Armed Services YMCA Whidbey Island to Close

 

Armed Services YMCA Whidbey Island to Close

June 17^th, Washington, D.C- The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), a top rated 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to make military life easier for our junior enlisted military and their young families will be closing their Whidbey Island Branch located at 540 SE Pioneer Way, in Oak Harbor, Washington as part of their ongoing effort to fill the gaps and needs of junior enlisted and their families nationwide.   “With the opening of a child-care center on base our services were no longer fulfilling a priority need for military families. Less than 5% of our services were being used by junior enlisted military families, so we are working with military leaders to transition services to other military installations nationwide that are in greater need of assistance,” shared COO Tom Landwermeyer, Brigadier General, USA (Ret), “As a top rated charity, it is imperative that we continue to use donations wisely and make the biggest impact possible.”  The Whidbey Island location is scheduled to close on June 30^th, 2013.

The ASYMCA has 33 branches and affiliates nationwide, and has supported the Whidbey Island military community for over 30 years. With shrinking defense budgets, troop and family programs are being cut at every military installation. The ASYMCA, in close coordination with military leaders, attempts to fill the highest priority gaps in support with innovative programs and services utilizing public donations and more than 13,000 volunteers.  The Armed Services YMCA plans to expand programs and services with a Department of Defense Affiliate to open at Camp Lejeune, NC in 2014, along with a YMCA Affiliate to open at the SW Illinois Y in the Fall of 2013 to serve military families at Scott Air Force Base.

The Armed Services YMCA Whidbey Island building/property is available for sale.  It is listed with Kathy Collantes at GO Realty. Interested parties may call GO Realty at 360-679-4646 for more information.

The ASYMCA provides low and no-cost programs to make military life easier for over 500,000 active-duty enlisted military and their families annually. Innovative, direct programs and services are tailored to the needs of local military installations nationwide. The ASYMCA received its’ 7^th consecutive 4-star rating (highest) from Charity Navigator in 2012, placing it in the top 2% of rated charities nationwide. Your tax deductible donation to the ASYMCA will make a significant difference in the lives of young military service members and their families.  Please visit www.asymca.org to learn more.

 

Contact:  Brittany Catton, 703-455-3986 ext.  112

Bcatton@asymca.org

Armed Services YMCA of the USA

7405 Alban Station Court, Suite B215

Springfield, VA 22150-2318

Armed Services YMCA Recreates the Magic of the Holidays for Military Families at the Christmas You Missed ™

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

SAN DIEGO – On Monday, June 24, the Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASY San Diego) will be playing in the snow, decking the halls and singing carols with military families—all in celebration of the 7th Annual

Christmas You Missed™. The title sponsor of the 2013 event is San Diego Spine and Rehab.  The ASY and their community partners will recreate the holidays in a winter wonderland for military personnel and their loved ones that were separated by deployment during the 2012 holiday season. The sold-out event is completely free and will allow 530 members of military families to relive every detail of the wintery season while making lifelong memories together.  The event will take place at the Murphy Canyon Youth Center located at 4867 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124 from 6am to 9am on June 24^th.

Family separation is a challenging part of being in a military family. This painful reality is especially heightened during the holiday season. Service members miss the pleasure of watching their children’s excitement, spouses must endure the heightened holiday stressors alone, and families miss out on the special bonding time that the season brings. Over 75 commands at 6 different duty stations will be represented at the Armed Services YMCA’s

Christmas You Missed™—and that is only a portion of the military units deployed last winter.

“At the ASYMCA, we know how difficult it can be for military families to spend the holidays apart—so seven years ago, we decided to bring it to them in June,” said Executive Director CAPT Paul Steffens, USN (Ret.). “This is our collective opportunity to give a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those brave men, women and families who serve us every day.”

The Armed Services YMCA’s Christmas You Missed™ takes place at the Murphy Canyon Youth Center from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. This early start recreates the true feeling of a holiday morning, and accommodates the busy school and duty schedules of military personnel. Dressed in their coziest holiday outfits and PJs, families will walk through falling snow into a winter wonderland to enjoy a warm breakfast, sponsored by Souplantation. A full morning of festive entertainment features carolers, dancers, and headliners Hullabaloo and the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band.  With a newly expanded outdoor activity area, this will be the biggest and best celebration yet.  This event will feature activities geared towards making family memories, such as cookie decorating, face painting, outdoor bowling, bounce houses, raffles, and even a special appearance from Santa.  Whether they are posing for family pictures or getting silly in the photo booth, each family will go home with lasting memories that will be cherished.

The community also has the opportunity to show their appreciation for military at this heartfelt event. Those who are eager to give thanks to these families for their sacrifices are invited to sponsor a holiday wish snowflake by going to MilitaryYMCA.org. These snowflakes, customized with a personalized message and donor’s name, will adorn the halls of this event and be a special keepsake for families to take home. For a donation starting at just $10, the San Diego community will be able to ensure that ASY San Diego continues to provide services to military families, children and warriors, not just on special occasions, but all year long. The Armed Services YMCA partners with hundreds of volunteers and donors to make this event possible.

 

Visuals:

Live Christmas Trees and cinnamon branches

Falling Snow to greet military families

Red Marine Humvees in front of the venue

Caroler’s in Old Fashioned Christmas Attire

Hundreds of fresh Poinsettias

Gingerbread cookie decorating

A holiday breakfast

Cookie decorating and kids Christmas crafts

Holiday photos with Santa and silly photobooth photos to take home

Outdoor activity booths including mini-firetruck rides, a dunk tank,  and bounce houses

• Media is invited to attend the event for a sneak preview, beginning at 5:30 am. For more information, contact Cat Quirk at 858-751-5755 Ext 105 or visit MilitaryYMCA.org.  Click here to see photos from the 2012 Christmas You Missed event:

http://militaryfamilyhelp.smugmug.com/ASYMCA-Special-Events/2012-CYM-Santa/23930674_ZsDLnb#!i=1941509189&k=9dQFKcT

###

About the Armed Services YMCA San Diego

The Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASY San Diego) is the leading non-profit that makes military life easier for active duty service members and their families. The ASY San Diego gives military personnel and their loved ones the support and resources they need to be resilient, confident, connected, and secure. Founded in 1920 as a national affiliate of the YMCA, its mission is to enhance the lives of service members and their families in mind, body, and spirit.  Through programs and services that are relevant to the unique challenges of military life, the ASY strengthens the military community. The ASY San Diego is, and always will be, dedicated to making military life easier.  MilitaryYMCA.org

 

Cat Quirk

Director of Public Relations

ARMED SERVICES YMCA SAN DIEGO

3293 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124

(P) 858 751 5755 Ext 105 (F) 858 751 5769

(E) cat.q@militaryymca.org (W) MilitaryYMCA.org

(O) Facebook | Twitter | Give

The Armed Services Y: Making Military Life Easier®

 

2013 Armed Services YMCA and GEICO Essay Contest Winners Announced

We would like to thank the hundreds of applicants that participated in this year’s contest!

The annual Armed Services YMCA Art and Essay Contest is officially launched every November and is open to all eligible children of U.S. active duty or retired service members.

Winners of both the art and essay contests have their winning entries displayed at 33 Armed Services YMCA Branches and affiliate locations, as well as military bases worldwide during Military Family Month in November, 2013.  Winners also receive  special Apple product prizes to help youth create and express themselves.

“Our annual art and essay contest allows children to express their love, appreciation and admiration for their military heroes,” said Mike Landers, CAPT, USN (Ret), and CEO of ASYMCA. “Their essays and artwork also serve to remind us of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make each day for our country.”

Entries for the art contest depict the theme, “My Military Family.” Co-sponsored by GEICO, the art contest promotes art among children in grades K–6 of active duty or retired (with 20+ years of service) members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard/Reserves families.

 

2013 Armed Services YMCA and GEICO Essay Winners:

First and Second Grade Isabel Kliethermes of Goldsboro, NC daughter of Major Clinton Kliethermes, USAF and Lana Kliethermes

Third and Fourth Grade Brenna Meehan of Coronado CA, daughter of CDR Lawrence E. Meehan, USN and Amy Meehan

Fifth and Sixth Grade Kelsey Mashburn of Vilonia AR, daughter of TSgt Mark Mashburn, USAF and Audrey Mashburn

Seventh and Eighth Grade Byanca Hutchins of Oceanside CA, daughter of CPO Janina L. Hutchins, USN and Maria Hutchins

Ninth and Tenth Grade Elizabeth McCormick, APO AA, daughter of Major Jeff McCormack, USMC and Bridget McCormack

Eleventh and Twelfth Grade Jesse Alan Davison of  Vanzant MO, son of ENC/DV Ralph R. Davison, II and Beverly Davison

 

Click here to see the 2013 Art Contest Winners

New ASYMCA.ORG Website Coming Soon

My Armed Services YMCA Story: Giselle, a former volunteer and now employee shares what it means to her to be honored by the White House on June 7th, 2013 as a Champion of Change

Giselle, an Armed Services YMCA former volunteer and now employee shares what it means to her to be honored by the White House on June 7th, 2013 as a Champion of Change

I have been inspired by Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative and all the work they have done on behalf of military families, so I am honored to be a White House Champion of Change. Upon reflecting about what service means to me for this event it all comes back to my son.  When my son enlisted in the Marine Corps right out of High School, in September 2005, I was so proud- nervous, but proud. I was so appreciative that he wanted to serve and give back to his country that had given him so much. It was not until I attended his send off at Camp Lejeune prior to a deployment, did I sense the true level of sacrifice and dedication it took from the entire family to support our service members in our Armed Forces.  I saw that I was not alone in my worry, and it was heartbreaking to see all the young children impacted by their parent deploying. Some children were too young to fully understand why mommy or daddy had to go and serve, and to see their anxious faces stressed and confused broke my heart. I immigrated to this country from Cuba, my mother and siblings came first, and then years later my father was able to join us. When I saw those children, I reverted back and remembered that feeling of separation and I knew I wanted to help comfort those children.  I will never forget those faces. They provided me with the motivation and focus to seek out an organization that was making a real difference in the lives of military children.

When I got home from Camp Lejeune, I researched online for programs that assisted military children to see where I could make the biggest impact.  I learned that the Armed Services YMCA was a top-rated military charity, with one of the highest Charity Ratings (top 2%) nationwide according to Charity Navigator.   The Armed Services YMCA depends on over 14,000 volunteers each year to make military life easier for our junior-enlisted military and their young families. 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 junior troops don’t get paid very much and can barely afford the basics for their families. The ASYMCA, in close coordination with military leaders, focuses on fulfilling the highest priority gaps in these required programs and services. Our junior military troops and families deserve all the help we can possibly provide with low and no cost programs and the ASYMCA is able to impact nearly 500,000 young troops and their families each year with the help of volunteers and generous donations.  It is such a testament to the power of those that step up to help that they are able to help so many military families.

I have many beloved volunteers, but one that stands out is Kelly from Idaho. Kelly has been volunteering with the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Kid Comfort program for over four years. She is self-motivated, creative and believes strongly in the program. Because she is so determined to help, we have been able to accomplish a lot together and she has become a close personal friend.  While I provide guidance, I give her total reign and creativity, so that those she recruits to volunteer with her will never tire of the eight hours of sewing it takes to craft each and every personalized homemade quilt for a military child.

One of my favorite parts of the Armed Services YMCA program that sets it apart is that it is a tangible item for a young child to hold, touch and connect with that is tailored with favorite family photos and memories that are memorialized forever.   It also affords the volunteers the opportunity to get know each family that they are trying to help through their treasured photos and activities.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with Cancer and had to begin treatment.  I informed the families and volunteers expecting quilts to let them know I was in treatment, not so they would be concerned, but rather to explain my absence when needed, because the last thing I would want them to think is that I was unresponsive to their needs.  I found that in sharing my story, I discovered that some of the quilters were survivors, and people opened up and shared their story in turn with me. As I continue my Cancer treatment, their shared experiences, concern, and prayers have helped give me strength, courage and healing. It is a tremendous feeling to have people rooting for you all over the country.

I do not let the invasive Cancer dampen my spirit for military families.  On the contrary, I forge ahead with a positive outlook and a strong desire to continue and grow the program with the help of additional funding and skilled volunteers.

My advice to potential volunteers is to find a passion that connects with your experience or skill set.  Even if you are not skilled, take on the challenge to train yourself.   We had a volunteer so passionate about the program, that she went to a local quilt shop and taught herself to sew.  If you are passionate and enjoy the rewards of giving back, nothing will stop you from achieving your goal.

Giselle Schneider

Armed Services YMCA

6/7/2013

Armed Services YMCA Employee to be Honored at White House as a Champion of Change

On Friday, June 7, the The White House and Y-USA will honor 12 YMCA leaders, partners and organization for efforts in transforming communities and making them better places to live.
Included in this distinguished group of 12 YMCA leaders is Giselle Schneider, the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Kid Comfort Program Coordinator.
Armed Services YMCA Operation Kid Comfort – Closely aligned with the White House “Joining Forces” initiative, Operation Kid Comfort is a nationwide, grass roots effort to provide handmade quilts to the children of deployed Moms and Dads. Literally hundreds of volunteer quilters across the country have produced over 25,000 of these quilts since 9-11. Giselle Schneider is the Operation Kid Comfort Program Coordinator at the Armed Services YMCA in Springfield VA. Under her leadership the program and has grown and she has exported this tremendous volunteer opportunity to other YMCA partners and supporting corporations across the country.

From addressing child hunger and reducing obesity, to improving education for kids and caretakers, each of the honorees has played an instrumental role in strengthening community.

The recognition ceremony will be webcast live starting at 12:45 p.m. ET. Watch at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live

 

Armed Services YMCA is partnering with the USO to provide No-Cost Warrior Weekends for Wounded Warriors and Wounded Families™ to Make Military Life Easier

This Summer, the Armed Services YMCA is partnering  with the USO to provide No-Cost Warrior Weekends for Wounded Warriors and Wounded Families™ to make military life easier. No-cost camping opportunities are available for those stationed at Hampton Roads, Fort Riley or Fort Sill. Check out the ASYMCA USO Warrior Weekend Press Release to learn more.

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

###

 

Former Baltimore Raven Matt Stover and Vice Chief of Naval Operations to honor Outstanding Military Medical Personnel

 

Former Baltimore Raven Matt Stover and Vice Chief of Naval Operations to honor Outstanding Military Medical Personnel

When: Tuesday, March 19^th, 2013. Reception, live music, and Step and Repeat at 6:30pm. The Program will take place from 7:30pm till 9:30pm.

 

Where:  The Ronald Reagan Building, Atrium level.  1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Washington, DC, 2004.  Validated parking is available at the entrance on 14^th street. Government ID needed for admittance.

 

D.C., March 19, 2013 –Former NFL star kicker , Matt Stover, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, while the Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mark Ferguson will give the keynote address to thank the Corpsmen, Medics and Pararescuemen of the United States Military at the annual Armed Services YMCA Annual Angels of the Battlefield Gala. The event highlights the individual men and women on the frontlines who are saving lives and demonstrated extraordinary courage.

The Keynote speaker will be Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mark Ferguson. Following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1978, Adm. Ferguson completed nuclear power training prior to entering the fleet as a surface warfare officer.  His afloat assignments include service on board USS South Carolina (CGN 37), USS Fife (DD 991) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He commanded the USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Destroyer Squadron 18.
In addition to various staff assignments, he served as a Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Mons, Belgium. He has also served as the assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command, chief of legislative affairs, and chief of naval personnel.

Bunnell Strings is an energetic and youthful string quintet of five siblings. Their special bond provokes a tremendous audience response both for the remarkable ensemble interaction and their compelling story of loss and hope in the aftermath of losing both their active-duty father and mother to cancer. They offer a thrilling journey into an expanded genre of stringed instrument performance styles and repertoire that make them accessible to young and old alike.

 

The Armed Services YMCA works  with the military services to select outstanding Corpsmen, Medics and Pararescuemen  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.

 

The Armed Services YMCA of the USA makes military life easier, and remains a fiscally responsible, top ten military charity, as rated by charitywatch.org. The Armed Services YMCA has 33 branches and affiliates that provide free programs like Operation Kid Comfort, a free photo quilt program for children of deployed, programs for spouses,  active-duty, wounded warriors, and military children to help them stress less and connect more. To learn more, please visit www. asymca.org

 

A special thanks to SAIC  and TriWest for their generous support of the event.

• Our Silver Level Sponsors  are United Concordia and Express Scripts.
• Our Bronze Level sponsors are Raytheon, GEICO, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Pitney Bowes, Robinson Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Veterans United, DRS and Bechtel.
• Our Event Level Sponsors are Rip It Energy Fuel, the NAI Michael Companies, Greenburg Trauig and J Street Cup.

 

Contact:

Brittany Catton

Armed Services YMCA

(703) 455-3986, ext. 112

bcatton@asymca.org

United Concordia Dental Honors Military Veterans