complimentary return round of golf at Black Bear, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge or Cascades<\/p>\n
As an added bonus, groups booking by November 30 are eligible for a five-percent donation back to their area of service.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrystal Springs is deeply appreciative of the brave men and women who protect us every day overseas and at home,\u201d says Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort. \u201cOur founder, the late Gene Mulvihill, was a Marine Corp veteran who possessed unwavering gratitude for these individuals that we continue to embody throughout our entire operation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of northern New Jersey, Crystal Springs is a golf playground for all ages and abilities. Its 117 holes are exceptionally diverse:<\/p>\n
Ballyowen \u2013 Irish links-style layout rated state\u2019s No. 2 public golf course by Golfweek
\n Black Bear \u2013 Inviting mix of tumbling terrain and risk \/ reward options for players of all abilities
\n Cascades \u2013 Newest addition stresses playability and features junior tees (nine holes)
\n Crystal Springs \u2013 Ranked \u201cTop 50 Toughest Course in America\u201d by Golf Digest
\n Great Gorge \u2013 Vintage 70\u2019s golf on the legendary Playboy course (27 holes)
\n Minerals \u2013 Family golf at \u201cTop 12 Short Course\u201d in America by Golf Range Magazine (nine holes)
\n Wild Turkey \u2013 Spectacular resort course with world-class amenities and vistas<\/p>\nCrystal Springs is a nationally-recognized leader in golf innovation and growing-the-game initiatives. They include family golf on Cascades and Minerals featuring four-person carts and two holes cut on each green (one eight inches in diameter); \u201cSwing N Sip for Ladies\u201d and more.<\/p>\n
For more information: www.crystalgolfresort.com, 973.827.5996.<\/p>\n
About Crystal Springs Resort<\/p>\n
Located in Vernon and Hamburg, N.J., Crystal Springs Resort is the only four-season resort of its kind in the Tri-State Area. Comprised of four luxury hotels \u2013 Grand Cascades Lodge, Minerals, the Appalachian and Black Creek Sanctuary; seven renowned public golf courses; 15 acclaimed restaurants highlighted by the four-star Restaurant Latour and its Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning (since 2006) 135,000-bottle wine cellar; two full-service spas ranked #24 in Spas of America\u2019s Top 100 Spas; the state-of-the-art Minerals Sports Club; multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including the distinctive Biosphere Pool Complex with an underground aquarium, tropical foliage and free form nature pools; Mountain Creek with 167 skiable acres on four mountain peaks, 100% night skiing, Drop Zone Snow Tubing, and the Waterpark and Bike Park during summer months. Crystal Springs Resort hosts hundreds of weddings, special events, corporate outings and thousands of transient hotel guests each year.<\/p>\n
For more information: www.crystalgolfresort.com, 973.827.5996.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"