ASYMCA Honors Individuals and Organizations for Supporting Military Families at 24th Annual Recognition Dinner

Press Release | May 13, 2011

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) today presented a number of awards to outstanding individuals and programs that work to improve the quality of life for junior enlisted personnel and their families at their 24^th Annual Recognition Dinner in Alexandria, Va. last night. In its 150^th anniversary year, the ASYMCA is dedicated to providing programs to support the men and women of America’s military, and their resilient families.

ASYMCA, with support from event sponsor General Dynamics, announced winners of the following awards: 

• ASYMCA Annual Art and Essay Contest – 24 K-12 students from forward operating positions around the world and Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri,  New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia received savings bonds for original works on their military families and heroes;
   
• Raytheon Program Achievement Awards – ASYMCA branches from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, San Diego, California,  and Honolulu, Hawaii were recognized for most innovative improvement, best use of volunteers and best new program for military personnel and their families, respectively; and
   
• Raytheon Community YMCA Awards – Regional YMCA branches from Newton, Mass., Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Des Moines, Iowa, and Estes Park, Colorado were honored for offering the best programs supporting the military.

“Every year I have the distinct honor to recognize the efforts of extraordinary people and programs that share the ASYMCA’s commitment to our men and women in uniform and their resilient families,” said ASYMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret).  “This year’s winners are among the best examples I’ve seen of resolve to support members of the military.”

In addition to the annual awards, the ASYMCA honored Scott Celley, Vice President of External Affairs at TriWest Healthcare Alliance, with the National Spirit of Giving Award for outstanding character and contribution to his community.

“It is a great privilege to recognize Scott’s contributions to this organization and the many others he dedicates himself to throughout the country. He has made and continues to make a positive, lasting impact on his community through his dedication to serving U.S. military families,” said Gallo.

For more detail on award winning programs and content, including copies of all student art and essay winners, please visit http://www.asymca.org/press/.

Download the PDF press release.

ASYMCA Awards National Spirit of Giving Award to Scott Celley

Press Release | May 13, 2011

Alexandria, Va. – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) presented its National Spirit of Giving Award to Scott K. Celley, Vice President of External Affairs at TriWest Healthcare Alliance, during the organization’s 24^th Annual Recognition Dinner in Alexandria, Va. last night. In its 150^th anniversary year, the ASYMCA is dedicated to providing programs to support the men and women of America’s military, and their resilient families.

Celley has more than 20 years experience in the government relations and communication arena, including service as a Senior Advisor to both federal and state officials. In addition to his work at the TriWest, Celley is a National Board Member and Communications Committee Chairman of the ASYMCA, a Board Member of Operation Homefront, and a Board Member of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Over the past five years, his dedication has resulted in more than $1.5 million in donations to the Armed Services YMCA.

 “Scott is a great asset for the ASYMCA and for the military personnel we serve,” said ASYMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret). “It is a great privilege to recognize Scott’s contributions to this organization and the many others he dedicates himself to throughout the country. He has made and continues to make a positive, lasting impact on his community through his dedication to serving U.S. military families.”

The ASYMCA Recognition Dinner is held annually during Military Appreciation Month in May — with support from event sponsor General Dynamics — to recognize individuals and programs that support military personnel and their families. Also recognized today were the 24 K-12 winners of the ASYMCA annual art and essay contests; ASYMCA branches recognized as Raytheon Program Achievement Award winners; and YMCA branches honored for outstanding programs supporting the military.

 For more detail on award winning programs and content, including copies of all student art and essay winners, please visit http://www.asymca.org/press/.

Download the PDF press release.

Congratulations to the 2011 Art Contest GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

The Armed Services YMCA is proud to announce that Rory McPherson, a 3rd-grader from Kittery, Maine, has been voted the 2011 ASYMCA Student Art Contest Grand Prize Winner. For the first time, ASYMCA turned to our “fans” on Facebook to determine the grand prize winner of our annual Student Art and Essay Contest.

Rory won 1st Place in the Coast Guard category of the contest with her “My Military Family” drawing, earning her a spot in the Grand Prize contest along with 11 other 1st and 2nd place winners from each of the U.S. military branches.

As the Grand Prize winner, Rory will receive an additional $500 U.S. Savings Bond, in addition to her other prizes.

The 12 winners of the 2011 art contest (two from each branch of service) and 12 winners of the 2011 essay contest will be recognized at a dinner in the Washington, D.C., region tonight (May 12). All winning artwork will be featured on the annual Military Family Month Poster, which is distributed to Members of Congress and the Department of Defense, and displayed publicly throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who voted on Facebook! And a special THANK YOU to the amazing, resilient children who put so much love and dedication into their drawings, and who are true heroes for the sacrifices they make for our country each and every day!

To learn more about the annual ASYMCA Student Art and Essay Contest, and see this year’s winning artwork and essays, click here.

ASYMCA Honors Military Medical Personnel

Press Release | March 31, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) tonight honored the military men and women who administer lifesaving medical treatment to our troops on the front lines at the 5^th Annual Angels of the Battlefield Gala. General Raymond Odierno, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, gave the keynote address at the event honoring corpsmen and medics from 10 branches of the active military, guard and reserve components. 2011 marks the 150^th anniversary of the ASYMCA, the leading provider of social and support services and programs to members of the U.S. military and their resilient families.

ASYMCA worked with the military services to select corpsmen and medics from the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air National Guard and Army Guard, who accepted the awards on behalf of their fellow corpsmen and medics for their dedication and commitment to service.

“Our nation’s medics and corpsmen have evolved to meet the changing needs of their brothers-in-arm,” said Eugene Habiger, General, USAF (Ret.), chairman of the National Board of Directors of the ASYMCA. “These ‘Angels of the Battlefield’ are men and women who risk everything to provide aid, to be compassionate comrades and comforting brothers and sisters when our soldiers need it the most. Their unwavering heroism is something that moves me every year that I am fortunate enough to be in their company at this fine event, and as a retired airman, something I never took for granted in my many years of service.”

The following service members received awards on behalf of their fellow corpsmen and medics:

U.S. Army

Sergeant John C. Curtis, of Lisbon, Maine, accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield gala on behalf of his fellow U.S. Army medics. He has been deployed twice to Iraq and was selected to support a mission in a hostile area of Iraq. At 8 years old, Sergeant Curtis was inspired by his father to join the Army and continues the military tradition in his family that includes his father Darryl R. Curtis, U.S. Army; grandfather Romeo Binnette, U.S. Army KIA (Vietnam); grandfather Carroll Curtis, U.S. Navy (Ret.); and great grandfather Earle Grass, U.S. Navy (Ret.). He said his most rewarding moment in the military happened when he returned home and was greeted by the praises of his family and Battalion Commander. Sergeant Curtis was nominated for the Bronze Star with Valor Device medal for the combat events of June 28, 2008, when he treated casualties during an Iraqi attack. His past awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, and he was the first enlisted soldier to receive the D.A.I.S.Y. award.

Staff Sergeant Devon Poole, of Brown Deer, Wis., accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield gala on behalf of his fellow U.S. Army medics. Staff Sergeant Poole was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his heroic efforts to save the life of is squad leader, who was shot in the abdomen by enemy fire. Using his own body as a shield, Staff Sergeant Poole was able to protect him from further injury, as well as later administer lifesaving aid and prevent him from going into shock. Perhaps a moment that stands out most vividly for Staff Sergeant Poole — an incident that he said demonstrates the significance of the role of the medic — was treating an Iraqi man’s daughter, whose forearm had been severely injured and side grazed by a bullet. Staff Sergeant Poole continues the military tradition in his family after his grandfather Technical Sergeant Fred Poole, U.S. Air Force (Ret.); father, Senior Chief Kurtis Bartelt, U.S. Navy; and brother, Sergeant Derek Bartelt, U.S. Air Force. He has been deployed to Iraq twice.

U.S. Marine Corps

Hospital Corpsman Third Class (FMF) Peter A. Gould, U.S. Navy, servicing the Marine Corps, and of Syracuse, Kan., was presented with the Silver Star on March 4, 2011, the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy. He attended the 5^th Annual Angels of the Battlefield gala on behalf of his fellow U.S. Navy corpsmen servicing the U.S. Marine Corps. During a local security patrol, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould’s squad was engaged from three different directions by an enemy force estimated at between 35 to 40 Taliban fighters. One of the Marines from the patrol was shot in the leg, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould repeatedly exposed himself to accurate, medium machine gun and small arms fire to retrieve the wounded Marine and apply medical aid. By his bold leadership, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

U.S. Navy

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Shabir Nawabi, of Los Angeles, Calif., accepted an award on behalf of all U.S. Navy corpsmen. After moving to the United States as a refugee from Afghanistan, he said that he joined the U.S. Navy to “give back to the country that has adopted him as a son.” Over his four years of enlistment, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Nawabi has served on the USS Santa Fe and was deployed for six months to Kandahar Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force

Staff Sergeant Abraham Jara, of North Hollywood, Calif., accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield Gala on behalf of the medics of the U.S. Air Force. He is the first in his family to serve in the military and was inspired to join the Air Force after an Airman left a strong impression at a his second-grade “career day.” He was deployed to Panshir, Afghanistan, from June 2009 through March 2010. Staff Sergeant Jara received the Air Force Combat Action Medal after he secured the safety of the individuals in his vehicle, after encountering a small arms ambush while on a convoy. He said that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a medic is experiencing the gratefulness of the individuals or the family members of someone he saved.

U.S. Coast Guard

Health Service Technician Second Class Kevin Bishop, of Flomaton, Ala., accepted an award on behalf of his fellow U.S. Coast Guard medics. He was twice selected to support a U.S. Coast Guard mission in a hostile area of Iraq. He is assigned to the Special Mission’s Training Center, located on Camp LeJeune, N.C. Health Services Technician Second Class Bishop has used his law enforcement background, military experience and exceptional medical knowledge to identify and resolve unusual problems while deployed. He exhibited superb medical training skills by instructing 10 Iraqi students in basic medical skills, a difficult task complicated by language barriers. On another occasion, Health Services Technician Second Class Bishop led a SMTC color guard to represent the U.S. Coast Guard at a Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony.

U.S. Navy Reserve

Hospital Corpsman First Class (FMF) John Morrison, of Fleming Island, Fla., accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield gala on behalf of his fellow U.S. Navy Reserve corpsmen. He has served two seven-month tours in Iraq and is the recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, after his mission in Ramidi, Iraq. Hospital Corpsman First Class Morrison used his hospital background experience and exceptional medical knowledge to provide treatment after a mass casualty incident. He had just returned from time off after his tour in Iraq, but he said he assisted at the surgical site because lives were at stake. Morrison was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and spent his childhood in Satellite Beach Florida. Hospital Corpsman First Class has gained the nickname “Doc” from his fellow marines because of their trust.

U.S. Air Force Reserve

Command Technical Sergeant Christina Wiskowski, of Bryn Mawr, Pa., accepted an award on behalf of all the U.S. Air Force Reserve medics. She was studying pre-med in college before deciding to enlist and has since been deployed three times. She has received the Aerial Achievement Medal and twice was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, after her exemplary performance in two of her deployments. While deployed at Bagram AF, she flew in nine combat missions and safely transported 65 patients. During another mission in Afghanistan, Command Technical Sergeant Wiskowski and her unit, despite being physically and emotionally exhausted, safely evacuated patients from a fire and managed to replace equipment and continue on to their original destination.

U.S. Army National Guard

Sergeant Antoine A. King, of Elkton, Md., accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield gala on behalf of all U.S. Army National Guard medics. He has served more than 14 years in the military, including three deployments. After a mass casualty on January 1, 2006, Sergeant King was one of the first medics to treat more than 25 casualties. He joined the Army National Guard because he wanted to save lives. His service has inspired his son, Stephen A. King, a Navy Corpsmen at Camp Pendleton, Calif., to enlist.

U.S. Air National Guard

Senior Airman Candice Cook, of Pittsburg, Pa., accepted an award at the Angels of the Battlefield Gala on behalf of all U.S. Air National Guard medics. She joined the U.S. Air National Guard three years ago and continues her family’s military tradition after her father and grandfather. Senior Airman Cook said that the military has offered her many educational opportunities, and she has gained valuable experience working in the medical field. Senior Airman Cook received the Army Commendation Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal for her tour in 2010, during which time she organized the equipment and coordinated the movements of each convoy.

The Real Warriors Campaign

 

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) launched a public awareness campaign May 21, 2009 to encourage help-seeking behavior among service members and veterans with invisible wounds.

 View the Real Warriors Campaign Web site at http://www.realwarriors.net/, and learn more about the campaign themed, “Real Warriors. Real Battles. Real Strength.”  The website features articles and resources on a variety of psychological health issues, as well as video interviews with service members, their families and others coping with psychological health or traumatic brain injury issues.  The DCoE Outreach Center offering psychological health and traumatic brain injury information and resources is available 24/7 by a live chat from www.realwarriors.net or by dialing 866-966-1020.

 The Real Warriors Campaign is proud to include the Armed Services YMCA as a community partner in our efforts. For the program’s profile or to view other campaign affiliates, visit www.realwarriors.net/partner.

Armed Services YMCA Named Recipient of WD-40 Company Initiative to Support Military Personnel

Press Release | March 16, 2011

Limited Edition WD-40 Military Collectible Series Can Sales to Provide Funding for Critical Programs

Washington, D.C. – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) will be the recipient of a minimum of $100,000 from a WD-40 Company effort, launched today, to support those who serve or have served. The company will donate 10 cents from the sale of each of four limited edition cans with special artwork depicting service at sea, in air and on land. The can series will be available for sale at retailers across the country through Memorial Day.

In this 150^th anniversary year, the ASYMCA is dedicated to providing programs to support the men and women of America’s military, and their resilient families. The funds from the WD-40® can sales will be used to fund the more than 150 program centers around the country, designed to enrich the quality of life for those who are committed to a life of service.

“Partners like WD-40 Company are integral to the development and delivery of programs and services to our servicemen and women and their families,” said Mike Landers, Deputy National Director, ASYMCA. “We are grateful for their recognition of our organization as a ‘charity of choice’ for providing programs and services to our Heroes in uniform and their families, and we look forward to working with an organization who shares our commitment to this important group.”

The WD-40 Company has committed a minimum of $100,000 to each of three organizations that support the military. In addition to the ASYMCA, Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans Medical Research Foundation will also receive donations from the company. Each WD-40 Military Collectible Series can includes a code for consumers to unlock videos from actor and retired gunnery sergeant R. Lee Ermey training purchasers how to use WD-40 to solve everyday problems.

“The Armed Services YMCA has made a positive difference in the lives of military families for 150 years,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company.  “The men and women it helps are both dedicated and resilient and we hope this program honors their commitment and supports their efforts in a tangible way.”

For more information about the WD-40 Company initiative, please visit http://supporttroops.wd40.com/.

For more information about the Armed Services YMCA and their dedicated programs for the resilient families of American servicemen and women, please visit www.asymca.org.

150 Years of Service: 1874-1886 History

Read the history from 1874-1886 here.

2011 marks the major milestone of 150 years of dedicated service to America’s military and their families. The Armed Services YMCA mission to support the military began in 1861 when a handful of YMCA volunteers provided relief services to Civil War soldiers. For 150 years, the  ASYMCA’s programming has adapted to the ever changing needs of our Armed Services by providing support and services where the need is greatest: to junior soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen and their families. The ASYMCA continues to enrich the quality of life and resiliency of our service members and their families by providing educational, recreational, social and religious support services across the nation.

Over the next 11 months, we will delineate the history of the Armed Services YMCA from its humble beginning in 1861 up to today. Read the history from 1874-1886 here.

ASYMCA 150th Anniversary: Proud Heritage – Exciting Future

Proud Heritage – Exciting Future – 2011 marks the major milestone of 150 years of dedicated service to America’s military and their families. The Armed Services YMCA mission to support the military began in 1861 when a handful of YMCA volunteers provided relief services to Civil War soldiers. For 150 years, the  ASYMCA’s programming has adapted to the ever changing needs of our Armed Services by providing support and services where the need is greatest: to junior soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen and their families. The ASYMCA continues to enrich the quality of life and resiliency of our service members and their families by providing educational, recreational, social and religious support services across the nation.

To view a detailed historical timeline of the Armed Services YMCA, please click here.

Enter the Raytheon Community YMCA Awards

Win $1,000 !! Does your YMCA provide programs for the military in your area?  If so, please tell us about it! The Armed Services YMCA invites all community YMCAs that provide programs for the military in their area to submit their entries.  There will be one winner from each of six geographic areas.

Deadline to submit is Friday, March 18, 2011.

Click here to learn more about how to enter the Community YMCA Awards.

Armed Services YMCA Receives $100,000 Grant from Newman’s Own Foundation for Operation Hero Program

Press Release | Dec. 2, 2010

Washington, D.C. – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) was honored today for their role in supporting American service members and their families, receiving a grant of $100,000 from Newman’s Own Foundation for the organization’s Operation Hero program.

One of ASYMCA’s keystone programs, Operation Hero aids children of military families from six to 12 years of age who are experiencing temporary difficulty in school, both socially and academically. Often these difficulties are caused by frequent moves and family disruption due to deployments. Operation Hero facilitates a positive environment, encourages responsible behavior, and gets children back on track in school, both academically and socially.

“This generous grant will allow us to continue and expand the services we offer through our Operation Hero program,” said ASYMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). “Newman’s Own Foundation’s commitment to our military families will serve as an incredible asset in the 150^th anniversary year of the ASYMCA, and we’re delighted to have the support of a truly remarkable organization.”

Newman’s Own Foundation recently crossed the milestone of giving more than $300 million to charitable organizations around the world.  One of the ways that the Foundation is celebrating this milestone is by creating a special funding initiative to support organizations that help our nation’s armed service members and their families, including the Armed Services YMCA and Operation Hero.

“While the Foundation is committed to supporting many organizations, during this period in our nation’s history, we feel it is especially important to support those organizations like the ASYMCA that serve military personnel and their families, in a way which hopefully will draw the attention of others to step forward and express their gratitude to all who have and do serve,” said Robert Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation.

The ASYMCA was recognized by Newman’s Own Foundation at its “Tribute to Those Who Serve” event last night at the Library of Congress. In attendance to recognize the service and sacrifice that our troops and their families make for our country were Rep. John Larson (D-CT) and Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) – two of the evening’s Honorary Co-Chairs – as well as Special Guest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.  For more information about Operation Hero or other ASYMCA programs that support military families, visit www.asymca.org.

ABOUT ASYMCA: Celebrating 150 Years of Service to America’s Military

The YMCA’s dedication to America’s armed forces began in 1861 when a handful of members voluntarily provided relief services to Civil War soldiers. Today, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) enriches the quality of life for our service members at more than 150 program centers around the world by providing educational, recreational, social and religious support services to junior enlisted military personnel and their families.

 

The ASYMCA, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, recently earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the fourth consecutive year and is a top-rated charity according to the American Institute of Philanthropy. An affiliate of the YMCA of the USA, ASYMCA is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. For more information, visit www.asymca.org.

ABOUT NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION

Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation donates all net royalties and profits it receives from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation together have given over $300 million to thousands of charities around the world.  To learn more, visit www.newmansownfoundation.org.