The Power of Print: $1.5 Million Dollars Raised for Troops

 

Woman’s Day Reader Donations Top 1.5 Million Dollars to Bring Holiday Joy To Our Troops

BRINGING HOLIDAY JOY TO OUR TROOPS

Woman’s Day and the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Holiday Joy

 

 

Total Amount Raised to Date by Woman’s Day Readers Since 2004:

 $1,585,979.68

 

 

Over  9,000  Individual Donors

 

On behalf of the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) National Board of Directors, the staff and most importantly the young men and women who serve our country and their families, I extend sincere thanks to Woman’s Day and its readership for supporting Operation Holiday Joy.   Woman’s Day readership has contributed over $1.5 million dollars to Operation Holiday Joy in just 9 years.  In addition, to maximize the number of families served, the ASYMCA donates all the staff time and overhead associated with running Operation Holiday Joy.  The generosity and unwavering support shown from Woman’s Day readership has allowed the ASYMCA to purchase and distribute over 1600 pallets of toys (over 320,000 toys) as well as deliver over 25,000 baskets of food at Thanksgiving and Christmas to junior enlisted families in need.

These young heroes and their families are voluntarily serving and sacrificing daily so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and way of life.   The generosity shown from Woman’s Day readership demonstrates an appreciation for the sacrifices required of these dedicated defenders of our country.

From all of us here at the Armed Services YMCA, thank you for helping make military life easier.

To see thank you notes from military families impacted by this great program, please pick up the May 2013 issue of Woman’s Day Magazine.

 

Mike Landers

Captain, USN (Ret.)

President/CEO

J Street Cup charity golf tournament to benefit service members and their families

Washington D.C. Metro Area | The Daily Caller | April 12, 2013

 

Posted By Stuart Dezenhall On 3:36 PM 04/12/2013

URL to article: http://dailycaller.com/2013/04/12/j-street-cup-charity-golf-tournament-to-benefit-service-members-and-their-families/

BILLY RAY CYRUS’ LATEST CD NOW AVAILABLE AT BUFFETS, INC. RESTAURANTS; PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MILITARY FAMILIES

Greer, SC– (April 11, 2013) – Buffets, Inc.® is proud to announce its latest tie-in with country music, this time with the singer/songwriter/actor Billy Ray Cyrus and his 13th studio album, Change My Mind.  Beginning April 11, guests can pick up Cyrus’ latest CD at Ryan’s^®, Country Buffet^®, HomeTown^® Buffet, Old Country Buffet^® and Fire Mountain® for a special $8.99 price, while supplies last.  Proceeds from the CDs will support the Armed Services YMCA^® (ASYMCA) for Operation Outdoors, a camp program that assists the children of military personnel during deployment.

 

“Our restaurants are all about providing an inviting environment for families to connect over a delicious meal.  It’s fitting to be partnering with one of America’s most famous fathers and military supporters while aligning with the ASYMCA and its mission of helping military families reconnect,” said Alice Crowder,Vice President of Marketing for Buffets, Inc.

Produced by GRAMMY nominated, multi award-winning producer Brandon Friesen, Change My Mind is a stellar 10-song collection, which harkens back to Cyrus’ roots in bluegrass, Southern rock, gospel, and country music. The Flatwoods, KY native wrote or co-wrote every song on the CD including the title track and lead single, “Change My Mind.” The tune is already a fan-favorite with the music video nearing the Top 10 on Great American Country’s (GAC) Top 20 Country Countdown.

Billy Ray Cyrus struck it big in June 1992 with his debut album, Some Gave All.   This debut eventually became a 9x-platinum selling No. 1 album, fueled by the best-selling single “Achy Breaky Heart,” which spent five weeks atop the Billboard Country chart.  Some Gave All (which held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart for 17 weeks in a row and became the best-selling debut album of all time by a male solo artist).  This success launched Cyrus’ colorful 20-year career in the spotlight — during which he has sold millions of albums worldwide, charted nearly 30 singles (including three No. 1 country hits), and racked up multiple film and television credits. Cyrus also made his debut in the Broadway play CHICAGO late last year.   Throughout all of his success, Billy Ray has remained devoted to the military cause and he is overjoyed to partner with Buffets, Inc. on this project.

ABOUT THE ASYMCA

The ASYMCA Operation Outdoors camp program provides an opportunity for military children to take a break from everyday worries. The unique atmosphere of the camp provides an opportunity for military kids to meet and have fun with each other and build a support network of friends going through the same experiences. Children are also able to take advantage of outdoor activities that will help foster leadership and teamwork skills, as well as boost their self-esteem.

In addition to the camps for children, the ASYMCA sponsors camps that reunite families with loved ones returning from overseas service. Service members are able to take mini getaways to the outdoors and spend quality time with their entire family, catching up and reconnecting. ASYMCA launched the camp program in the summer of 2007 for children of junior enlisted military personnel and their families.

ABOUT BUFFETS, INC.

Buffets, Inc., the nation’s largest steak-buffet restaurant company, currently operates 347 restaurants in 35 states, comprised of 337 steak-buffet restaurants and 10 Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse restaurants.  The restaurants are principally operated under the Old Country Buffet®, HomeTown^® Buffet and Ryan’s^® brands. Buffets employs approximately 18,000 team members and serves approximately 100 million customers annually.  For more information, visit www.Buffet.com

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AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary Chooses Armed Services YMCA as National Project for 2013

Leslie R. Wunderle, Life Member of AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary #2 in Anchorage, Alaska was elected to the office of National President at the AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary 66th National Convention in Daytona Beach, Florida on August 11, 2012.

Her family, the Department of Alaska and her local Post 2 are extremely proud that Leslie was the 1st Auxiliary member from Alaska to be elected to the National board.  She was first elected to the office of Chaplain in Greensboro, North Carolina and has consequently served as Scholarship Officer, 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President and 1st Vice President.

Leslie is a 21 year Member of AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary after joining when she married her husband Emil in 1991.  Emil is a proud Veteran of the US Navy having served from 1961-1967.  Leslie is also very proud of the service of her grandfather (US Army-Ret.), father (USMC and Army National Guard) and stepfather (US Air Force-Ret.).

On the Local level, Leslie served as President for 3 terms, 1st Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Hospital, Sergeant At Arms and Liaison.  On the Department level she served as President, 1st Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian.  During Leslie’s second term as President, Alaska received the Department of Year at the National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

Leslie graduated from AJ Dimond High School in Anchorage and attended the University of Alaska – Fairbanks, then moved to warmer climates to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.  Upon returning to Alaska in 1981 she went to work in the Mortgage and Title industry. She has worked for her current employer, Residential Mortgage, for more than 20 years and is grateful they have allowed her to transfer to their Spokane, Washington office to make her travel during her year as National President more accessible.  This move also allowed Emil to retire and become Chief Cook, Laundry Dude and “Bag Boy”.

Leslie has chosen “Serving Those Who Served” as the theme for her year and her National President’s project is the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA).  ASYMCA was formed by a group of local YMCA members who voluntarily provided relief to the American Armed Services during the Civil War.  The first permanent Army YMCA was founded at Fort Monroe, Virginia in 1889.  The ASYMCA was officially established and recognized as part of the Department of Defense in 1984.  The ASYMCA motto is “Serving Those Who Serve America”.

 Click here to learn more

During her tenure as National President, Leslie looks forward to visiting AMVETS Auxiliary members throughout the United States and seeing firsthand how those members put into action her theme, “Serving Those Who Served”.

 

La Quinta Putting Might Behind Military

 Hotel Business Journal | March 2013

LAS CROABAS, PUERTO RICO—One of the key initiatives over the next year for La Quinta Inns & Suites will be an all-out effort to embrace members of the armed services, as well as veterans and veteran-owned vendors.

Describing the military-friendly concept for some 1,300 attendees here at the midscale chain’s annual conference being held at El Conquistador Resort, President/CEO Wayne Goldberg said it would range across a variety of strategies, including hiring, community giving, marketing and recognition.

“We want to hire more veterans and military spouses because they are quick learners and have demonstrated leadership qualities and to designate La Quinta as a ‘Top-25 Military Spouse Friendly Employer’ for 2013,” said Goldberg. He noted the company recently was cited by GI Jobs magazine as a military friendly employer.

In addition, Goldberg said the chain’s community-giving efforts have enabled it to form strategic partnerships with several leading military non-profit organizations, and in working with these groups “Our [loyalty program] Returns members will be able to donate their Returns points to a fantastic philanthropic cause: the military family,” he said.

EVP/Chief Marketing Officer Julie Cary said the organizations include Fisher House Foundation, Operation Home front and the Armed Services YMCA.

“Fisher House has a program called ‘Hotels for Heroes,’ a program that helps military-family members who have urgent, last-minute travel needs,” said Cary, indicating the donation of Returns points is a simple process. “The donated Returns points go into a central account managed by the Hotels for Heroes team, who can then redeem them for stays at our hotels,” she said.

Although the program is just getting off the ground, approximately 125,000 points already have been donated.

Beginning in May, La Quinta will launch a new tier within the Returns program that will offer active-duty military, military spouses, caregivers and veterans the opportunity to join the program and receive an accelerated tier status similar to the loyalty program’s Gold tier.

The La Quinta Returns Military Rewards program also will include: 2,000 Returns points on the first stay; two King Room upgrade certificates; 20% bonus points on all stays; a dedicated, exclusive customer service and reservations telephone number; a personalized welcome kit; and a 12% discount when military identification is shown.

Goldberg added the chain’s efforts to recognize military members would include giving them a key-card sleeve at check in that recognizes their service.

The CEO told attendees there was one non-cost aspect of the program that could and should be implemented immediately.

“Train your front desk [staff] and everyone at your property to recognize and thank anyone in uniform. When your employees see a member of the armed forces in uniform, they should immediately go up to the individual and thank them for their service to our country,” said the CEO.

The military initiative, which Goldberg said was inspired by consultant Lee Dushoff who works with the chain, is being spearheaded by Derek Blake, La Quinta’s VP/partnership marketing.

The CEO also said the chain would look to increase its support of vendors that are veteran owned. The company presently works with approximately 22 such vendors.

Media support targeted toward the military will launch in May and include print and online efforts, said Cary.

Goldberg felt La Quinta’s military initiative is more comprehensive than other programs and offers the chain a competitive advantage. “More importantly, it’s the right thing to do,” he said.—Stefani C. O’Connor

United Concordia Dental Honors Military Veterans

Storm Update: Angels of the Battlefield Gala RESCHEDULED for 3/19

STORM UPDATE: RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19th

Dear Angels of the Battlefield Attendees –

 

In follow-up to my email yesterday afternoon, the ASYMCA has made the decision to postpone the 7th Annual Angels of the Battlefield until Tuesday, March 19th.  We have been closely monitoring the storm tracking information and all models indicate the Washington DC area will be heavily impacted.  For the safety and well-being of event attendees and staff, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to delay the evening’s festivities.

 

Realizing schedules are committed in advance, we are hopeful you will still be able to join us on Tuesday, March 19th.  With that said, logistically our turnaround is tight and we request your prompt participation in updating your attendance status.  If the date change doesn’t alter your plans to attend, you don’t need to do anything.  Should your schedule prohibit you from joining us on Tuesday, March 19th, please email your cancellation to Susan Simms at ssimms@asymca.org as soon as possible but no later than, Thursday, March 14th.

 

The ASYMCA regrets any inconvenience that may cause.  If you are in the path of the storm please stay safe.

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

 

Jonsie T. Stone

Director of Financial Development

ARMED SERVICES YMCA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

7405 Alban Station Court, Suite B215, Springfield, VA 22150-2318
(P) 703-455-3986 Ext 115 (F) 703-455-2181

(E) jstone@asymca.org (W) asymca.org

 

Wives adapt to life with Wounded Warrior husbands

San Diego | Fox 5 News| February 18, 2013

CORONADO, Calif. – Jessica Bleigh is one of the hundreds of San Diego military wives whose life dramatically changed after their husbands were injured in war.

She was in her mid-20s raising two small children when her husband Navy Corpsman Tim Bleigh returned from Afghanistan in 2011 injured.

“It put almost the entire load on her, which doesn’t register while it’s going on, but I look back and think about everything she did. I was like third or fourth kid,” he said.

Jessica Bleigh admitted the rollercoaster of emotions she has being the main provider of her family.

“You just have to go with the flow and just not pull your hair out and go crazy when you’re having a bad day,” she said. “You call up your best girlfriend and she just makes you feel better.”

Tim Bleigh was working with the Marines when his Humvee exploded from an IED in March 2011. He broke several bones, vertebrae and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was in the ICU for a month and in the hospital for several more.

“It happened so sudden it didn’t register right away,” he said. “All of a sudden so much force is upon you. You can’t see, you can’t do anything really except realize it hurts.”

Certainly, there are husbands who are also taking care of their wives who are injured overseas, but military statistics show women are the majority who bare the care-giver responsibility.

The wives of wounded warriors don’t often receive recognition, but that is starting to change.

Four years ago, Barbara McNally started a support group specifically for women who had become caretakers for their spouse.

“I don’t pretend to understand,” she said. “I’m just there to provide a place for encouragement.”

“Empty Your Cup” is a quarterly meeting that allows women to relax with programs like yoga, as well as share their stories. McNally hosts a spa day at the Hotel Del Coronado.

For two years, she footed the bill. Then she joined forces with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Armed Services YMCA. The partnership allows for more gatherings and therapy programs.

“I would say they’re the silent strength behind our soldiers. We send our soldiers out and they come back with medals and flags. The silent heroes are the wives who wait for them and are there when they’re injured,” said McNally. “I remember I card I got from one woman. She said I the first person who ever recognized her.”

The US Navy Southwest region in San Diego has several support programs for family in its Fleet and Family Support Center, but nothing specifically that caters to women of wounded sailors and marines.

Many are wondering how San Diego’s military will be affected with the current talks of sequestration cuts in Congress. If lawmakers can’t come up with a deal, $1.2 trillion in cuts will automatically take effect on March 1. About half a trillion will affect the Department of Defense.

Late last year, lawmakers on both sides agreed not to cut programs supporting, physically and mentally, the returning injured troops and the spouses. Many anticipate sequestration cuts to affect defense contractors in San Diego and military size, rather than the support programs.

“It’s hard, it’s not easy and it was really challenging, but I’m glad he came home. I think it’s better than the alternative,” said Jessica.

The Beligh’s now cycle together through a rehabilitation program through the Naval Medical Center. Tim’s injuries have almost healed, though he continues a physical therapy regimen.

Click here for more information on how to get involved with Barbara McNally’s and Armed Services YMCA “Empty your Cup.”

 

Read more at http://fox5sandiego.com/2013/02/18/honoring-the-militarys-silent-heroes-spouses/#2Dit0XJ0bZgCQRZO.99

Liberty County Armed Services YMCA Able to Reunite a Military Family with their Terminally Ill Father

News from the YMCA of Coastal Georgia | February 5th, 2013

Operation Ride Home

Bringing local families together

Last month Donna Waite, Military Support Program Director for the Liberty County/Armed Services YMCA, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by General John Hort at Club Stewart located on Fort Stewart.

Donna received this award in recognition of her outstanding support for the Jack Daniel’s “Operation Ride Home”. Through funds provided by the Jack Daniels Distillery, this project helped bring military service members home to their families for the holidays.

Donna added, “My involvement with the Jack Daniels Operation Ride Home Program was a true blessing this Christmas. To me it was what Christmas should be about and that is helping others.  As the Military Program Director at the Y, it is my job to make military life easier for soldiers and their families. I was able to do that with the funding given to us via the Armed Services YMCA.  We were able to send 35 soldiers (E4 and below)/95 family members home for Christmas by purchasing either airline tickets or travel vouchers. Many of their stories touched my heart and brought me to tears.  We were able to reunite a daughter whose dad is dying from terminal cancer and give her and four family members the opportunity to spend time with him she couldn’t had it not been for Operation Ride Home. Helping soldiers serving our country is the least we can do. I felt so privileged to be a part of such a wonderful program.”

Click here for more information on Operation Ride Home.