American Airlines and USO of Illinois Open Cyber Canteen for U.S. Troops at O'Hare International Airport

Come Join Us for the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade!

http://www.caryjaycees.org/special/christmas_parade.htm

Click to purchase tickets - http://www.skyballviii.com/

Gene Simmons Military Tribute

Click Here

VMERG on Facebook

Check us out on Facebook  www.facebook.com/amrvmerg

---EAGLE ANNOUNCES DFW-COLUMBUS, GA., SERVICE---

American Eagle announced it will begin nonstop jet service between DFW and Columbus, Ga., beginning July 15. Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets. Columbus, Ga., is home to Fort Benning, a major U.S. Army post, as well as the National Civil War Naval Museum.Read more in the

http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2913

-AA, EAGLE & EMPLOYEES HONOR VETERANS, MILITARY PERSONNEL-

American, American Eagle and their employees have continued their long-standing support of veterans and active military service members through a variety of special activities in recent weeks. During the first quarter of 2010, AA, Eagle and employee volunteers supported a number of initiatives related to the military and veterans, including:

• Medal of Honor charter flight  
• Women Airforce Service Pilots event  
• Gary Sinise concerts  
• Medal of Honor Portrait presentations  
• Honor Flights  
• Legends of Aerospace Tour  
• United States Honor Flag  
• Veteran/Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG) 

Read more about support for these events by the company and its employees 

http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2912

Operation Hi Mom!

Know a soldier abroad who won’t be home for Mother’s Day? This year, Canvas on Demand, a company that turns your photos into canvas portraits, will send a 16” x 20” canvas to any Mom of a deployed service member for free ($112 value). The soldier just needs to register for “Operation: Hi Mom!” and upload a photo.
http://cool.canvasondemand.com/category/operation-hi-mom-honey/operation-hi-honey/

VMERG and the Boston employees will dedicating gate B33 to the Marines during a ceremony at 4pm on Monday, May 3rd.  Marine Week Boston website

Support Our Troops: Chrysler, Ram Truck Brand To Send One Million "Letters for Lyrics" to U.S. Soldiers

Starting in May, Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand will kick off the "Letters for Lyrics" national campaign with a target of sending one million letters to U.S. soldiers stationed across the world. Participants who write a letter to a U.S. soldier will receive a special compilation CD entitled, "Breaking Southern Ground," while supplies last.

The nonprofit organization, Soldier's Angels, will deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldier's Angels is a volunteer-based organization known for providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.

Click here for more information regarding the letter drive "Letters for Lyrics"

Click here to find the closet Ram truck dealer Ram Trucks

Saving Fuel With a New Purpose

What if a pilot using single-engine taxi not only saved fuel, but allowed a wounded soldier to reunite with his family at home? Or if the process of connecting ground power and pre-conditioned air helped a Vietnam vet arrive on time for his regular therapy treatment? A partnership between Fuel Smart and American's Veterans support team offers employees throughout the company the ability to make these and other moments possible for those who have served or currently serve in the U.S. armed forces. A portion of Fuel Smart savings generated by employees will be donated to help Veterans in need.

American announced today it will provide a portion of fuel savings generated by employees to Mercy Medical Airlift, an established not-for-profit organization that helps active military service members, veterans, and their immediate families travel for medical, counseling and diverse rehabilitation services through its Air Compassion for Veterans program. The AA Veterans Initiatives program has supported Mercy Medical Airlift's Air Compassion for Veterans program since the beginning of the year by helping to arrange travel on American and American Eagle. The initiative is being expanded through a partnership with American's Fuel Smart program, an employee-driven fuel conservation effort.

Wounded Warrior Half Marathon

Wounded Warrior Half Marathon, 10K and Military Mile Fun Run on June 13th in Las Colinas (TX) to benefit the Semper Fi fund and ReserveAid.   http://www.woundedwarriorhalf.com/

Pacific Honor Flight Video

The link below will take you to the video HBO produced in regard to the Honor Flight we helped sponsor. Thanks to all the VMERG volunteers, they all did an incredible job!

The video will play on HBO in conjunction with the broadcast of the series.

http://www.hbo.com/#/the-pacific/inside/the-pacific-tribute-campaign/video/the-buzz-the-honor-flight.html/

"The Pacific" Video Tribute Campaign

If you get the opportunity, visit the C.R. Smith Museum before the end of May and stop by the HBO kiosk to record a personal message of thanks to our veterans and active duty military.  Please share with your members and remember a simple thank you goes a long way.

 

PS. If you haven't had the chance to tune into "The Pacific" on HBO, you are missing out. It can be a little difficult to watch as it paints the picture for those of us who have not had to fight in a war of just what these heroes really have gone through.

Green Beret Foundation

The United States Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, produces some of our nation’s finest and most elite warriors. They fight across a broad spectrum of missions in the pursuit of freedom for those oppressed and to protect our nation from those who seek to do us harm. They are known as our country's quiet professionals. The Green Berets have been defending our nation against its enemies throughout the last 5 decades in times of peace and war.

The liberties we enjoy as Americans don’t come without a cost. The Special Forces bear the burden of having the highest number of wounded personnel of any other U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) proponent. The Green Beret Foundation serves these quiet professionals who bravely serve the American people and its freedoms.

In an effort to fill the gaps in support left by the boundaries of other organizations, the GBF facilitates assistance to our wounded, ill and injured Special Forces soldiers and their families. We do this by providing resources to ease the burdens of some of the financial hardships that arise in their time of need as well as improving the quality of life for the soldier and the family.

http://www.greenberetfoundation.org/

New Pictures of Recent Events

Check out the newly updated pictures at www.vmerg.myphotoalbum.com

Point Man International Ministries

Point Man International Ministries (http://www.pmim.org/) is a service organization with an evangelical purpose that keeps Jesus Christ as its focal point. PMIM acts as a referral service to connect hurting veterans and their families to their Outpost and Home Front system for continued support and fellowship. These support groups are available at no charge, and utilize the gospel of Jesus Christ and Biblical principles to facilitate healing and restoration. The local DFW Outpost and Home Front operates out of Gateway Church in Southlake and meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7pm of each month. It is open to all active duty military, veterans, and their families. For more information about the group, please email bob.roth@gatewaypeople.com or call 817-683-7728.

PMIM also participates in national conferences, international publishing, radio and television as well as other forms of media to help educate and raise awareness of the needs of veterans around the world.

WWII Pacific Veterans Honor Flight to DC

The following two news stories highlights the send off of WWII Pacific Veterans from Miami and Boston on their way to DC to see the premier of HBO's new miniseries "The Pacific".
Miami    Boston

Rockford IL Air Fest 2009

The ORD VMERG Chapter successfully participated in the Rockford IL Air Fest last year and helped secure both an AA and Eagle static display. The following YouTube link highlights events of the weekend which shows both the AA 737-800 and Eagle ERG145 landing - http://www.youtube.com/flyrfd2009

Here is a link to the Latitude Magazine article Latitude Magazine Article

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) offers cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post 9/11 military veterans disabled as a result of their service. For more information go to http://www.whitman.syr.edu/ebv/.

Full Throttle With the Blue Angels

What a ride!     http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/ajc/swf/blueangels/blueangels.swf

---AA TRANSPORTS WWII VETERANS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.---

American is transporting two special groups of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., so they can be recognized for their service. On March 10, American partnered with HBO and The Honor Flight Network to bring 250 WWII veterans who served in the Pacific for a visit to the World War II Memorial. The group will travel on AA's "Flagship Liberty." The special charter begins in Chicago and make stops to pick up veterans in Cleveland, New York and Boston. 

AA is also flying 382 former Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft, from around the country to Washington, D.C., where they will receive the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President Obama.

WASP

American Airlines will be flying a large group of WASPs to Washington D.C. for the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony being held on March 10th at the Capital Building. During World War II, a select group of young women pilots became pioneers, heroes and role models...they were the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft.

"This is not a time when women should be patient. We are in a war and we need to fight it with all our ability and every weapon possible. WOMEN PILOTS, in this particular case, are a weapon waiting to be used."
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1942

"You don't need legislation to prove something... you can be whatever you set your  heart and head to be, and don't let anybody tell you can't be, because 1078 women pilots did it in World War II."
WASP Annelle Henderson Bulechek44-W-2

Learn more about WASPs on the web: http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/index.htm

Final Home Coming

Paying respect to CPL Daniel T. O'Leary who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country on February 23, 2010.

Lowe’s Expands Support of the Military with Year-Round Discount

  

10 Percent Discount for Active, Reserve, Retired and Disable Military Personnel and Immediate Family

Click Here for More Information

The VMERG Patriot Press

Our very first newsletter!!     The VMERG Patriot Press

"The Pacific"

HBO has produced another mini series honoring our veterans, The Pacific. The Pacific, from Executive Producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, is a follow-up to their critically acclaimed miniseries Band of Brothers – only this time the focus will be on the pacific theater. American Airlines is PROUD to be an official sponsor as we will provide a charter for WWII Pacific Theatre Veterans to attend the screening in Washington, DC.                                              http://www.hbo.com/the-pacific/index.html

 

Liberty House Offers New Hope to Hmeless Veterans

If you're interested in joining me for a tour of the new Dallas/Ft. Worth Liberty House for Homeless vets please send a message to david.whitehead@aa.com. We are scheduled to tour Monday, March 1 at 1300 hrs.

You can find Liberty House on Face Book - http://www.facebook.com/LibertyHouseFW?v=wall#!/LibertyHouseFW

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Liberty-House-offers-new-hope-to-homeless-veterans-83087612.html

 

Saturday, March 6 @ 7:30am

Fayetteville Technical Community College - Parking Lot # 5, Hull Road

Race Day Schedule:

07:30am - Registration

08:30am - Race Start

Registration Fees:

5K Adult Run/Walk - $20

Day of Race - $25

5K 16 & under Run/Walk - $12

Day of Race - $15

Sleep-in for the Troops - $20

Support the troops in your sleep! You don't have to get up early to run! Spend $20 to sleep-in and we will send you a race day t-shirt.

Register Before March 5

Words Can't Describe - Watch the Video

This story is about PVT Channing Moss, who was impaled by a live RPG during a Taliban ambush while on patrol. Army protocol says that medivac choppers are never to carry anyone with a live round in him.

Even though they feared it could explode, the flight crew said damn the protocol and flew him to the nearest aid station. Again, protocol said that in such a case the patient is to be put in sandbagged area away from the surgical unit, given a shot of morphine and left to wait (and die) until others are treated. Again, the medical team ignored the protocol. Here's a seven-minute video put together by the Military Times, which includes actual footage of the surgery where Dr. John Oh, a Korean immigrant who became a naturalized citizen and went to West Point, removed the live round with the help of volunteers and a member of the EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) team.

Live RPG removed from soldier: Video from Military Times

Get Ready Tulsa!

Tulsa Air and Space Museum’s Air and Rocket Racing Air Show is coming to town with outstanding performers and airplanes! American Airlines is a sponsor. Tulsa has not had an air show in years so this is a big event benefitting the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and the Space Shuttle acquisition.

Go to the website to see all the outstanding performers such as a comedy act in a J-3 Cub that will make your cringe at what this young man can do. Two Tulsa AA employees will do aerobatics: Randy Harris in his gorgeous biplane and Paul Jennnings in his glider. Yes, gliders do aerobatics. WWII airplanes, military routines, wing walkers and much much more will be defying gravity. NASA astronauts will also be in attendance The Rocket Racers will definitely get the kids interest.

As a side note: TASM is needing AOA or SIDA badged volunteers to help with security, crowd control, etc. Please call Kim Jones at 834-9913 ext 113 if you would like to help.

Buy Tickets

An Opportunity to Help Operation Homefront

DFW VMERG Needs Your Immediate Help!

We need your support on 3/8/2010 to meet WWII heroes, inbound to DFW, outbound to DCA, to receive the Gold Medal, the highest civil service award, from Congress. Pelosi, Reid, Boehner, McConnell to Hold Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to Honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Republican Leader John Boehner, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and Members of Congress will hold a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on March 10, 2010 in the Capitol to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II.

The WASP was a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircrafts under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. More than 60 years ago, they flew fighter, bomber, transport, and training aircraft in defense of America’s freedom. Through their actions, the WASP eventually were the catalyst for revolutionary reform in the integration of women pilots into the Armed Services.

Legislation to support the WASP Congressional Gold Medal was co-sponsored by: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Representative Susan Davis (D-CA). On July 1, 2009, President Obama signed this legislation.

“This Congressional Gold Medal honors the remarkable accomplishments, courage, and sacrifice of a distinct group of women in the United States military,” said Congresswomen Ros-Lehtinen and Davis, and Senators Hutchison and Mikulski. “The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII will be remembered for their dedicated efforts and unwavering service to our country in the fight for freedom.”

NOTE: For additional information on the events surrounding the ceremony, please click here.

For invitation information for all WASP and family members of deceased WASP, please contact Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Inc.:wasp@womensmemorial.org or (703) 533-1155.

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VMERG's part of this project is to meet our inbound WASPs,(women's airforce service pilots) who will most likely be in their service uniforms, and escort them to our "Canteen." At the appropriate time, we will then escort them to their departure gate, to Washington DC, (most of them will be flying into DCA- in groups, throughout the day). We have secured the Yandry Centry on the 8th, from 0900-1800. We will decorate it with a 1940's and WWII theme. We are serving refreshments and cake. What need your support with decorating, escorting and, finally, a procession at their departure gate. We would love to have a very strong turn out in supporting our first military qualified pilots, and WWII honorees!

Details: Please wear your regulation AA/AE uniform. If you don't have a uniform, please wear business casual with your AA ID, (there will be photographers and photo ops). Shift work and time of availability is at your discretion throughout the 0900-1800 time frame. We will meet our first arrivals, escort them to the "Canteen,"(yandry center) for a reception in their honor and also an opportunity to meet these amazing pilots, then escort them to their departure gate. They will be leaving in groups, as revenue passengers, NOT charters, to their departure gate headed to DCA. Please keep in mind, they are revenue customers and will be traveling with their family members as well. Most of the ladies are very active and are also active with their local veteran organizations. Some, are traveling with wheelchairs, or have will be needing some special assistance. Some family members will be traveling without their heroine as they are attending the ceremony to receive this award posthumously on behalf of their honoree. Nonetheless, we will be there to honor and support them! We have invited local ROTC groups to assist with the escort. Being a weekday, we do not yet have an idea of the number of ROTC volunteers that will join us. We may have to go directly from the inbound to the outbound, in some cases. However, at the DCA departure gate, we hope to have a parade procession lined up at the gate, to applaud and celebrate this very important occasion.

So, as a wrap, we need volunteers to work as decorators, meeter and greeter escorts, greeters at the canteen and then at our parade line at the departure gate for DCA. Whatever you can support, we appreciate. This is our first group task for 2010 and we really would appreciate a strong turn out! This is a once in a lifetime event and a great opportunity to meet some of those who contributed to WWII's victory and history's very first military trained pilots.

If you can attend, please bring your US Flags!!!! This is a very patriotic event!

Please let me know what you would like to do and the hours you can work. Please email me if you have any questions dfwvmerg@yahoo.com or jetcty1@yahoo.com. The event is 3/8 which is around the corner, so please let me know, if possible, but soon!

Thank you for any support you can give!

Val, Rachael, Jim and Terri

VMERG has Made it to Face Book!

You can now become a fan of VMERG on Face Book! Just search for Veteran Military and you will find it. Become a fan and tell all your friends.

From Tulsa Crib Nogtes 2-2-10

Landscaping Volunteer Day

February 25 and 26    8:30am-4pm

3637 Ambition Rd
Fayetteville, NC 28306

Get Directions
 If you are interested in coming out for this event please get in touch with Amber Hewes at 508-823-3300 or AHewes@homesforourtroops.org.

We are still looking for donations of Professional Trades to help us build this home for SSG Craft and his family - scroll down to see a full list of what is still needed! Contact Ryan Gugliotta at RGugliotta@homesforourtroops.org if interested

About Staff Sergeant Craft

Army Staff Sergeant Maurice Craft was serving in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne when he suffered severe injuries as a result of an explosion in November 2003. An IED was activated by a car alarm in close proximity to SSG Craft, severing his left leg above the knee and causing multiple injuries to his right leg. Unable to be airlifted from the blast zone due to the ensuing battle, SSG Craft was evacuated by HUMVEE to the nearest field hospital where they worked feverishly to save his life.

With injuries so extensive, Maurice’s left leg required immediate amputation, his prognosis grim. After being airlifted to Walter Reed, SSG Craft spent two years in Washington, DC furthering the rehabilitation of his right leg which has required extensive corrective surgeries, and learning to walk with his prosthetic.

A single father raising two young daughters, SSG Craft enjoys reading, playing musical instruments, writing, and playing with his children. He hopes to volunteer and someday work in orthotics and prosthetics; assisting others who may find themselves in situations similar to his own.

The 2010 Military Child Award

 

Military families bear the brunt of the wars' burdens on the homefront. When parents deploy, their children soldier on without them. But they're rarely recognized for their service and sacrifice.

That's why Operation Homefront created the Military Child Award -- to recognize and reward military children who set a positive example for the rest of us. Nominations open in February on our online community, Homefront Online. The winner receives $5,000 and is flown to Washington, D.C. for a special ceremony in his or her honor.

Read about last year's winner here.  Click here to nominate a military child today!

Landing On Target!

Inclusion. 

It is what an Employee Resource Group (ERG) is all about.  When an ERG can step outside of its box and include other people and other ERGs, it exhibits what we all strive for….diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

On 27 JAN, VMERG was able to collaborate with the  Abilities Resource Group to bring to HDQ1 an exciting and uplifting event where SFC Dana Bowman (ret) was the keynote speaker.  I think it is safe to say that about 200 people showed up to hear SFC Bowman speak.

If you have ever had the chance to hear SFC Bowman speak, you know that we had an amazing motivational presentation. 

SFC Bowman is a double leg amputee and accomplished adventurer.  He continues to sky dive, scuba dive, hunt, run….the list is endless and truly uplifting.  His story continues to bring tears to my eyes and uplift me in ways that I continue to cherish. 

As I was listening to his presentation one thing stood out for me personally…..

“It is never too late to pursue or accomplish those things that you are afraid of.”

That statement could not be more true.

Pause….sip coffee….contemplate….continue.

What are you afraid of?  What have you put off accomplishing? 

Speaking from experience I can say that one of the things I continually put off was the completion of my Ph.D.  I sat around for years saying that “coulda woulda” thing without really taking action to complete anything! 

What was really going on was the fear that I would not be able to complete the requirements of obtaining my Ph.D. because of my age and the fact that I had been out of school for so long.  Going on, umm, 40ish,  I put it off and put if off until one day I came to realize that it didn’t matter how old I was.  I have always been driven and determined and I wasn’t going to let age get the best of me. 

Anywhoo….

Listening to SFC Bowman speak reminded me that I should always “land on target.”  No matter how, where or when, or what may try to stop me, I will always…

Land on Target!

Be Amazed and Inspired

An amazing speaker is planned to appear at HDQ 1 next Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 10:00 am in HDQ 1 cafeteria at an event hosted by the Veteran Military and Employees with disAbilities Resource Groups.   While anyone is welcome, seating is limited so encourage your folks to register early.

It’s not the Disability... It’s the Ability!

The Veteran/Military and Employees with disAbilities Resource Groups invite you to be amazed and inspired.  Dana Bowman, retired SFC, former member of the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights and double amputee speaks on behalf of veterans and those living with disabilities on Wed., Jan. 27, 10:00 am @ HDQ1. Seating is limited.  Read more.  

Rockie Lynne American Defenders Concert - Waukegan, IL

We would like to say thank you and all of the American Airlines Family for all you done for our Freedom Fighters and extend 200 comp tickets to American Airlines to the Rockie Lynne American Defenders concert January 23. I can arrange to have the tickets in Will Call under American Airlines. 
Anna from Wounded Heroes.

Jaycees Christmas Parade

The Veteran Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG) participated in the Jaycees Cary Christmas Parade on December 12. A group of 15 volunteers helped decorate a float adorned with an American Eagle RJ and an American Airlines jetliner that were surrounded by wrapped presents. Attached to the float were signs reminding those along the parade route that during this joyous season to take time to remember those fighting for our freedom. 

Our volunteers, some dressed in holiday costumes, walked along side the float passing out lollipops with cards reminding folks of our message and our blog. Despite the cold temperature, all enjoyed the event and we were especially proud to hear the crowds cheering, "We love American Airlines!". We challenged attendees on each side of the street to see which side could cheer the loudest in support of the troops. We look forward to next year's parade and your continued support for VMERG.

Take a moment to view http://www.vmerg.myphotoalbum.com for pictures of this event.  

2009 Rockford IL Air Fest

The ORD VMERG successfully participated in the Rockford IL Air Fest last year and helped secure both an AA and Eagle static display. The following YouTube link highlights events of the weekend which shows both the AA 737-800 and Eagle ERG145 landing - http://www.youtube.com/flyrfd2009 

A Special Moment in FLL

A little boy, Trace, traveled inbound early December and when he and his Mom landed, they approached Tony Sanchez, FLL CSM, and gave him a note that had a picture and a message from Trace. The message stated that Trace loved American Airlines and one day wanted to be a pilot for us. Trace is only 5 years old!!! Along with that message he gave us 5 McDonalds $5.00 gift cards. He wanted Tony to have one and give the other to soldiers traveling via FLL. We quickly got to work and began granting his wish and we took pictures of every soldier who received one of Trace’s gift cards.

On December 16th, Trace received a keepsake from us showing him what his kind thoughts had brought to FLL. He was met by the BSO office and given a ride on the scooter to the gate as his Mom, an Executive Platinum, watched in tears. An announcement was made at the boarding gate introducing Trace as one of AA's future pilots. Tony presented Trace with an AA lunchbox. Last but not least, we saluted him good-bye as he watched from the window. After the flight departed, we understand Trace and his Mom upon checking in at the counter gave another 5 McDonald gift cards to give to more soldiers. This truly was an amazing story for the FLL TEAAM.

Our message to Trace: The employees of American Airlines at Fort Lauderdale wanted to follow up on your Holiday Wishes. Your request to pass along the McDonalds gift certificate to soldiers flying out of our city brought us great joy during this holiday season. We have taken some pictures for you to save as a keepsake of your well thought kindness.

Trace you will definitely make an amazing Captain one day!!! We wish you a very special Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Your friends at American Airlines Fort Lauderdale

You can view the other photos on http://www.vmerg.myphotoalbum.com/