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.

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.

WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Legion expressed outrage today over revelations that a VA medical center may have exposed veterans to serious infections through improperly cleaned dental equipment.

Because cleaning protocols were not followed by workers at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, more than 1,800 veterans may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis viruses. Those veterans recently received letters from the VA center, warning them of possible exposure to the diseases and offering screening and support.

“This is an extremely serious problem that has happened before and will happen again unless VA ensures strict adherence to proper sanitation and sterilization protocol,” said Clarence Hill, The American Legion’s national commander.

“We’re talking about people who have risked their lives, who have lost arms and legs and who are suffering mentally and emotionally – because they served their country honorably.

“They should have no misgivings about getting treatment at VA facilities, and they wouldn’t if VA ensured that its staff were following the medical protocols already in place. It’s management’s responsibility to make sure the protocols are followed. This is a failing on the part of management that should not be excused,” Hill said. Read More »

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

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 »

The ‘American Heroes’ Vignettes Premiere During Military Channel’s Live Coverage of the National Memorial Day Parade on May 31st

INDIANAPOLIS and SILVER SPRING, Md., May 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The American Legion and Military Channel have teamed up to honor troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, including three soldiers who never made it back home.  A series of ten, one-minute vignettes, “American Heroes” premieres Memorial Day on the Military Channel, which co-sponsored the production with The American Legion – the country’s largest veterans service organization with about 2.5 million members worldwide.

Produced by Creative Street Entertainment, “American Heroes” includes the dramatic and poignant stories of those who fell in battle, suffered severe injuries, helped repair war-torn communities, or made it home to help other wounded warriors.  Each American hero is honored with a Norman Rockwell Moments portrait at the close of the vignette.  The profiles will air on the Military Channel for an entire year, starting with the network’s live coverage of the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT.

“The ‘American Heroes’ stories are a collection that encompasses several different aspects of what it means to be a hero in wartime.  First and foremost, we think of those who gave their lives – those whose memories we will honor forever,” said Clarence Hill, national commander for The American Legion.

“Then there are those who return home with severe injuries, yet go on to succeed in the civilian world. We have American heroes who take care of wounded troops at VA hospitals, who have helped Iraqi children in their devastated cities, or who have taught their own families how to be heroes,” Hill said. These vignettes really highlight the sacrifices of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how veterans of those wars continue to serve our country.”

“Partnering with The American Legion to create these ‘American Heroes’ vignettes is emblematic of Military Channel’s commitment to sharing compelling stories of heroism from within the U.S. Armed Services,” said Henry Schleiff, general manager and president of Military Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater.  ”And what better day to launch these poignant stories than Memorial Day, a hallowed day for our country to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women serving in uniform, who have preserved our freedom and liberties while bringing security to the world.” Read More »

WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Practicing what they preach – helping to make a real difference in veterans’ lives – members of The American Legion spent nearly one million hours volunteering at VA medical facilities in fiscal 2009.

The nation’s largest veterans group is also one of America’s largest volunteer organizations, its ranks populated by what VA Secretary Eric Shinseki recently described as “people who are regularly, habitually and deliberately kind.”

Shinseki highlighted the critical importance of volunteerism when he addressed graduates May 15 at the University of Maryland-University College. Last month, Adm. Mike Mullen told the Council on Foundations that community non-profit groups are the answer to meeting veterans’ needs, once they’ve left the federal system. Mullen is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“Lately, Secretary Shinseki and Admiral Mullen have been placing an exclamation point on what we’ve been doing for a long time – volunteering to help out veterans and their families,” said Clarence Hill, national commander of The American Legion.

“Lobbying Congress on veterans issues is something we do extremely well, but The American Legion isn’t centered on Capitol Hill. We’re a huge grass-roots organization that does most of its good work at the local level.

“Everywhere you find a VA hospital or clinic, you’re bound to find an American Legion post, too – and Legionnaires from that post spend a lot of their time visiting disabled and wounded veterans,” Hill said.

About 6,300 members of The American Legion volunteered 916,598 hours of their time in FY 2009 to visit with veterans. Although that effort saved VA $18.5 million, Shinseki said that monetary value was only part of equation when it came to veterans reaching out to other veterans.

“There are some things they do that we can’t put a price on. What’s the price of a ‘thank you’? What’s the going rate for dignity and respect for a combat veteran? Such values cannot be calculated,” he said.

While The American Legion makes a strong contribution every year to VA’s Voluntary Service Program and Suicide Prevention Program, its outreach Read More »

WASHINGTON, May 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Testifying before a House subcommittee today, The American Legion said that veterans’ preference in the federal job market “is being unlawfully ignored by numerous agencies.”

“The reality is that employment opportunities are not being properly publicized,” said Joe Sharpe, the Legion’s economic division director, in his written testimony. “Federal agencies, as well as federal government contractors and subcontractors, are required by law to notify the Office of Personnel Management of job opportunities.

“But more often than not, these opportunities are never made available to the public,” he said.

Sharpe testified before the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, chaired by Rep. David Obey, D-Wis.

Sharpe said that such behavior on the part of some federal agencies makes the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) a critically important program, since it investigates violations of veterans’ preference policy and corrects unlawful practices.

“The mission of VETS is to promote the economic security of America’s veterans,” Sharpe said. “The American Legion is eager to see this program grow, and especially would like to see greater expansion of entrepreneurial-based, self-employment opportunity training.”

The American Legion has recommended about $340 million for fiscal 2011 to fund five Dept. of Labor programs created to serve veterans:

• Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS): Offers employment and training services to eligible veterans through non-competitive “Jobs for Veterans” state grant programs.
• Transition/Disabled Transition Assistance Programs (TAP/DTAP): Help servicemembers who are separating from active duty with their return to the civilian world and work force. ($267M, including VETS funding)
• Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP): A competitive state-grant program for agencies and organizations that offer jobs to homeless veterans. ($50M)
• National Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Institute (NVTI): Ensures that staff for federal and state employment services are highly trained and proficient in dealing with veterans’ needs. ($6M)
• Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP): Provides training and support services to veterans to lead to higher wages and long-term careers – especially those with service-connected disabilities, are recently separated from active duty, or have significant barriers to employment. ($20M)

Sharpe also recommended $61 million in funding for the Office of Personnel Management to improve compliance with veterans’ preference rights in the job market. He reminded the subcommittee that employment rights of veterans and servicemembers are covered by the Veterans’ Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

The TAP and DTAP programs need to be expanded quickly, The American Legion says, to include many National Guard and reserve members whose businesses have suffered –or have been lost – while they were serving their country. While DoD estimates that 79 percent of active-duty troops attend TAP seminars, only 35 percent of reserve components do the same.

“These attendance numbers are a disservice to all transitioning servicemembers,” Sharpe said. The American Legion wants DoD to make its TAP and DTAP sessions mandatory for all servicemembers leaving active duty.

Discussing the VWIP program, Sharpe noted that current funding allows it to operate in only 15 states. “The problem is clearly a lack of adequate funding. The budget baseline needs to be increased to … train eligible veterans in all 50 states in FY 2011,” he said.

At the start of the hearing, Rep. Obey – who chairs the House Appropriations Committee – expressed frustration over congressional reluctance to fully fund programs favored by The American Legion and other veterans service organizations.

He said he favored almost all of the programs proposed by the score of testifying witnesses, but noted the combined cost would increase President Obama’s proposed FY 2011 budget by $14 billion. But in light of the massive federal deficit, Obey said, Congress is being asked to trim $3.5 billion from the president’s figure.

“Congress needs to realize that there are deficits that need to be considered other than federal budget deficits,” Obey said, “like deficits in jobs and opportunities and care.”  With that prologue, he opened the morning round of testimony.

- Proceeds from exclusive apparel line to benefit wounded warriors -

- Major Leaguers contribute an additional $100,000 through the Players Trust -

NEW YORK, April 19 /PRNewswire/ — Major League baseball players are honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s wounded warriors by launching an exclusive line of military-themed licensed products to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, it was jointly announced today by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Wounded Warrior Project. Major Leaguers are also contributing an additional $100,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to the Wounded Warrior Project, to support their efforts in ensuring this generation of wounded warriors is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.

The Major League Baseball Players Association, in association with its licensee Activa Global Sports & Entertainment, today unveiled this unique apparel line of men’s and women’s camouflage and army green T-shirts, baseball hats and army style hats featuring the names, numbers and facsimile signatures of 26 of the game’s top players. (See below for complete list of players.)

The merchandise is now on sale exclusively at approximately 1,500 Wal-Mart locations across the country.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each item will be Read More »