Program shows military veterans what it takes to gain entry into the building trades

ADDISON, Ill., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Military veterans in Northeastern Illinois are invited to a free Open House to learn about careers in the Bricklaying, Tuck Pointing, Tile Setting and Plastering trades. The program is scheduled for September 21, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is sponsored by Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit organization that helps veterans find careers in the construction industry.

The Open House will be held at the Bricklayers District Council Training Center at 2140 Corporate Drive in Addison, IL. Hands-on demonstrations will provide attendees with a look at career options in the skilled trades and what it takes to become a construction industry professional.

Instruction and career counseling will be provided by Apprenticeship Coordinators and Trainers from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.

The event is open to all veterans who are registered with the Helmets to Hardhats program. Registration is free and can be completed in a few minutes online at www.helmetstohardhats.org.

Bill Mulcrone, Midwestern Regional Director for Helmets to Hardhats, says, “The training and discipline received during military service makes veterans very attractive to construction industry employers.” The Open House, he adds, is an outstanding opportunity for veterans to learn how their military service can segue into a well-paying and enjoyable career in construction.

Andrew Gasca, Vietnam Veteran and Program Coordinator for the Bricklayers District Council Training Center, says, “This is a great opportunity to receive valuable insights into the trades from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced craftsmen in our area.” He also hopes that many local veterans will take full advantage of this event. “Outreach efforts such as these, designed to facilitate quality employment opportunities for veterans, were not widely available during the Vietnam era. I encourage today’s veterans not to pass up on chances like these in honor and recognition of their service.”

About Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to Hardhats links veterans and soon-to-be veterans with building and construction trade organizations, apprenticeship programs, and construction industry employers across America. Launched in 2003 with funding from the Defense Department, the program is administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment (CMRAVE) – a joint labor-management committee created by the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and its principle employer associations. These organizations represent three million construction workers and more than 82,000 contractors nationwide. For more information about Helmets to Hardhats, visit www.helmetstohardhats.org.

Nationwide Golf Events and Activities over Labor Day Weekend to help provide post-secondary educational scholarships for families of wounded and fallen American military service men and women

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., August 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Labor Day has always been a time to recognize career achievements of American workers, but for the families of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation, Labor Day carries a special significance. For the fourth consecutive year, thousands of golf facilities nationwide will participate in Patriot Golf Day®, over Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 3-6), collecting donations and raising awareness for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association.

Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, seeks to honor the sacrifice of American heroes as an annual event to raise money for post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. Through events across the country since 2007, PGA Professionals have helped raise more than $5.3 million, allowing the Folds of Honor Foundation to award 1,163 post-secondary educational scholarships.

During Labor Day weekend at participating public courses, golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf. Participating private facilities will accept donations. Non-golfers can also participate by making a donation to the foundation at its Web site at FoldsofHonor.org. As a proud supporter and Official Card of Patriot Golf Day, American Express will match donations made using an American Express® Card¹ during Patriot Golf Day Weekend (Sept. 3-6) to support the Folds of Honor Foundation.

“Our PGA Professionals have been on board since Day One and have helped raise millions of dollars for these deserving families of our wounded and fallen American heroes,” PGA of America President Jim Remy said. “What a wonderful opportunity for people to give back to those who have given everything while serving our great nation.”

There are 172,000 dependents of fallen and wounded military service men and women from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts alone, and 85 percent of those dependents do not qualify for federal educational assistance. Patriot Golf Day allows the Folds of Honor to present an ongoing tribute to our brave service members by ensuring that the families of fallen and wounded warriors have hope for the right educational start to life and best future possible.

Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA member and F-16 military pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, founded the Folds of Honor Foundation following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq. After witnessing the tragic homecoming of a fallen American solider, Rooney was inspired to start Folds of Honor to provide support to military families in the aftermath of their tragedies.

Other major supporters of Patriot Golf Day include Lifelock, Titleist, Bushnell, AHEAD, Inc., Golf Pride, Pima Direct, PrideSports, St. Andrews Products and Jerky John’s. To find out more information about these products and their support of Patriot Golf Day, visit FoldsofHonor.org.

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¹ American Express will match each donation made on a valid American Express Card to the Folds of Honor Foundation during Patriot Golf Day weekend up to a maximum total of $150,000. Matching contributions from American Express are not tax deductible for Cardmembers.

ATLANTA, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) yesterday announced  the awarding of a second $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the non-profit organization, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Harley-Davidson’s relationship with the DAV dates to 2006, when the Harley-Davidson Foundation made a prior $1 million grant to the organization. The new grant announced yesterday at the DAV National Convention in Atlanta is designated for continued funding of the DAV’s Mobile Service Office (MSO) program over the next four years.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with the DAV and help the organization support veterans of all generations,” said Gail Lione, President, Harley-Davidson Foundation. “Veterans have always been important members of the Harley-Davidson family and partnering with the DAV is an ideal way to support them and recognize their contributions to our country.”

The DAV MSO program increases veterans’ accessibility to benefits by literally putting service offices on the road.  Since 2007, this program sponsored by Harley-Davidson  – dubbed Harley’s Heroes® — has visited thousands of sites across the United States, providing important counseling and assistance to help tens of thousands of veterans secure the benefits to which they are entitled from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and other government agencies.

“Harley-Davidson not only represents freedom and patriotism, the Company backs up its brand and generously supports those brave men and women whose sacrifices protect our nation,” said DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson. “Through the support of the Harley-Davidson Foundation, DAV representatives have visited nearly 300 dealerships across the nation on the Harley’s Heroes tour, delivering free benefits assistance to disabled veterans and their families through our Mobile Service Office program. It’s hard to put into words just how much the Harley’s Heroes program has meant to thousands of sick and wounded heroes.”

Founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I, the DAV has continually represented the unique interests of the men and women who bear the wounds and scars of war.  Through their network of 110 National Service Offices, 10 mobile service offices, and Transition Service Officers at more than 100 military installations, the 1.2 million member DAV builds better lives for all America’s disabled veterans and their families.  In 2009, DAV represented nearly a quarter of a million veterans and their families in their claims for VA benefits, obtaining for them nearly $4.5 billion in new and retroactive benefits.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson’s support of veterans, visit, www.harley-davidson.com, including the “Salute to Veterans” page.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta. The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization supporting the communities in which the Company has facilities and selected national causes including veteran’s initiatives.

Earned Nation’s Highest Award for Valor during Vietnam

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Staff Sergeant David C. Dolby, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away this morning in Spirit Lake, Idaho at age 64.

Sergeant Dolby was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Company B, 1st battalion (Airborne) 8th Cavalry.

President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Staff Sergeant David Dolby with the Medal of Honor—the highest award given to those who acted with uncommon, selfless courage—on Sept. 28, 1967 for his actions on May 21, 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam.

His actions of unsurpassed valor during 4 hours of intense combat were a source of inspiration to his entire company, contributed significantly to the success of the overall assault on the enemy position, and were directly responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. Sgt. Dolby’s heroism was in the highest tradition of the U.S. Army.

Funeral services are pending.

There are 87 recipients alive today.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and consists exclusively of the living recipients of our nation’s highest award for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. Those who wear this light blue ribbon and Medal around their neck are “recipients” of this prestigious award; they are not “winners.” Although it is common to refer to the Medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is simply named the Medal of Honor, although, as stated, the Congress did establish the Society as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

For several months, The American Legion has been pressing VA to publish its final regulations for the three new presumptive diseases: ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and B-cell leukemia.

“Veterans can’t collect their earned disability benefits until VA publishes final regulations on these diseases,” said Barry Searle, director of the Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division. “And that’s a process that has been dragging through the bureaucratic mire since last October.”

While veterans across the country are still waiting for those regulations to be published – so they can start to collect earned disability benefits – another delay will be created by provisions of the Congressional Review Act of 1996.

That legislation grants Congress 60 days to review regulations published by federal agencies and possibly disapprove them. If that happens, regulations for the three presumptive conditions will be cancelled and veterans won’t be able to claim those new benefits.

VA estimates it will spend more than $42 billion over the next decade on Agent Orange claims stemming from the new regulations.

“We can certainly understand why Congress wants to be fiscally responsible in this matter,” Searle said. “But the scientific studies that support these new claims – that link these three diseases to Agent Orange exposure – are thorough in their research and unequivocal in their findings.”

Searle said The American Legion wants Congress and VA to work together quickly in resolving any lingering doubts about the three new presumptive conditions.

“Thousands of veterans who suffer from these diseases have waited too long already. The findings are valid. The connections to Agent Orange exposure are real. Let VA and Congress hash it out together, but we urgently recommend that they do it without further delay,” Searle said.

Successful Thanks For Giving Program Generates Groundswell Support for U.S. Troops

TAMPA, Fla., June 26 /PRNewswire/ — Outback Steakhouse concluded its Thanks for Giving program today with a presentation of a $1 million donation to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, veterans and their families.  The check was presented by OSI Restaurant Partners CEO Liz Smith and Outback Steakhouse President Jeff Smith to Jim Knotts, President/CEO and Amy Palmer, COO of Operation Homefront.

Today’s event began with the Presentation of the Colors by The Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) Color Guard, MacDill Air Force Base, in the front of the original Outback Steakhouse, established in 1988 in Tampa, Florida.  United States dignitaries on hand included Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Pflieger, retired Army Maj. Gen. Richard Griffitts, and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Arthur “Chip” Diehl III.

The Thanks for Giving program was launched in March when diners where invited to assist Outback in its efforts to support the troops by ordering from a special Red, White and Bloomin’ menu.

The company-wide initiative garnered national attention, including the endorsement of country music legend and fellow military supporter, Tim McGraw; retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, U.S. Central Command Commander; and retired Army Brig. Gen. John Howard.

“The sacrifices that our troops and their families make so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States is something Outback employees have recognized and appreciated since we opened our doors 22 years ago,” said Liz Smith. “As we express our sincere appreciation to those serving our country, we would also like to  thank the countless Americans who rallied behind our Thanks for Giving program.”

Today’s donation to Operation Homefront is the most recent in a long history of Outback’s support of the troops.  In June 2002, OSI launched Operation Feeding Freedom, sending a team of 15 Outbackers to Afghanistan to feed American troops stationed there.  Since that trip, over 100 members of the OSI team have made another six trips serving troops in Djibouti, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and aboard the USS Nimitz in Bahrain.  Overall, 137,000 troops have been served at numerous bases and forward command locations.

“Our troops, veterans and their families need support now more than ever,” Knotts said. “Outback’s generous donation will help these dedicated individuals and wounded warriors carry on with life’s essential needs as well as emergency situations.”

For more information about Outback Steakhouse and its commitments to the troops, please visit Outback.com, join the brand’s Facebook page or follow on Twitter via @outbacktonight.

About Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in casual dining for 22 years.  During that time, it has perfected the art of serving great-tasting steaks. Outback was voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant Chains.  Outback is not only known for the “Best Steak” award, but also serves fresh, “made from scratch” appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts that use only the highest-quality ingredients available.  Outback’s menu of new choices, classic favorites and “down under prices,” offers something for everyone.  Outback promises delicious, affordable food, spirited service, and an energetic atmosphere that will make casual nights out the most enjoyable available. Please visit www.Outback.com for more information.

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.   A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.  For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit some of our useful links below:

• OH Main Website: www.operationhomefront.net

Ask Moral Responsibility of Japan

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — World War II former prisoners of war of Japan are calling on Japanese government and industry to provide the same commitment to the memory of their suffering and forced labor. The call comes after Japan’s parliament approved on June 16th $200M to benefit Japanese veterans who survived the Soviet Union’s post-WWII Siberian labor camps and to provide an accurate historical account for future generations.

Three past commanders of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (ADBC) applaud Japan’s government for taking action now. Dr. Lester Tenney, Mr. Edward Jackfert, and Mr. Ralph Levenberg all survived Japan’s notorious prisoner of war camps and endured brutal forced labor, providing profit for some of Japan’s largest corporations during WWII. Over 60 well-known Japanese companies, such as Mitsui, Sumitomo, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, and Nippon Sharyo, used American and Allied POW labor in harsh conditions to sustain their war production.

The inhumane treatment was comparable to, and sometimes worse than, the cruelty of the Japanese military camps. Those who survived found themselves with permanent physical or mental damage. And like the Japanese Internees in Siberia, the American POWs received no wages or compensation for their back-breaking work in unforgiving surroundings. Read More »

PHILADELPHIA, May 30 /PRNewswire/ — Father Rick Curry, the founder of the Writers Program for Wounded Warriors, will deliver remarks at the traditional Memorial Day ceremony held at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Front and Spruce streets.

The noon ceremony on Monday, May 31, will also feature “echo taps” by two Philadelphia Police buglers and two firing squads from the VVA Chapter 266 and the police.  Wreaths will be presented and a stirring rendition of “Danny Boy” will be sung by Michael L. Daily III.

A Jesuit since 1961, Father Curry is the founder and artistic director of the Writers Program for wounded Warriors of the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped (NTWH).  The program has provided workshops for veterans that guide participants to learn to write and perform dramatic dialogue based on their experiences.  The nationally recognized program has helped veterans with emotional healing and in coping with their disabilities.

Father Curry, who founded in 1977 the parent organization NTWH, also founded the Academy for Veterans in Georgetown this year and hopes to launch a bakery program in the DC area that would employ veterans. He is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University and has a Master’s Degree in Theater from Villanova and a doctorate in theater from New York University.

The ceremony is being conducted by the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which has oversight of the Memorial in cooperation with the Fairmount Park.

Senators Leave for Vacation, Allowing Medicare Meltdown to Begin June 1

WASHINGTON, May 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following statement is attributable to J. James Rohack, M.D., President, American Medical Association:

“The Senate has turned its back on seniors, and America’s physicians are outraged that Congress has deserted patients by failing to address this year’s Medicare cut before the June 1 deadline.  Senators are more interested in heading home for the holiday than in preventing a Medicare meltdown for seniors.  The 21 percent Medicare physician payment cut has been looming all year, and yet all Congress has managed to do is repeated short-term delays.  This is complete mismanagement of a health care program that America’s seniors and the disabled rely on.  Already, about one in four Medicare patients looking for a new primary care physician have trouble finding one, and congressional inaction will make it much worse.

“It is sad and ironic as we enter the Memorial Day holiday that Congress’ inaction on the 21 percent cut puts health care for America’s military heroes and their families at risk. TRICARE, the health care program for military families ties its payment rates to Medicare.

“Enough is enough: nine times in eight years Congress has delayed the cut and not fixed the problem.  Congress needs to buckle down, stop growing the problem and fix it once and for all to save the Medicare and TRICARE programs for America’s seniors and military families.”

SOURCE American Medical Association

Says returning military veterans among those hit hardest by unemployment

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — With more veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan and the state’s unemployment rate still stubbornly high this Memorial Day, Auditor General Jack Wagner renewed his call for the Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission to increase enforcement of veterans’ preference provisions in the filling of state jobs.

“It’s imperative that the civil service commission faithfully execute state and federal laws and give these patriot Americans the preference in hiring that they have earned through service to their country,” said Wagner, a former U.S. Marine who received a Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam. “The unemployment rate for military veterans is higher than that for the general population, both nationally and in Pennsylvania. It’s unconscionable that our state government would turn its back on these brave men and women who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms – especially at a time when Pennsylvania is enduring its toughest economic condition in at least a generation.”

Wagner issued an audit in November 2008 that found the Civil Service Commission was lax in requiring state agencies to give preference to veterans in filling job vacancies. The audit recommended that the commission take steps to require state agencies to consider veterans when filling all job vacancies.

Civil Service Commission executive director, Jeffrey Wallace, recently sent a letter to Wagner, saying that the commission had rejected the auditor general’s recommendation.

“The Civil Service Commission’s position is both wrong and incomprehensible,” Wagner said. “By requiring state agencies to obey the law and consider eligible veterans when filling job vacancies, the Civil Service Commission would simply be giving veterans the opportunity for employment that they have earned through military service and as competent qualified applicants.”

Authority for the Veterans’ Preference Program in Pennsylvania is provided by the Military Affairs Act of 1975 and the Pennsylvania Civil Service Law.  The program provides that veterans who pass the civil service exam receive 10 additional points on their civil service exam scores and have mandatory hiring preference for civil service employment positions, if the veteran has one of the three highest exam scores for the position being considered. There is no reason why military veterans are not receiving the employment opportunities that they have earned and that state law requires the State Civil Service Commission to recognize, Wagner said.

Wagner initiated his audit after receiving a complaint from a veteran, which alleged that the commonwealth had not been applying veterans’ preference in its employment decisions or had been applying the preference in an unsatisfactory manner. Read More »