USA Cares

You Remember

2011-03-10T12:20:00.001-08:00

Standing in an office at 565 Knox Boulevard, Radcliff Kentucky.

Every adult I have talked to in the last ten years knows exactly where they were when they learned or watched the horror of September 11, 2001.

For most of us, it was a visual horror, and we had a sense of disbelief. But for the citizens of the New York area, Washington DC and the victims on the aircrafts from all over the world, it was a first person experience. It changed millions of lives in the days and years that followed. We have sent nearly 2 million of our best young men and women into harm’s way, and what is now the longest war in our nation’s history. And the end is not in sight, just last week, on a bus in Frankfurt Germany, we were reminded of the vulnerability of a free citizen.

One man for me has come to symbolize this ten year period, and I only met his memory last September. I stood in the shadow of the new Freedom Tower at the site of the World Trade Center, and watched thousands of runners and walkers from across the nation and around the world retrace this remarkable young man, father of five, and a firefighter who gave his last full measure of life for people he didn’t know. I won’t tell his story, it is better read at www.tunneltotowersrun.org, but I will say that his footsteps will be an honor to follow this coming September.

Stephen Siller had a family who didn’t want his sacrifice to be forgotten, and that something good should come from his courage. For the last nine years, they have retraced his steps through the Battery Tunnel, ending at ground zero. In 2010, there were 25,000 who retraced his steps, many wearing full “turnout” gear, just like he did when he abandoned his vehicle and ran that route the first time. His fellow firefighters saved over 25,000 people that day, as they evacuated two of the tallest buildings in the world. 343 of those firefighters lost their lives, along with hundreds of police officers and port authority police, and other first responders.

This year, on the tenth anniversary, USA Cares has been given the opportunity to coordinate and authorize shadow runs across America, to that end, we have build a Guide Book and information at www.usacares.org/run. We are fortunate to partner with the Blue Star Mothers of America and their wonderful members, and as I write these words, we already have three cities who are creating events in their city, and intend to send a firefighter or representative to New York City on the 24^th of September and participate in the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Run – NYC, but two weeks before that, the same steps will be followed in Albuquerque, Orlando and Cromwell, with other cities preparing to apply too.

The funds that are generated by these events will be to help the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation, USA Cares, Blue Star Mothers, or whatever local organization hosts the event to continue to do the good works that they do.

The Siller Foundation builds smart homes for severely wounded veterans, USA Cares marches toward granting $8 million to service members and veterans across the nation, and Blue Star Mothers continue to provide support to their sons and daughters and veterans across the nation.

As much as this about creating an opportunity to fund the good work they all do, it is also a method to remind all of us and those who watch, that we do remember that day, ten years ago, and the sacrifice and courage they displayed.

I intend to run the event in Los Angeles on the 11^th of September, and again in New York on the 25^th, join me, if you want to host a run/walk, contact me at run@usacares.org.

I know you remember right where you were on that day, so, tell me, where were you? Leave your answer below.

Roger

9-11, More Than Numbers: FF Stephen Siller's Footsteps

2010-10-01T04:23:00.001-07:00

I wasn't prepared for the day. I, as almost all Americans over the age of 17 or so, remember exactly where they were on September 11, 2001.

I had just walked into my office when someone said in a loud voice, “Oh my God!” and I joined what is now estimated to be a third of the population of the planet in watching the tragic day through the eye of a camera.

What I equally wasn't ready for, was this past Saturday, when I heard the attack through Mike, Bobby and other’s eyes. We had flown into LaGuardia and picked up by these two retired New York Firemen in a SUV donated by actor Gary Sinise, the SUV helps NYFD families get around to appointments and other official events.

After a quick introduction, we headed into town, Bobby driving and Mike giving us the “down low” on all the things going on over the weekend, and how much they appreciated what USA Cares was doing for the troops.

They also told us about a Memorial that had been built honoring all the first responders that were lost that fateful day. And the more they talked about it, the more they decided we had to see it. “We had time” according to Mike, who appears to be the Grandfather of NYFD tackle football. We drove to the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball stadium on Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

There on the wall are 343 Fire Fighters, 23 Police Officers and 37 Port Authority Police Officers all appearing with their picture and their names. It wasn’t just about numbers. It was personal. Names, ranks, Ladder Companies, Squads, and them looking back at you.

The memorial also recognized the loss of 2,794 other Americans that day.

The first plaque I read was Stephen’s. The names and companies went on and on, and Bobby and Mike knew a story about almost everyone of them. We learned that as a rookie Fire Fighter joins the department, he works his way through different fire stations to learn different skills and techniques in the art of fighting fires, from one floor garages, to 110 floor sky scrapers. All part of the learning process, all part of building a brotherhood of thousands of fire fighters.

The other thing one can’t help but notice is that many of the names below the images are the same. Fathers, sons and cousins, all drawn to the same call: being a Fire Fighter…and many of them were drawn into the hell of that beautiful September morning.

Mike described Fire Fighters, one after another, not in terms of a courageous men, but of a fellow football player, a cousin, a friend, father and mentor. They talked about the first fireman to die, ironically killed when a “jumper” landed on him as he connected a hose to a hydrant. His fellow Fire Fighters were saved from being killed because they were moving him to a collection point when the first tower came down. They remembered the young Fire Fighter on his second fire, his first; a simple kitchen fire.

They talked about so many of these men as friends, still in the first person, and it became more and more obvious to me that without a doubt, they and the firemen I met over the next two days had all experienced a day that has no comparison, except maybe to those who fought through Pearl Harbor. It goes beyond words to describe their courage, imagining their dedication, as they were“Advancing to the the fire” above the 100^th floor. In both towers.

I was a policeman part of my life and worked around Fire Fighters as part of the job. We played baseball against them and complained about how they only worked two weeks a month, They seemed to have a good life. All that type of thinking has changed now for me. I wish I could go back in time and tell them how proud I was of them.

As we left the Memorial, they drove us on the same route that Stephen Siller had run with his “turnout” gear toward what was to become his last fire. I learned that if he had been a little farther down the road that day, he would have crossed the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and would not have been able to get back. However, Siller hadn’t made the turn yet. He heard the call, and when he found the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel blocked to traffic, he left his vehicle and ran the last three plus miles to join his company. This past Sunday, 25,000 runners followed his footsteps. An equal number or more cheered them on.

His brother George wrote in memory of his brother, words that I can’t do better.

By George Siller, in Memory of my brother Stephen Siller
November 15, 1966 - September. 11, 2001

It was a perfect day, so clear and so crisp.
Innocent workers entered the buildings, not knowing the risk.
This perfect day, full of sunlight and promise,
Became another holocaust, with days full of solace.
The terrorists aimed our own planes at the Towers.
My whole world stopped, in the ensuing hours.

My youngest brother Stephen had already finished his tour.
His three older brothers waited on the golf course, to make it four.
He heard the call, raced to the site, no more thoughts of the links,
Because that's just the way a fireman thinks!

No one really knows just how he got there.
I'm sure he never gave up, amidst all the despair.
We heard from a source, he ran through the tunnel on that fateful day.
He was just thinking of others, not worried about the price he would pay.
We all watched in horror as the Towers came down.
Please Dear God, we prayed, keep my brother safe and sound.
As the days moved on we came to accept
My brother Stephen was a hero, as were all the rest.
Such a perfect day had come and gone,
Now it's up to us, to carry on.
What to say to his five children and wife?
How do I try to explain what's ahead in their life?
I'll tell them their father was a saint and hero,
Who fought courageously, the battle at Ground Zero.

Yes, Stephen like many was too young and so brave.
When you're a fireman, you fear not the grave.
And now Squad 1 from Brooklyn knows, all eleven have died:
Not a single one of those brave souls was able to survive.

When will we smile again, when will we sleep?
The Lord has taken Stephen, his Soul to keep.
Such a perfect day has come and gone, And now it's up to us, to carry on.

Thank you Fire Fighter Siller, for your sacrifice and courage and the footsteps you showed us all.

Roger

PS. I want to also acknowledge Gary Sinise again, he and his wife were major supporters of this memorial that adorns the wall of the Cyclone Stadium, and if you have a chance, stop by 1902 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224-2410 and spend a few minutes at the Memorial, you will be glad you did.

To Bobby and Mike, thanks for the time, the memories and the friendship, it was my honor to meet you.

Men like you don't just come along, they show up when you need them. I see that in the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coasties that we work with everyday. You were the first Warriors that day, you and your "Band of Brothers" fought the good fight.

I could hear the pride in your voice as you talked about your friends, thanks for sharing with us.

For more information visit Tunnel to Tower Run

They are on Facebook too at Tunnel To Towers Run

A Tale of Two Privates

2010-03-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

I live in a small town outside an active duty army post. It could be any small town in America, and it could be any active duty installation of any of the services, but this is Radcliff, Kentucky, and the post is Fort Knox.

For those who don’t know all the details of how we were affected by the Base Realignment And Closure of 2005, Fort Knox was selected to house the 3^rd Brigade of the famed 1^st Infantry Division, perhaps better known as the “Big Red One”. Along with that privilege came a responsibility of our communities to honor the service of the young men and women who serve.

USA Cares headquarters sits about a mile and a half from one of the main gates of the installation, and right next to a super Walmart, so it is an understatement that we see a lot of traffic every day, but last week, we had a unique opportunity to see the best and the worst of some of those in the thousands of cars that pass by and to participate in our own way.

Two privates faced the same situation. They traveled here from other installations, both believing that there was available housing on post almost immediately. The truth of the matter is that there isn’t. It is perhaps as much as 3-6 months before you can be selected to move “on-post” and that depends on how many bedrooms you need and your rank.

Before I tell you about these two privates I have to stop and tell you about being a private. Privates are a special part of any Army family. They are our “interns” or our “apprentices” or just the “new guys” and while they have been taught all about how to act as a soldier, how to dress, how to assemble and disassemble a weapon or two, they can run long distances and are pretty self confident of themselves, what they are not, is experienced soldiers who know all about moving to a new location.

It is something you learn. And you usually learn it the hard way. As a career soldier of the nearly 30 years that I served, I moved my family at least 10 times. I know others who have moved a lot more times. It is part of a military life.

The situation that the privates faced, both whom were married, both with children (and one pregnant wife) and both showing up broke in Kentucky, was that living in a motel can get expensive very quickly. Landlords always want the same thing. Money. They want first and last month’s deposit, the charge for credit history reports, the utility companies want deposits and again, perhaps a credit report cost. Remember, I said they were broke and payday is still a week away.

Both showed up at Fort Knox already owing on a loan from Army Emergency Relief and were not eligible for more assistance. Both had tried the payday loan outfits, but they can’t loan money to soldiers anymore and neither had a local bank or the appropriate credit or the ability to open an account. When they found us either by referral or by accident, they were at the end of of their rope and their hope. They had one more night of paid up motel time and not sure where to go.

To rush to the end of the story, both of them were taken care of, provided a stable platform to find a suitable place to live, but there was a remarkable difference on how that happened.

The first private, after being assured that USA Cares would help them get going, found an apartment in nearby Elizabethtown. The landlord asked for the first month’s rent and deposit, and as we have done a thousand times, connected with them, told them who we were, and said we would provide the private with a check to cover the necessary cost of acquiring the rental unit. The very rude lady on the phone told our staff member that she had lived in Elizabethtown her whole life had never heard of us and that the soldier could not move in until the check had cleared the bank. She was asked, as we normally do, to just check out our website and they would see that we were capable of a month’s rent, to which she replied, “I’m too busy to check out some website” and hung up. The private was embarrassed, having filled out all the paperwork and felt like things were starting to go his way only to be treated to a very arrogant landlord who clearly didn't care about the soldier and his family, only if they were going to be paid or not.

What we saw was just plain old greed and ugliness, and sadly we see that more than we would like to when it comes to helping military families.

We sent this first private to several other property management companies, and I am happy to say they are moved in and getting on with being an Army family. Total cost to USA Cares? Less than $1,000.

The second private came to us five days later. Three kids, an expecting wife and just a little over a dollar left in the bank. He too, had one night of paid up motel bill, no refrigerator or place to fix meals and not sure what was coming next.

Our staff got a bit involved with this one, and immediately the assistance began to flow in ways other than money. One staff member called the local food bank (North Hardin Hope) and within an hour, several boxes of food were provided. A restaurant donated free meals and the family moved into an extended stay motel as they looked for the right place to live. A landlord had offered a fully furnished apartment for $1,500 a month. That isn't a good deal, not in central Kentucky.

In the meantime, a staffer sharing the story without names, with her family and friends, ignited a flurry of email messages about the young family, and again, offers of assistance, furniture, food, clothing, and money began to pour in, just to “help the soldier”. That is how I think it should be, all of us remembering the real value of the service these men and women are offering, and the freedoms we often times take for granted that they provide.

So to all those who assisted these young men and women, thank you from all of us at USA Cares, to those who didn’t, shame on you.

By the way, just in case you were wondering, because we are best known in Kentucky and that we started here, to date we have granted over $721,000 to 1,684 clients and saved 52 homes from eviction so far. Not bad for an organization that started in an “Army Town” just seven years ago.

Roger
USA Cares

Military Spouses Deserve Better

2010-03-18T05:38:00.001-07:00

Last week I had to privilege to accompany two of my favorite Army Wives to Frankfort, Kentucky and appear along with our State Representative, Tim Moore before the Labor Committee of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Our purpose was to support through testimony the change in the unemployment compensation provided to military spouses who have to voluntarily leave their place of employment to follow their spouse to a new duty station. Specifically, if you are interested, to changes in the language of KRS 341.370 in Section 1.

Currently, if a spouse married to a soldier who is stationed at Fort Knox and is transferred to Fort Campbell, both of which are located in the Commonwealth, then she or he may be deemed ineligible for benefits.

One of our former Resource Coordinators, Kerri fell into this gap. Her soldier-husband received permanent change of station (PCS) orders from Fort Knox, Kentucky to Fort Campbell, Kentucky and after arriving, getting the house unpacked, (across the state line in Tennessee) she begin looking for work and after applying for unemployment benefits found out that she was ineligible.

The reason they gave her was that she had “voluntarily left her employment and had left the state, then later the state of Tennessee included in their denial the rationale that moving as part of a PCS did not constitute a valid reason for voluntarily leaving employment”. The current Kentucky statue will not support an unemployment claim in states that do not have similar statues. In other words, Kentucky will only provide unemployment benefits to spouses who move to a state that will reciprocate in kind.

Another Resource Coordinator, Christin, is facing the same issue, only her husband is being PCSed from Fort Knox to Fort Drum, New York where they don’t honor the unemployment benefits clause from Kentucky, so again, the military spouse is treated especially unfair.

During our testimony, I asked Christin where her husband was, the answer was Kandahar, Afghanistan, ending up his fourth combat tour. I asked the same question of Kerri, and her similar answer was that he was at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, preparing for deployment to Afghanistan this summer, which will be his fourth combat tour.

During his testimony, Rep. Moore, a former Air Force Officer and C130 pilot with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan reminded the committee of the sacrifice that the families are already making, and that as a part of helping shape Kentucky to be a “military friendly” state that this was a gap in the law that should be addressed quickly. Earlier this year, the legislature had passed a bill that ended state income taxes from being withheld or paid from Kentucky citizens who are serving on active duty.

Rep Moore also brought to light that Kentucky is not the only state that doesn’t recognize the situation of spouses moving with their servicemembers and that Kentucky could help set the right example for other legislatures to do the right thing. I agree with him, hopefully some of you might call and ask your elected officials how military spouses are treated in similar situations.

Several of the committee members expressed their appreciation for the service of the families of the two Army Wives, and even went so far as to apologize for this obvious unintended effect of the current law.

The Chairman of the Committee came up to us after the session ended and was very emphatic that he would push to get the bill to the floor where he felt very confident that it would pass overwhelmingly and correct the situation in the favor of military families that serve in the Commonwealth.

I was very proud of the two ladies for standing up and telling their stories. I was also proud of our legislative process and our Representative for doing the research and taking the appropriate action to make the lives of our military families just a little bit better. Often when USA Cares is working a case there is an issue with one or both of the breadwinners being unemployed and not receiving benefits that they might or should be entitled to be receiving.

USA Cares does not lobby for any particular bill or party or any individual, but what we have done in the past is to highlight issues that should be reviewed and possibly acted on, and provide background information as requested to support changes in laws and attitudes. This opportunity was no different.

I would ask anyone that reads this blog to ask their State Representative about the Unemployment Benefits and Entitlements to military spouses for their states, and if it doesn’t seem fair, then ask “why not?”

I will post a note when we find out what happened here in the Commonwealth, and I would be very interested to find out what you have learned about your state’s attitude toward these very special families who serve our nation so proudly.

Roger Stradley
Radcliff, Kentucky

One Family At A Time...USA Does Care

2010-03-03T05:59:00.001-08:00

In the USA Cares employee break room there is a poster that hangs on the wall that has several letters that have come to us in the mail. I thought I would share one that sums up what we do, and more important, you will see again, why we do what we do.

Dear USA Cares-

USA Cares helped me & my family in ways that amazed and impressed me. I found USA Cares through someone at my local VA Hospital.

When I contacted USA Cares, I was in a very tough spot. Behind on a lot of bills, and in danger of being evicted from my house.

USA Cares was very prompt in contacting me. Everyone I talked to was kind, caring and compassionate. USA Cares paid my rent and late fees for me, and paid my gas bill, and helped get the gas turned back on.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude. At a time in my life when I had no one else to turn to, nowhere else to go, USA Cares was there for me.

The people at USA Cares truly do God's work. I am so very thankful for them, and the kind hearted people who donate to the organization. The help I received from USA Cares has allowed me room to breathe again, and I am nearly on my feet again.

Thanks to USA Cares, myself and my young daughter continue to have a place to live and we have gas to heat our water and cook our food. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!!!!

Initially, I was contacted less than 5 days after I applied for assistance online. the woman I spoke with was very kind and considerate. She explained to me that I needed to fax in a few things. Such as copies of past due bills, and my DD214 from the Army. After I did this , it was maybe two days until I received a call from another woman named Karri. She explained to me that she was now my case worker and that USA Cares was going to help me. I was so very happy with the courtesy and professionalism of the USA Cares Staff.

Not only did Kerri notify me of everything along the way, she even made sure to ask if we needed food, and other basic things needed for our survival.

Again, I am still overwhelmed by the caring, compassion, and the friendliness I was shown.

Thank you all so very much, from Ryan and Ashlyn P.

-----End-----

As we approach $7 million in direct grants to families across our nation, we continue receiving daily reminders like these that this is a "Family Business" and that these people are real and not just a number or a statistic.

Of course we can't do any of this without the support of our donors and contributors and of course friends like you. Please feel free to pass this on, it is as easy as that.

Regards,

Roger

Brothers At War; A Must See

2010-02-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

They are images that we have all come to know, and to think we understand. The young soldier sitting on top of his vehicle, armored vests on, pouches positioned all over his chest, helmet on with goggles and night vision device mounting frame and a steely eyed look far to distant for only being 19. The young carrier pilot, giving the snappy salute, thumbs up, then reaching to hang on as a catapult launches his jet down a very short runway off the end of the carrier and off to war.

These images are becoming almost a part of our lives, the war enters yet another year, and today, I listened to a young lady who was being recognized as “Student of the Month” at our local Chamber of Commerce, matter of a factly announce, “my dad is getting ready to go on his sevenths deployment”. She said it without hesitation, and without trepidation, it was just something she had grown up with. “My dad is going off to war…again”.

How could we possibly understand what these families are going through, how would we know, if we are like so many American families still untouched by this war on terror?

I would offer this recommendation. Buy the movie, “Brothers At War” DVD, it is in Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble and Best Buy and on Amazon. Jake Rademacher, the Director and Producer does more than tell a story about one family, he tells the whole story about one family, but it becomes a family you belong too, and you begin to sense the connecting lines back from Iraq to home and back.

I am not a professional movie critic, but like most of us, I know what I like. I like this movie. The language is a bit rough in spots, but it is the language of soldiers, one that I heard for nearly thirty years that I served. The camaraderie that you sense, between brothers and brothers at arms tell the story about how much they care about each other, and how fiercely they will fight to protect their own.

A Marine Staff Sergeant is shown to be a tough son of a gun, while leading and training an Iraqi infantry platoon, but when in the middle of a firefight loses some of them, you can tell that it wasn’t just a “job”, it was one of his men. He is instantly the consoling and calm voice as medics work to save the man’s life. You don’t find out what happens to the young Iraq soldier, but you do see the pain in the tough Marine. It is more than a just a job. Jake does a great job in making that point clear, and he does it skillfully and poignantly.

As Jake peels back the connections within his own family and that of his two brothers who are both soldiers and have served in Iraq, you find out that the family has already lost a son. You become a part of a family that is caught between conflicting emotions, one of pride for the soldiers and one of pain for the brother lost.

Listening to the ladies in their lives you see that each of them finds themselves in love with a man who is yet changed again, by what they have experienced and what they have seen. Both women, along with a mom and dad, deal with the changes by doing what we all do, smile, cry and lots of hugs. But when you see the new dad, fresh off the plane from Iraq, patiently avoid hugging his own daughter; because he knows he will scare her, you are reminded of the hidden costs of their service.

There are lots of films out there, but none as good as this one. It is one family, through the eyes of a brother, a brother who knows that this war is not over.

Take the time, here is the supporting website, Brothers At War, and watch the movie. You will be better for it. The fact that Jake has offered to assist USA Cares makes it even better, but that isn’t why I wrote this blog. I met Jake last December in a restaurant near the Sana Monica pier, and the man you see in the movie, is the man that will sit and eat pizza with you. He is one of us.

So why am I writing this beside the obvious reasons? Because.

While watching the Super Bowl, along with millions of other Americans, I realized at the end, that while the football game was either really good, or really bad, depending on who your team was, I was saddened by the lack of appreciation that they showed for the reason they were allowed to play the game in the first place. With the exception of a brief image of young men standing at attention in Iraq or Afghanistan, a precision team who carried our nation’s colors and a glance at the four ship flight of fighters streaking across the night’s sky, it was if maybe our nation wasn’t at war on two fronts, and that just maybe if you ignore it, it might go away. It won’t.

Jake, thanks for making the film. Thanks for taking the risk and for the effort you took to tell the story of not only your family, but of all the families who serve. You have done a service to all of those to whom we are so indebted.

Just so you know, in just the first week of February, 2010, USA Cares spent over $31,000 on our Veterans and their families, all in grants and all for validated needs. Many were in support of those who struggle with PTSD, and because of us, are receiving life changing treatment as they work to gain a "new normal" in their lives.

The story Jake told is valid, and he did a great job. Get the film.

Roger Stradley
USA Cares

After Shocks In The Military Family

2010-01-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

The events in Haiti are going to effect the military family in ways that few may understand.

The world is watching the tragedy unfold in Haiti, our President has promised a start of $100 million dollars in aid, and former President Clinton and H.W. Bush are going down to help lead the support to this poverty stricken country.

The USNS Comfort, a Navy floating hospital ship has departed from New York with a crew of 64 and a staff of 560 medical personnel, the USS Carl Vinson over 3,000 sailors and officers on board and carrying 19 helicopters, is off shore, providing tons of support and vital transportation assets, starting with helicopters. The 2^nd Brigade Combat Team of the vaulted 82^nd Airborne have already sent an advance party in who parachuted in, with the remainder of the brigade to come in behind the lead elements. US Marines have established security at the Port-au-Prince airport, and will undoubtedly add security to this fragile nation. They are being delivered by US Air Force C-17s.

Four US Coast Guard ships and a Navy Destroyer are off shore, offering assistance with supplies and more helicopters. Air Force C130s are bringing in tons of supplies including precious water. Two more Coast Guard Cutters were en route to add to the support effort, where news report states that there may be as many as 50,000 dead. The US Coast Guard Cutter FORWARD was on the scene arriving the morning of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

The Delaware National Guard are preparing to deploy with much needed medical and support units, just as they did in past natural disasters. Over 2,200 US Marines on three more ships with even more equipment and supplies are expected to arrive in the next three days.

Americans have come to depend on this kind of response from the most powerful nation in the world, with the most powerful military forces in the world. But it comes with a cost.

As you watch the news coming from Haiti, watch for the unit patch on the right sleeve of our Army. That tells you that the young man or women wearing that has served at least one tour in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Pentagon announced that the 3,500 soldiers from the 82^nd would be performing rescue, recover and peace keeping missions and creating a “safe environment” for humanitarian aid as it arrives.

Why all this conversation about what they are doing? They are the same military families that are fighting a two front war in Iraq and Afghanistan and many have been on multiple rotations and will undoubtedly return with 12 to 24 months. This time nobody is shooting at them, but they are still absent from their homes and their families. Bad things still happen to good people, even if they are somewhere saving lives.

USA Cares continues to stand behind them and all that serve, we understand the challenges they face, many of us have worn the uniform and understand that this task is not a “combat” task and will not keep up from the next scheduled deployment into Iraq or Afghanistan. Other units may be moved up to fill a gap created by the additional demands of the 15,000 or so that are now focused on Haiti. That means families who were preparing for deployment later in the year, may see that moved up by four to six months, including all the preemptory training that is required before entering the war zone.

The USS Carl Vinson may very well have been scheduled to begin a float, now pulled to the Caribbean, and another Nimitz class carrier may be moved up to meet the operational needs that this 103 tons of combat airfield with its 3,200 crewmembers. All this effects Navy families around the world as deployment and training schedules are adjusted. The same is true with the Army and Marine units who stand in the deployment ready line.

Just thought you might see if from the military families’ eyes. USA Cares continues to see an average of 140 new cases a week. I suspect that will increase over the coming weeks. We continue to spend nearly $25,000 a week on these families. USA Cares has no greater purpose.

God Bless all of them, and thanks for your continued support of our mission.

Roger

Nothing “Sexy”

2009-12-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

Entering our seventh year of assisting military families has given me the opportunity to see a lot of other organizations, many of which we work with, all focused on the same goal of helping them through the challenges of serving our nation.

What USA Cares doesn’t do is have the opportunities to cut the ribbon in front of a house we just bought for a veteran or family, we can’t show anyone pictures of families that we sent to Disneyland or on Vacation because we don’t do that. We just put food on the table and keep the lights on.

Not very sexy.

Last week, Mark Wills was in town and came over to the Fort Knox PX where a steady stream of fans stopped by to meet him. He was as always, charming and personable. He left this week for a USO Tour overseas. (that is all I can say at the moment).

This is Mark with me, Anne and John Flanagan, one of our very first volunteers with USA Cares. It was a great way to spend three or four hours with Mark and those who think he is a good guy.

This week, I had the privilege of briefing a senior army leader in the medical community who had just arrived at Fort Knox. As we entered the office the officer immediately started with, “I know who you guys are, and what USA Cares does for military families. What you did for our soldier who was terminally ill and his family was nothing short of amazing, and I know it made his passing easier. I am so thankful that you guys are here for them.” Now I would like to shout that from the rooftops, put the officer on YouTube and push it out to all our supporters and friends, but I can’t.

The Army, and all the services, are very nervous when it comes to “implied endorsement” of any non-profit organization and those who still wear the uniform can get in trouble for doing so as an official member of the military, so we never ask, and we go out of our way to protect their voluntary thanks and offers of help.

So we do it the hard way, one meeting at a time, looking for new friends who might know “the guy” and on and on. Grant research and building relationships, earning the trust of our donors and maintaining that trust. This has been a week like that.

This week has been very full and very eventful. Our Executive Director was in Houston at a Car Race with the owner of Tax Master, and they raised a nice sum of money for USA Cares, then on Tuesday, he was in DC with Fannie Mae, a CFC exhibition for Government Engineers and then with the makers of the video game Call of Duty who also wants to assist USA Cares.

That was a pretty good week all by itself, but then Dennis Miller and Bill O’Reilly really made things happen, when they got to talking about USA Cares on Wednesday and Bill announced that he was personally sending USA Cares $25,000! That night we received an additional $17,000 in donations on our website, a tribute to the trust that his viewers have in his judgment.

As we move forward, we now have programs for Veterans who are suffering from PTSD and its awful effects, we have a growing employment training and placement program and we are looking for our first disabled veteran to assist with a new home grant, if he or she wants to live here in the central Kentucky area.

Still nothing sexy, but we are happy with keeping the lights on, and food on the table. The fact that we have kept over 1,800 military kids from being evicted from their homes counts too, but not something you will see on the front page of newspaper.

One family at a time, and with their privacy and dignity protected. That is USA Cares. I hope it never changes.

Merry Christmas to all, and special thoughts to those in harm’s way,

Roger

Traveling Through the Atlanta Airport

2009-12-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Coming through the Atlanta airport on Tuesday with an associate we noticed a new business adjacent to Delta Gate B15.

It is called MinuteSuites – The Traveler’s Retreat. (http://minutesuites.com) MinuteSuites as you can see by viewing the presentation on its website provides a soundproof, comfortable, hi tech equipped space, that you can rent for an hour at a time. It has the ability to fold out a very comfortable bed to sleep or take a nap, and has individual light, heat and air-conditioning controls so you can create your own private space apart from the hustle and bustle of the Atlanta airport.

I was really impressed with the idea, and the conduct of the staff (Terrica and Russ) and decided to write an e-mail to the corporate address.

To my amazement I received a prompt reply from the managing member (Mr Daniel Solomon)of the corporation and in following exchange of e-mails learned of his family’s military service and his offering specials to military in uniform through the month of December.

Since I am an original member of the virtual committee for USA Cares I mentioned that if he knew anyone looking for a way to help the military I personally recommend USA Cares and gave him the web site.

In a matter of minutes I received an e-mail advising that he had just donated $100 to USA Cares.

Folks, this is a great company who knows how to do the right things and I recommend you use their business when in Atlanta. By the way, the space is big enough to hold a meeting with about four people so it is very versatile. Tell them "John sent you".

John Flanagan

About the Author

John Flanagan is a decorated Vietnam Veteran where he served two tours as an aviator. His book, "Born In Brooklyn, Raised In The Cav" is a great story about the lives of helicopter pilots in combat.
He is one of the four original volunteers for USA Cares, starting in 2003.

Quite A Week In November

2009-11-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

I’m often asked how this all happened, this thing called USA Cares, but last week was one of those weeks where I almost have to pinch myself and I still don't have a good answer.

Sunday, I saw somewhere over 22 square miles of beautiful homes, shops and golf courses, in a little place in central Florida called The Villages. I’ve see the commercials a hundred times, we flew into Leesburg and met some wonderful people were so encouraging about wanting to do something for USA Cares and listening to their story of running a small business and raising a handful of kids and now grandkids and want to thank those other “kids” who are standing tall in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The next evening, in Amway Coliseum, prior to a basketball game with the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats, I was nearly 40 young Americans standing tall in formation in center court. Both Marine and Army recruits stood in the full light and admirations of a growing crowd and watched them take the oath of enlistment from an Army Captain.

These young men and women joined the military of a nation at war. They volunteered to serve for anywhere from four to six years and undoubtedly will spend part of their tours in harm’s way. Words here cannot convey the emotions that Jim and I felt at that moment, and why for the past nearly seven years, USA Cares has been at the center of our lives. These “kids”, these young men and women deserve the very best that our nation can provide, both from the government and from citizens.

Monday was also another first for me personally, besides seeing my first NBA game (The Magic won the game) Jim and I also found ourselves at 2:28 p.m. looking to the east and seeing the streak of flame and white plumes as the space shuttle Atlantis hurtled toward the heavens. We both experienced the sense of pride that those Americans around us did and my only wish was that more of our citizens would have an opportunity to see the enormous power that our nation had on display.

Back to that evening at the game, we were fortunate to talk to hundreds of military members and their families, introducing USA Cares and hopefully setting the stage to provide assistance if they need it.

We flew back to Louisville the next morning and Wednesday evening I had the privilege for attending the monthly Fort Knox Chapter of MOAA. I learned that one of their long time chapter members, LTC (Retired) Bob Harman had passed away and that the family had designated USA Cares as one of two charities to be considered in lieu of flowers. This is perhaps the 15^th family over the past seven years to designate USA Cares in this fashion, and it is both humbling and moving to be honored in this fashion. On Friday, I attended his service at the Central Kentucky Veterans Cemetery and learned that LTC Harman was a Veteran of both World War II and Korea. I watched a young Major and a Staff Sergeant fold the flag and present it to his widow. What nobody in the audience missed was that both Soldiers had the combat service bars and accompanying personal medals that told us that they had both already served multiple tours.

While I was standing there after the services another retired Veteran who has been a wonderful supporter of USA Cares handed me an envelope and told me that I would save him 44 cents. I later learned that he had handed me an envelope with a $500 donation.

Along the way this week, a volunteer came in and catalogued over 50 new handmade Lapwraps that will be sent out the coming week. Some of them are going to Fort Hood and perhaps some of those wounded by the attack last week. Meanwhile the special fund set up for the Fort Hood Families continued to provide support to families within hours of receiving requests, one within an hour.

These Lapwraps keep coming in, almost daily from all over America, and there are always cards from the donor thanking our servicemen for their service and their sacrifice.

Very humbling, to say the least.

Thank you to the some 4,000 Lapwrap contributors, you are both amazing and inspiring.

We also received over 150 new requests for assistance and issued over $12,000 in support for the week.

Quite a week.

Roger

A Marine's Perspective About Support from home

2009-11-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

I don't often send things on to the blog that someone else has written, but after reading what the Marine Major wrote, I felt obligated to do what I was asked and "pass it on". After almost seven years of working with USA Cares, I think he has it exactly right.

Thanks, Vietnam Vets

Roger
USA Cares

***********************

A Thank You to Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq

A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home.

Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so much support?"

In my opinion, it came down to one thing: Vietnam. I think we learned a lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then.

When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us.

After Vietnam, it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness grew. It shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake.

Somewhere during the late 1970's and into the 80's, we realized that we can’t treat our warriors that way. So, starting during the Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to right the wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treated our troops like the heroes they were, acknowledged and celebrated their sacrifice, and rejoiced at their homecoming instead of spitting on them.

And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lesson was learned in Vietnam and we are better because of it.

Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country in the late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq.

They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom.

But when I get back, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I encounter for their sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now treat our warriors as heroes, as we should.

I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis,

Major Brian P. Bresnahan
United States Marine Corps

A Million Dollar Friend

2009-10-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

When we began USA Cares in March of 2003, it was intended to be, “regional” and “temporary”.

Nearly seven years later, it has turned into anything but. Our advocacy team just went over the $100,000 mark in support to those in our Warrior Treatment Today program with clients in 21 different states. We began that program in earnest in the first quarter of this year and continue to receive over 120 new clients every week—many of them sent to us by military related organizations, including the chain of command. We are poised to tell the world that we are now an official part of the Department of Defense “Real Warrior” program, assisting those who are involved with the care of our invisibly wounded.

So why is all this happening: Because of dedicated people like Karri, she joined USA Cares in 2007, as a Resource Coordinator in our family assistance center. The spouse of a soldier, she has watched him deploy to combat several times, and has moved her family in support of his career. She will be the first to say that she isn’t the “perfect” person, but there are only so many adjectives that describe what this one person did, one family at a time—2,669 times to be exact.

We work hard not to keep score with our resource coordinators because our clients, the military families we serve, are too unique and special to try to put them in a category of one size fits all. Rather, we track how we are doing to determine if we can do better. Karri didn’t keep score either. What Karri did was speak with each family she was assigned and treat them with the dignity they deserve—whether or not the reason they found themselves in a financial jam was due to poor decision-making or just bad luck. Right up until the week she left USA Cares to move her family yet again, she was working to make sure the process we all utilize was clear and properly implemented.

Along the way, as she worked with clients, Karri orchestrated grants from USA Cares in the amount of $620,926.50. And if that weren't enough, she coordinated with other charitable organizations to secure an additional $328,728.99. That translates into almost one million dollars worth of saving homes, keeping the lights on with food on the table, or working with a client to assist them in seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. I have no doubt that by the time we close out the remainder of cases Karri was working, she will reach the one million dollar mark.

Most will never know all the lives she touched—the lives she changed. Karri appeared last year on a special holiday episode of the Steve Wilkos Show, representing USA Cares and having the privilege to actually meet one of her clients (segment follows). And just recently on the 2^nd of October, Dennis Miller gave Karri a well-deserved “shout out” on his nationally-syndicated radio program, The Dennis Miller Show. It was a fitting salute to an amazing person who, while spending most of her time at USA Cares in a small cubical, worked with military families spanning thousands of miles.

Karri, I hope that one day our paths will cross again—you left many friends here in Radcliff, Kentucky along with very large set of shoes to fill.

On behalf of the two thousand, six hundred and sixty-nine families (which could be as many as seven thousand fellow Americans) I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and wish you God’s Speed.

Sincerely,

Roger Stradley
Founder
USA Cares

Medal Of Honor & Dennis Miller

2009-09-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday, under a brilliant blue Chicago sky, I had the great fortune to sit behind home plate and up about ten rows at historic Wrigley Field. I was really there to see Dennis Miller throw out the first pitch. What I didn't know is that it was going to be even better than that.

On the field lining both the first and third base line were a number of men, most of them wearing a red short sleeve shirt with a logo that you couldn't read but clearly this was more than a senior gathering of older gentlemen. Dennis intermingled with them and then went out and sent in the first pitch, but along the way, the announcer introduced the men in red. All of them were Medal of Honor Awardees from seven different wars that our nation fought and were attending an association gathering in Chicago (http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/09-04-2009/0005088656&EDATE=) The announcer helped frame the requirements of being awarded this medal for courage, but the bottom line is that they had to risk their lives in combat, and clearly demonstrate beyond any measure of belief that this was a courageous act. My personal appreciation to both Boeing and TriWest for sponsoring the event.

So why do I mention that? Dennis commented later that evening to a gathering of supporters of USA Cares and prior to a show he did on our behalf, that while he was thinking about asking for a "do-over" for his first pitch, he realized that he was among genuine American heroes and that anything that would take away from that, and that would be wrong. He went on at the Park West Theater and gave a rendition of vintage Dennis Miller that left everybody happy and wanting more. His sense of humor might not be appreciated by everyone in our nation, but there is no one that has more compassion for those who server and protect our nation.

As for the benefit show, with wonderful support from AM Radio WIND, 650 on the dial and other sponsors, USA Cares will be the recipient of what we believe to be over $110,000 for the night. This support is a reflection of the dedication and trust of a group of men and women in the Chicago area who we have worked with over the past five years and who have become true friends.

So, for the windy city, on the 17^th of September, you shined bright, and when I looked down from the John Hancock Building, I realized just how wonderful our nation, this city and these people truly are. For those men and women who are out there today and tonight serving thanks, to my friend Nick, flying off the carrier into Afghanistan, stay safe and thanks.

The Champ & The Hero

2009-09-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Setting on the small commuter jet leaving Louisville and headed toward a connection in Atlanta, I was fortunate to sit next to an active duty Command Sergeant Major. Setting two rows ahead of me was another gentleman and his wife, who the world knew as Mrs. Mohammed Ali. The Champ looked good for all his challenges and while I was not a big fan of his politics I did appreciate that he was a Louisville icon and was doing good things for those less fortunate through his charity work.

Sitting two rolls behind me was somebody else I knew, the husband of a co-worker who was on his way back to Afghanistan where he was in the middle of a fourth tour in combat. Three tours in Iraq, where I knew he had survived several near-misses with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and had been treated for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and seemed to be fine. His posture and composure was that of a solid performer, a soldier and a leader. I hope my son has a staff sergeant like that in the Marines.

The sergeant major and I quickly figured out that we had a number of common friends still serving, and we shared experiences and friendships that spanned the nearly forty year time span and lifetimes. He had been to Iraq twice and as an infantry soldier and leader and told me that he had some of his best times and his worst times that looking back were only seconds or minutes long, but were framed in his mind. So here I was, with two soldiers, who between them had six years of combat, both in the business of being directly involved in the business of war, and both clearly proud of what they were doing.

But what I remember most was a story that the sergeant major told me, and one that I wanted to share with you.

One of his units was tracking down a high value individual and knew he was in a particular three-story house. Because there was a real danger he was going to get away, the on the ground commander, a 1LT, sent teams into the building to secure the individual. Sgt Martinez led a four or five man squad into the dark building and following the rules of engagement, shouted out that they were Americans. The ten or so insurgents were not to be persuaded to surrender peacefully, but reacted with a hail of gunfire.

Advancing up the stairs, twenty-three year old Martinez leading, began a running gun battle. Firing up the stairway, the return fire was deafening, and the young men pressed themselves into the outside wall, and continued to fire back up the darkened stairwell. Somewhere between the first and second floor, a grenade bounced off of Martinez chest and rolled on the floor. “Grenade” he shouted and the squad instinctively curled away from the impending blast. The grenade went off, and Martinez received shrapnel wounds too as did some of the squad, but the whole team continued pressing up the stairs returning fire.

A bullet hit Martinez and bounced into his neck. American engineering saved his life again, the neck protector worked, deflecting the round. Martinez and his team continued to move up and ultimately all eight insurgents were killed rather than give up.

So why tell a “war story” that I didn’t see? Because we need to be constantly reminded that the young man or woman we see in the airport in uniform may very well be on their way back to Afghanistan, for a fourth time. Their courage is beyond remarkable, and their dedication to what is being attempted in these lands lost in time have to be remembered.

The war may be off the front pages of America’s newspapers, but it is not off the front page of the families who wait, who still proudly display the flag on their house and who wear a blue star on their lapel. We owe them our respect, and our continued admiration and support.

The other point is that these teams of soldiers were all volunteers, and every one of them joined the military knowing that America was at war, and that they would undoubtedly be asked to serve in harm’s way.

So in the front was an American icon in a former heavyweight champ of the world, my thoughts were with a young man named Martinez, who earned the Silver Star that day, and to the young engineer Staff Sergeant on his way to Afghanistan sitting two rows behind me.

We have more soldiers in combat right now than we had two years ago during the “surge” and recently several fellow non-profit organizations ended their run and sent their clients to USA Cares. Times are changing, but one thing is not, just like those who go up darkened stairways without knowing, USA Cares will continue to be here for those who serve and for those who wait, it isn’t about “how long” we will be here, it is “how long are we needed?”.

Roger Stradley
San Dimas, CA
10 Sep 09

AUSA News Article

2009-08-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Making a Difference on a AUSA Foundation

The Fort Knox Chapter of AUSA in 2003 undertook a project in response to an offer from the Louisville based NBC Affiliate, WAVE 3 TV that if they provide money, could the chapter “help” local military families. I was serving as the President then, and as a retired CSM, wasn’t very quick with “no”. We said “yes”. They along with regional grocery chain, Kroger, gave us $123,000.

Fast forward to six years later and a national organization “USA Cares” who receives over 115 new cases every week from military families looking for a little assistance. Our focus remains now, as it did when we started, on our Post 9-11 Veterans and their families. We have provided through our Program assistance over $6 million in support, all in the form of advice, coordination and our grant program.

As we matured as a 501 (c) (3) organization, and we learned more and more about the needs of our military families we developed programs tailored to three distinct groups of needs. Quality of life, which is nothing fancy except keeping the utilities on, food on the table and other basic necessities of life. In our Housing program, we have kept over 500 families in their homes, both by stopping foreclosures or evictions, and along the way working with free credit counseling programs across America all to help maintain the dignity of service.

Our last focus is on our Combat Injured Program, where we extend out the eligibility timeline and we increase the amount of support we can provide, given the demonstrated need of those who call us. Most special among this group are those involved with our Warrior Treatment Today program. This program is designed primarily for those who are no longer on active duty, and have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD) and are recommended for residential treatment. We began to realize that many would not consider going to treatment centers for a one to four month in-patient treatment simply because they had to keep working to provide for their families.

Under the Warrior Treatment Today, VA evaluation clinics can refer Veterans to USA Cares for entrance into the program and when they go into treatment, USA Cares covers their families living expenses based on demonstrated need.

USA Cares has been fortunate to have received grants from the McCormick Foundation in Chicago and the Meadows Foundation in Texas, along with the support of Country Artist Mark Wills. Wills traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan several times, the last time being with SMA Preston in December of 2008 and after being told about USA Cares, offered his voice and support. He recently released an album entitled “2^nd Time Around” of which some of the proceeds go to help our Warrior Treatment Today program. Wills has also inserted a call to action.

The CD is available at www.markwills.com. Wills know for his number one hit single “Don’t Laugh At Me” is included on the new cut, with the song being recorded in Balad Iraq with the troops cheering in the background.

What USA Cares has done would not have been possible without the support of thousands of donors, and organizations and public personalities like Mark, and of course, AUSA should be very proud of what they provided and that was the foundation and the spirit of continued service.

CSM (R) Roger Stradley
Radcliff Kentucky

A Voice for Those Who Care

2009-07-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Mark Wills continually pushes for Veterans and those serving. I received this video and wanted pass it along.

Roger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_q997HjREQ

after you watch it, please pass it on and please post a comment that would be great!

thanks..

Warrior Treatment Today

2009-07-09T08:41:00.001-07:00

I've been asked to explain our Warrior Treatment Today program with USA Cares. Our new website, due to be launched 1 August will have it there, but I can also put it here along with more information and our 1st Quarterly Report so you can see the extraordinary things we are doing for these Veterans.

*********************************************

WARRIOR TREATMENT TODAY

Bridging Gaps to PTSD/TBI Treatment for Veterans

Warrior Treatment Today is a USA Cares program designed to bridge the gap between personal financial demands and the need to receive treatment. Specifically, our program seeks to remove the financial barrier that exists for many service members who suffer from PTSD and/or TBI, but cannot afford to leave their employment for treatment. National Guard and Reserve personnel are particularly vulnerable to this barrier as they resume their civilian lives upon return from deployment. Should they be referred for treatment of a significant duration, they have to not only keep their jobs, but also acquire the dollars necessary to continue to meet their financial obligations.

USA Cares will take on the responsibility for paying essential household bills (rent/mortgage/utilities/car payment) while the service member is attending residential type PTSD/TBI treatment. In so doing, USA Cares will facilitate attendance to mandated/recommended treatment programs by removing the financial obstacles many face today. The recent Rand study suggests over 300,000 suffer from PTSD/TBI, with fewer than half of these cases actually identified. Thus, the magnitude of the problem is significant. We believe any program that will help diagnosed service members attend necessary treatment is of great value and deserves our full support.

Due to the potential size of the PTSD/TBI treatment problem, no one sector can be expected to adequately cope with the problem. A public – private sector partnership is essential if this problem is to be resolved. Military treatment facilities, the VA hospitals and clinics, and respected civilian hospitals must all work together to even begin to make a dent in the caseload. USA Cares has teamed up with a Houston hospital, TIRR Memorial Herman, a leading rehabilitation facility, to provide care to TBI-type sufferers. A fellow member of the Coalition for Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans, TIRR Foundation collaborated with TIRR Memorial Hermann to create the Project Victory program. Project Victory provides treatment for military personnel, and veterans of recent military service, who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, and who have screened positively for, or have been diagnosed with, post concussive symptoms or traumatic brain injury while in combat or stateside. As good as the Project Victory program is, a financial barrier to an 8 to 10 week treatment program remains for many would-be attendees. University Behavioral Health of El Paso, Texas has also joined with USA Cares as a provider of PTSD/TBI treatment to the military. The basic structure of the Warrior Treatment Today Program is outlined below:

Stage 1: Identification and Verification

Scenario ONE: Service members seeking support will come to USA Cares in our traditional manner via the World Wide Web and complete a simple application that details how we can contact them, and the nature of the problem or issue. The client will be contacted by our Staff, who will discuss the requirements and needs of the family. Should the issue of PTSD/TBI be revealed by the client, the case will be passed to our Advocacy Center who will suggest screening (if it has not been done) and provide references to locate screening facilities. The goal is to not let the family plunge into financial crisis.

Scenario TWO: A service member is referred for residential PTSD/TBI treatment by competent medical authority (VA in the case of veterans, Title 32 Guard, and inactive Reserve). He may have gone for screening as a result of Scenario ONE, or any other number of ways. At the time of referral to residential treatment, the service member must be made aware of USA Cares and our program to help with finances while at treatment. (Lacking the ability to support the family due to absence from work for an extended period, the referral will likely not be accepted/executed). The service member applies to USA Cares under our Warrior Treatment Today program which includes the below general guidelines:

Qualifying Elements:

· Injury is connected to service in Iraq or Afghanistan

· Service member has been diagnosed by competent medical authorities, either military or civilian

· Employment and income loss is not covered by medical or unemployment insurance

· Family will be in danger of losing their home if they don’t receive assistance

· Service member has been accepted into qualifying treatment center for recovery and rehabilitation

Stage II: Determining Requirements & Gaining Approval

· USA Cares will assist in housing, food, utilities and transportation related costs as required

· USA Cares will require documentation that supports the need

· Food costs will be developed along the required amounts from the USDA, which an example says that a family of four requires about $518 a month

· Case will be reviewed and approved by a USA Cares Virtual Committee

Stage III: Implementation and Assistance

· Approved cases are moved to accounting where each month the approved amounts are paid directly to the provider

· Incremental assistance can be extended out over the period of treatment not to exceed 180 days.

· The Family Resource Coordinator will maintain contact with the client throughout the case length

In the future, USA Cares is working to involve other top flight civilian hospitals in the program. Working with our partner, Mercy Flights, we can transport an invisibly wounded warrior anywhere in the US at no cost to the service member. We envision a network of such hospitals all working to treat the enormous caseload that PTSD and TBI represent from today’s war. Bound together by information technology that can quickly handle referrals and locate treatment centers, this program is exportable to any state. We believe that a number of states will consider this opportunity to give their state’s military the treatment they deserve while not endangering their financial future. This program is being initiated in Texas using facilities in Houston, El Paso, and, hopefully, Dallas. The Texas program will serve as a model for other states. No American service member and their family should have to choose between paying the bills and getting treatment. USA Cares plans to see that they don’t.

Roger

1st Sgt. John Blair of Calhoun.

2009-07-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, I was traveling north on Interstate 75 outside of Calhoun Georgia when we noticed that there was no traffic going south. A highway patrol car came over the hill lights flashing but still no other traffic.

Then the first Georgia State Patrol came over the hill, followed by another and another. I don't know how many law enforcement cars there were, perhaps a fifty or more, then there was a large contingent of motorcycle patrolmen, and then the Patriot Guard. I knew then, it was a soldier's funeral we were watching traveling south.

1st Sgt. John Blair was by all accounts a soldier's soldier. He was killed in Afghanistan last week by an RPG.

Traffic on our side of the road were pulling over, some just slowing not knowing what to do. I was proud of my nation, or at least the men and women that day that took the time to honor this man. I found this from the web, but it says a lot about this man.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey issued a statement in in honor of Blair on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Text of Gingrey's remarks:

Madame Speaker, I rise to honor an American hero and patriot who gave his life in defense of our nation while serving with the Georgia National Guard in Afghanistan. First Sergeant John Blair from Calhoun, Georgia and my 11th Congressional District was killed in action on June 20, 2009, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle during an hour and a half long firefight with enemy forces after the convoy which he was leading was ambushed.

Eye-witness accounts from soldiers serving alongside Sergeant Blair credit his actions with saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers during the ambush, and as a credit to his leadership, his men kept their cool and did their jobs, even after their commanding officer fell. Blair has been described as a true leader – both for the American troops who served with him, as well as for the 1st Brigade of the Afghan National Army’s 203rd Corps who he was in charge of mentoring. I want to quote a couple of lines that were written about Sergeant Blair in the military publication, Stars and Stripes: “Blair was their leader. He was tough, unrelenting. He cursed and reprimanded and gained not just their respect, but their fondness during the months of training for their deployment in Afghanistan. He could be harsh, but was fair and imparted to his men a sense of their potential.”

So, why do I rewrite this? USA Cares has been here for six years now, helping military families, and it is easy sometimes get caught up in the day to day work we do, but then when you see first hand the courage and the sacrifice, well I just thought it should be observed for what it is, a tribute to another fallen soldier.

Roger

If you would like to know more about the 1SG, visit this site: http://www.calhountimes.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Long+processional+follows+body+of+fallen+Calhoun+soldier+from+airport%20&id=2852958

Kevin Dupont

2009-06-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

I don’t know Kevin, I never met him. I never met his wife Lisa either. I wish I had.

Kevin was a Marine, got out and ended up in the Massachusetts National Guard. I am not going to try to tell his life story, but I am going to share what I read about this man.

He died today. He was injured in an IED attack on March 8^th in Afghanistan.

I learned about him from a friend and began following Lisa and Kevin on CaringBridge (a web site that allows families to share the status of those who are ill or injured) and when you see that there were over 32,000 posts in the guestbook you starting sensing the love and concern that not only family members had, but strangers as well.

There were men and women who wrote from Afghanistan not only wishing him well, but keeping him posted on how the fight was going, and if you read through the guest book, you see every state in the union represented, every branch of service and every kind of friend of Kevin who stopped what they were doing and spent some time with Lisa and her story. You see a post from a Marine stationed on the USS Eisenhower, somewhere at sea, somewhere at war.

A former commander shared that as a platoon leader he set the example for his soldiers every day, and always led the way, never side stepping a mission, no matter how tough. “He was eager to do right” says more than any other words can say about a soldier.

Lisa, herself a National Guardsman, has shown us the face of courage, compassion and commitment. We are all honored by her sharing each day, and sometimes the posts she left were well after midnight, revealing the true nature of not only Kevin but of his “Hero” Lisa.

Hundreds of posts are now coming in as the word spreads of his passing, and while he will be listed as one more casualty of a war far away from our minds and far away from the front pages of today’s news, I know that I am a privileged member of a fan club of this remarkable and unforgettable family.

Lisa, you are amazing. God Bless you and your entire family. Kevin, God Speed, and as one post said, “End of Mission”, but we know that you are already starting the next.

We have all heard the phrase, "We will never forget you" and with the story and life of Kevin Dupont, how could you?

Respectfully,

Roger

3 JUN 09 5050

2009-06-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

Good morning from rainy Radcliff Kentucky! We are all excited about lots of things, but at the same time, I am sad that tomorrow is the last day of 5050.

We have much to be thankful for when you consider others. I am corresponding or at least part of a Caringbridge for a wounded soldier who is fighting for his life. He has been in the hospital for months, and his wife keeps us posted on his progress which took a turn for the worst two days ago, to the point where the doctors asked her if she thought they should continue to keep up the fight. What a quesiton to be asked. My heart goes out to her and the family and my prayers are for "Kevin".

To all of you, thanks again, and we will be in touch. I promise.

Regards and see you tomorrow,

Roger

2 JUN 09 5050

2009-06-02T06:17:00.001-07:00

Two days to go, and then we are off on new adventures. As I said earlier, while frustrating, it is not dissappointing. We are learning about the potential of mobile giving and expanding our understanding of what happens.

I would ask that each of you take a few seconds and send Jen Fox a note about things that worked and didn't work, and we can learn from that.

But it goes without saying that all your hard work and efforts are appreciated, and for the families that we are helping the payoff is knowing that we are leaving them better off than when they found us. With your help, we can keep doing the good work.

Thanks,

Roger

1 JUN 09 5050

2009-06-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

June 1st already, as you can see Illinois is really doing well. As I know we all did, we hoped that there would be a much better result at this point, but I think as "we" educate our fellow American's about mobile giving, and certainly raising $500,000 by Alicia Keys on American Idol showed us what was possible, I am still strenghtened by the fact that we do have four or five states where folks made an effort.

We have three more days and the campaign will be closed, and I would like to schedule a conference call with all of you and discuss lessons learned and what you found to work or not work. We will be sending out a scheduling email soon.

Thank you so much for your hard work,

Roger

Mark Wills Cares!

2009-06-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Nashville, TN Mark Wills announced today that a portion of every sale of his next album “2^nd Time Around” in stores June 16^th will benefit military families through USA Cares and has created a free USA Cares music sampler at www.markwills.com. Just log on to the website, view the pop up window which will allow you to receive three music downloads and an interview with Mark and Dennis Miller talking about their role with USA Cares. The talented musician has received many acclamations since his debut on the country music scene, including being named as the top new male vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1999. Wills followed that up with the hit single, “19 Somethin’” and his new single “Entertaining Angels” is climbing the charts.

Mark has seen the faces of our military men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, at home and in the Walter Reed Army Hospital. He knows that military service is more than just a job, it’s a lifetime commitment. Mark also knows that sometimes, the price of service is doubly paid by those who are invisibly wounded with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). Having seen firsthand the good work that Radcliff, Kentucky based USA Cares is doing for these families as they go through rehabilitative care, he knew he had to do more than just add a celebrity voice.

In their Warrior Treatment Today program, USA Cares provides financial resources to veterans who are reluctant to seek PTSD treatment due to their obligation to provide for their families. The program is already underway in several states, most notably in Texas, where over 6,000 Veterans have been screened and diagnosed with PTSD. A recent news article noted that the VA has identified as many as 338,000 Veterans who could be suffering with PTSD nationwide.

During a recent interview by Dennis Miller on his national radio show on Westwood One, Mark revealed his personal experience with the disorder. “When my dad came home from Vietnam, he was different and there is no doubt in my mind that he was suffering from PTSD, we just didn’t know what it was back then.” He went on to say, “Today, that National Guardsman who works at Home Depot on Monday, can find himself in combat the next week, and you just can’t expect that when he comes home that everything will be just fine and he can go back to working at Home Depot.”

USA Cares Board of Director, Ron Steptoe, himself a West Point Graduate, is currently devoting time and effort on a national scale to help establish a basic foundation for understanding PTSD and to help limit the enormous emotional and physical toll that accompanies those who suffer from it and their families when it’s symptoms are misunderstood and untreated. From his offices in Washington DC, Steptoe added, “Having a person of Mark’s stature, considering his repeated visits to Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing firsthand what these men and women are facing and then wanting to share his time and talent with those of us who are working to make sure they don’t have to suffer twice is a credit to Mark, his family and his industry.”

In addition to a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album, Mark has also put a USA Cares insert inside the case that tells the buyer about USA Cares and asks them to do one more thing; use their cell phone to text the word “TROOPS” to 90999 which will cause a onetime charge to their cell phone bill of $5, which will go directly to USA Cares. Wills said, “The idea of allowing my fans to help make a difference in a Veteran’s life by simply picking up their cell phone is not only cutting edge technology, it is a way that we as Americans can make our voices heard too, and that we take care of our own. So I am going to remind my fans, in audiences and one at a time, to pull out their cell phone and let’s make a difference together!” adding, “And don’t forget to reply with “YES” when prompted!”.

29 MAY 2009 5050

2009-05-29T14:28:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon! And what a great Friday it is! We are preparing to announce another great program helping Veterans with homes and yesterday we gave a briefing that opened a door to $150,000 worth of grant support for Veteran homeowners!

We now have 19 Veterans in our Warrior Treatment Today program, so your help is very much needed!

Thanks to all, Illinois is kicking the door down, almost to $200!

Great job!

Roger

26 MAY 2009 50/50

2009-05-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Good morning and upfront, my apologies. I found myself not only very sick, but also out of contact with the world for a week.

I am much better now, and came back to some great news! We received word that one of our 5050 folks has pledged $500 in support of our effort, so we are approaching $3,000 so far, with just a few days left.

I also learned today at our start of the week meeting that we are now working with PTSD guys in six different states and are now hearing from the families that we are making a tremendous difference in the well-being of the family as they go through the rehabilitative effort. It is our goal to add a full circle of support to the family and the Veteran, beyond just paying bills, but also developing a frame work of care that extends to beyond coming home.

Thanks for all you do, and God Bless all our Veterans and their families.

Roger

13 MAY 2009 5050

2009-05-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning from rainy and warm Kentucky! Lots of really cool stuff getting ready to be released, and I am so fired up, knowing the impact that we are having with the folks we are helping. That includes a note from one of our clients that said we saved his life. Of course only he really knows that, but just the idea that he would think that is enough for me.

What does $5 do for USA Cares? More than you know. $5 is how much the yard sign cost that started us back in 2003. WAVE 3 TV and Kroger sold them, and ended up giving us $121,000 that was the prime that started the pump that to date has almost reached a total of $9 million! So $5 counts. It all counts.

Thanks to all of you that are trying to make a difference.

Roger

12 MAY 2009 5050

2009-05-12T08:12:00.001-07:00

Today should be a happy day, we received notification yesterday that the top salesman of the year for a nationally known insurance company had asked that his award be given to USA Cares. The President of that company sent us a letter telling us about it and saying that a check for $15,000 would be headed our way. That should have made our day, but instead we learn of the tragic story out of Baghdad where allegedly a soldier has killed five of his fellow service members.

The news is reporting that this all happened in a stress relief center. As you know, we are working on expanding our Warrior Treatment Today program and help eliminate barriers to treatment, like who will provide for the family while I am in the hospital? The answer is, USA Cares will. We now have 11 service members in the new program and are expanding to three more states this week. But consider that there are reportedly over 338,000 who are possibly suffering from PTSD we are not even making a dent yet, but our hope is that the 11 we are touching will have a better life.

Thanks for helping. if you want to read more here is a link: IRAQ TRAGEDY

I hope you will all pray for those who were lost, and those who suffer.

Roger

11 MAY 2009 5050

2009-05-11T05:27:00.001-07:00

Good morning from sunny and rainy at the same time Radcliff. We seem to have sit a ceiling here, hope this week we can break through it and demonstrate the value of mobile giving. On American Idol this week, Alicia Keys is scheduled to appear and talk about helping the children of Africa and they are going to push "ALIVE" and 90999 to 30 million viewers. That will be a very good way to prove the value given the right audience at a large scale. I have my fingers crossed.

On Friday, I had a soldier I met in Radcliff way back in November last year who was on his way to Iraq. After we got done talking, I gave him one of my cards and told me that if he ever had a soldier who needed a little help to give him our web address. That same soldier called me from his hospital bed where he was recovering from wounds recieved by a homicide bomber, and needed a little help for him and his parents. I am very happy to report that our Family Resource Center was talking to him and his dad within an hour and that we are working our process.

It has always been one of our goals to be the "first calls" when someone needs a little help, and this was certainly one of those moments. As for the soldier, he told me he had not lost any limbs, or sight, had taken some shrapnel but was going to be okay. He was just dissappointed he couldn't be there with his guys.

Have a great day, and see you tomorrow.

Roger

7 MAY 2009 5050

2009-05-07T07:21:00.001-07:00

Hey there! Illinois is moving forward, please post and tell us how you are doing it! I have some exicting news about our Red Shirt Friday effort, but have to wait on that too, don't you just love the suspense?

Have a great day, and let's get NV and WA to 20 texters!!!

Roger

6 May 2009 5050

2009-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

It is pouring down rain here in Kentucky, hope the weather is better there! We kind of stalled here, what can I do to help you guys and gals? Remember we have a pledge (valid one too) that will match the first $1,500 that comes in. We are almost to $600, and for that I do appreciate your efforts.

Roger

5 MAY 09 5050

2009-05-05T05:43:00.001-07:00

We are kind of slowing down here, I am hoping that this first year out we will have some states that make the full 100 texters to prove the point that the program works and we can build on it, so what we are doing now, is not just about this time, but more importantly that we can tap into the enormous opportunity of those who would like to give, but don't know to who, or even how easy it is. As you all saw, we have one matching donation, and I think I have another one lined up today, will report tomorrow. So. please hang in there, each journey takes a step.

I just know that today, thousands of young men and women are taking steps in dusty far off lands because we asked them to.

Roger

4 MAY 09 5050

2009-05-04T05:37:00.001-07:00

Good morning!!!! I am very happy to announce that we have a donor who has matched the first $1,500 that we raise with 5050!!! So your texters are now doubling up!!! How cool is that! I apologize for the weekend lack of maps, but we are tracking now, and I am working on more matches!!! So thanks for all you hard work and keep it up!!!

Roger

1 MAY 09 5050

2009-05-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Good morning from rainy Radcliff! The 1st of May and we have Illinois breaking past $100 and two more states right behind. I have it from good sources that Kentucky is going to start moving as well. :) Can't wait to tell you all the news but you will really be proud to be part of USA Cares!

Roger

30 APR 09 5050

2009-04-30T05:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a very full day for all of us I suspect. We are preparing to travel to Washington DC and tell our story, especially the fact that USA Cares is becoming the glue that is putting together public, government and private institutions that all have the same desire to help our Veterans deal with PTSD. I will be posting the slide show we are going to show as soon as it is final.

Thanks for all you do and today is a brand new day!

Roger

ICARE and 90999

2009-04-28T08:22:00.001-07:00

A new friend of ours at the blog Political Vel Craft posted a request to use another one of our key words, "ICARE" and I thought I would show his readers how it is doing too.

Great job California!

Roger

28 APR 09 5050

2009-04-28T07:44:00.001-07:00

Good morning from rainy Kentucky! We have our first state to reach $100 in texts, great job Illinois!

I was on Facebook this morning and met another very good friend from my past, who has already asked, "what can I do for USA Cares?", well the answer is.... . My point in bringing this up is that given the virtual world we now live in, sometimes the friend (or texter) you are looking for is just waiting to be asked.

So hang in there and again, as we make history, we will look back and reflect on the start way back in 2009, when.........

Have a great day, and good hunting!

Roger

27 APR 09 5050

2009-04-27T11:21:00.001-07:00

Dang, already afternoon! There is so much going on around here that it is just flat fun! Bill and I are getting ready to go to Washington DC to attend a conference with the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, (CIAV) and this will be a great opportunity for us to tell our story and especially the work we are doing with PTSD. You know I will mention what we are doing with 5050!

We are also getting ready to launch a book that is helping USA Cares along with a "Bark For America" (more on that next time).

You all have a great day, you are making a difference!

Roger

26 APR 09 5050

2009-04-26T09:31:00.001-07:00

Good morning on this great Sunday that finds Kentucky sunny and hot! I hope to be able to share some really great news here at USA Cares this week, but for now I have to be good!

All of you have a great day, and if you notice, Beth Ann in Arizona is coming on strong!

Roger

25 APR 09 5050

2009-04-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning from sunny Radcliff! We are all watching with a grin with the efforts that you guys are making. The map is telling the story, people do care, when they know the story about what we are doing for our military families and especially the ones that are affected by PTSD, not just them, but the their families.

Have a great weekend, and I am betting that by this time next week, we will have three or four steps over $100 in texters!!!

Roger

24 APR 09 5050

2009-04-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

This morning at Fort Knox Kentucky, the 19th Engineers will conduct a departure ceremony as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan. For many of the young soldiers, one of whom I met yesterday, are traveling into harm's way for a second time. He was a Specialist. He was somebodies son and he stood there in front of me, tall, slim and confident. His smile was disarming and he was matter a fact about his second deployment to war.

I often find myself asking where we find these young men and women, and the of course the answer is that they are the ones we don't see on TV, these are the graduates of high schools across America, who look over the options, sense a purpose, or even just a job and the choose to become a warrior.

What you have to know is that when you do that, you have to give up even more of your rights as an American to serve America. You have to be polite. You have to professionally recognize your fellow servicemembers and provide appropriate greetings, little things like a sharp salute. They have to tell the truth, all the time, and often as we know, the are asked to do things that are very hard, and sometimes very dangerous. And they do it.

Can we do any less than our best to make a difference for them and their families? Of course not.

Thanks for all you are doing for USA Cares.

Roger

23 APR 09 5050

2009-04-23T04:29:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had a secret that you wanted to shout from the rooftops, but can't? Well, I have one, and it will make all of you that care very, very happy! We were told we can't tell, so, well, we just won't tell! :) Illinois jumped out a little yesterday, so who will be to 20 texters first?

Remember, we are making history, and just like when we started back in 2003, there were times when you wonder, "What the heck am I doing?" and you have three cases that are already approved and you need $1,800 but only have $468 and you look each other in the eye, just as a check for $5,000 shows up, not once, but twice. True story.

What can I do to help you?

Roger

Mr. Nelson goes to Congress

2009-04-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

USA Cares had the privilage of providing testimony to a Congressional hearing concerning the care and treatment of Veterans.

We have much to do, and we should all be thankful for the opportunity we have to be a part of the solution, rather than stand on the sidelines and complain.

To all those who are making a difference, thanks..

Roger

22 APR 09 5050

2009-04-22T04:33:00.001-07:00

Don't look now, but we have two states that are over 10% of the goal of 100 texters! Both ladies working hard, and from what I gather, they are doing it the old fashion way, one friend, aquaintance or family member at a time. I going to challenge the rest of you to get a least one texter a day, and ask them to do the same. So to Donna and Linda, you are showing us the way, and for that we all applaud you!!!

Bill testified yesterday infront of a VA Congressional Committee about "our' work with PTSD and helping guys and gals with barrier removal so that they can get treatment. Will keep you posted and if his testimony is made public, I will link to it for you.

Have a great day!

Roger

21 APR 09 5050

2009-04-21T05:09:00.001-07:00

Greetings from sunny Radcliff! I posted a story this morning about a family we are working with and I hope you have time to read it, I will keep you posted on how this warrior is doing. We now have 11 Veterans in our Warrior Treatment Today program, but there is no doubt that as the word spreads, that we will continue to recieve more and more inquiries about the program and how can they get their Veterans assistance.

We can only do that if we have help like what you are doing!

Roger

5050? Why?

2009-04-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

We don't have all the information yet, but this is what USA Cares is working on and why our campaign with 5050 is so important.

A VA Representative contacted USA Cares and said that she had heard about our Warrior Treatment Today and how we help PTSD patients during their residential treatments. We have learned that this soldier, who is a husband and father or two, lives in a state that does not have a residential treatment program and that he will have to travel to a state some 800 miles away for treatment. The soldier has already tried to harm himself, and even with that, there is a long wait to get a space in the treatment center. We are working to save his home and stabilize the family while he receives treatment.

Thanks for all you are doing to help us, it is worth it.

Roger

20 APR 09 5050

2009-04-20T03:52:00.001-07:00

Monday morning and raining in Kentucky. We had a great weekend with Bryan with lots of good stuff. I know this week, great things are going to happen with 5050.

I watched the people who came to our booth this weekend at Thunder Over Louisville, and the emotion ranged from one end to the other, but one in particular was a young man who was also in a wheelchair who came back three times to see Bryan. To watch Bryan encourage this young man to try anything and that anything was possible was so inspiring, not only to me, but to all of us that were within listening range.

Bryan Anderson, you are a remarkable young man.

Roger

19 APR 09 5050

2009-04-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning! Donna and the state of Washington are moving, $5 at a time, and I suspect one friend or family member at at time toward making a difference in a wounded warrior's life. Yesterday, while we were at Thunder Over Louisville, a wonderful person came up and after listening to what we are doing, wanted to take on both Tennessee and West Virginia! We are eagerly getting the information to her an her husband in hopes of seeing 5050 in two more great states!

It is raining here today, very hard, but after watching Bryan push the button that started the fireworks and standing in a crowd that was estimated to be 700,000, and hearing Bryan's introduction include his volunteering for USA Cares, well, it was pretty moving.

Never mind he did 20 pullups with the Marines! Pictures to follow!

Have a great week, and I know that we will be doubled by next Sunday!!

Roger

18 APR 09 5050

2009-04-18T02:31:00.001-07:00

Good Morning!!! Life is really, really good. Jim flew down to Tallahassee yesterday, picked up Bryan "Thundernator" Anderson and is ready to throw out the first pitch, meet the fans (today's audience is estimated to be over 600,000!) and then at 9 p.m. sharp, Bryan will push the buttons to start the nation's largest fireworks display! six barges and a bridge full! That doesn't count an airshow that starts at 3 p.m. and includes lots of military and civilian aircraft! We are going to be there and talk about USA Cares. This is the video that will be shown at the ball game, BRYAN CARES!

I don't know if you know this, but you can click on the map to enlarge it! You can see the hard work that the volunteers are doing, and I am so happy to see the numbers slowly creep up! Like an avalance, first, just a little, then more and more! Get your friends to tell their friends, and to Washington, Nevada, Kentucky, Illinois and Delware, share your stories! How are you doing it!

Jenn is getting better, so we will be hearing from her soon too! You have to love Kentucky Crud!

Words can not express how proud we are of all of you and for what you are doing for our guys and gals who are suffering from PTSD and other wounds of war!

I can send you this widget, just ask! Roger

2009-04-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

2009-04-17T03:46:00.001-07:00

I recieved this email back from a very good friend of mine and of USA Cares. CSM Joe Gainey was selected as the first enlisted advisor for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has allowed me to post his reponse to my email to him on the 15th.

===============

Roger,
As one that has been granted a 90 percent VA disablility rating, (most of which was for PTSD), I support you 100%. It's time that people in high places both Military and Civilian stop talking about how we should help our Military men and women and their families and DO IT!!!!
V/R
Joe Gainey
1st Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman
JCS, United States Army (retired)

=================

Joe, thanks for the support and for the text!!!

Roger

17 APR 09 5050

2009-04-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning! We are now "coast to coast" Way to get out the gate, Washington! I am going through my email address list and sending a friendly request to my friends and family, (regardless of where they live). Our Executive Director, Bill Nelson is traveling to Orlando next week to testify before a Congressional Subcommittee in regards to our efforts in helping PTSD affected warriors. Our Florida Representative has done such a great job down there telling the USA Cares story. She serves on the Mayor of Orlando's Veterans Commission and so much more. And did I mention that it looks like Dennis Miller will be attending our Golf Scramble in Las Vegas this October!!

By the way, I am challenging some of my friends to "match" the next $1,000 in donations from anywhere in the US through our 5050 program, but you might want to look for someone to do the same for your state! Then when you are asking someone to text in, you can tell them they are actually donating $10!! It all adds up! We will post those who join our match effort. If they do chose to match, they can make the check out to "USA Cares" and send it to PO Box 749, Radcliff Kentucky 40159.

We are making history!

Roger

16 APR 09 5050

2009-04-16T04:48:00.001-07:00

Good morning team!!! We are on our way. Yesterday, I was talking to a friend who tried to text in a donation and found out that his regional carrier wasn't a partner with mGive yet. He wanted to do it, so he handed me $5, and I texted in TROOPS! Life is good. Delware, Illinois and Nevada Great Job!!! You are rocking. Have a great day and God Bless Our Troops!

We also were mentioned in a blog yesterday from our friends at mGive! BLOG HERE!

Roger

15 April 09 5050

2009-04-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

Good morning.

Tax Day, Tea Party Day and USA Cares 50-50 Day! I'm okay with sharing it, our cause is right, and we are making a difference. Early congrats to Illinois, Nevada and Delware!! The old saying that it takes a step to start a journey is exactly what we are doing, making a difference and making history. Roger

14 APR 09 50-50

2009-04-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Good morning! We are starting off with a bang! Although we are supposed to really start tomorrow, but it is all for families and so I am just going to put it up there so you can see how it will look. Steve in Maryland, and Linda in Nevada you guys are on the right track and showing the way!!

Roger

13 April 09 50-50

2009-04-13T05:46:00.001-07:00

This is the 13th of April. Two days to go to the start date!

You can help!

Mark Wills & USA Cares!

2009-03-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Radcliff, KY Country music star Mark Wills, having just returned from his most recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, wanted to do more. When he became aware of USA Cares and what they were doing for service members, he saw a natural fit.

When asked about his many visits to the war zones, Willis remarked “I have seen the very best in our men and women as they serve in places that most Americans couldn’t locate on a map, nor will ever see, and they do it willingly and courageously and we can’t forget them.”

During a visit to the USA Cares headquarters on March 10^th, Executive Director Bill Nelson welcomed Mark and thanked him for his support. Nelson also explained the need to understand the challenges America’s newest veterans are facing. He stressed the need for private organization, government agencies and nonprofits to unite in an effort to overcome obstacles to getting much-deserved assistance to today’s veterans. “We are very proud of our accomplishments to date, keeping food on the table and, most importantly, providing real hope for those who are wounded and suffering from the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD,” said Nelson.

Nelson went on to add “Mark understands the stress that combat has on our military personnel. He has seen the effects of roadside bombs when he visited military hospitals. Because of his awareness and experiences, Mark has offered his voice to USA Cares. He will speak out about programs that help our military families readjust to a normal life after the strains of surviving in a war zone.”

A recent article in Air Force Times regarding the challenges that the Veterans Administration is facing said that among the 1.3 million who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan there are an estimated 338,000 who suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can affect family life, job performance and has a role in the rising number of suicides among Veterans. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone is exposed to a severe or life-threatening event. Successful completion of treatment frequently helps veterans get their lives back on track and helps them deal with the lingering effects of service in combat zones. USA Cares gives grants to support veterans and their families while they are undergoing treatment for this debilitating condition.

“Mark has been a long time and very visible supporter of our troops and we know that his voice will be important not only in Nashville but also across America. We are very proud of his confidence and support of USA Cares and our mission. Of course some of us are big fans! So it is just wonderful to have his support.” remarked Pat Stradley who leads the USA Cares Advocacy Center.

Meet John Flanagan

2009-03-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Snooks

John Flanagan is a lot of things. He has been a volunteer with USA Cares from the first. He has served as a member of the Virtual Committee that reviews each case and recommends approval or disapproval. Considering that we have processed over 15,000 cases over the last six plus years, which is quite a feat, considering he has a full time job and is a full time husband, dad and grandpa.

John Flanagan is also a hero in my book. In his book, “Born In Brooklyn and Raised in the Cav” he gave us a glimpse of the path of one young man growing up in a big city, finding himself standing in line at the draft center where they counted off the first twelve who became Marines and John was on his way to the Army. It was at the ramp up to the Vietnam War and his book recounts boot camp, flight school introduction and the life of an Army Aviator. Then we wove our way through a tour with the 9^th Cavalry in Vietnam and we learned about “guns” and “slicks” and “Blues”. I would recommend the book; you can order it at http://www2.xlibris.com/BOOKSTORE/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=13825.

I am working on my own book, called “A Broken Water Pipe”, which John is helping me with, and at one point I had talked to another Vietnam Veteran I will introduce next, Bob Manning who had been shot in Vietnam and saved by a helicopter who took him out of the firefight. John sent me a very telling email that made me realize just how courageous these young men were, who were shielded by Plexiglas from enemy fire, but who willingly always responded to the need to airlift out wounded guys, regardless of the situation. Rather than me retell it, I am posting it here.

In an email to me and Bob, John talks about his memories, I’ve cleaned it up a bit so that John won’t have too. His “guns” are the guys flying armed birds, the X-Ray is the co-pilot, POL is refueling point (fuel and petroleum products), the LZ is the landing zone (often a open space in the jungle, a rice paddy or less) a click is one kilometer or 600 yards and the story is John’s:

You’re in the air and the call comes up from Ops that the guns are working over a ground unit that has casualties that need to be gotten out before they die. Medevac can’t go in because the LZ is still hot. Ops [Troop Operations] asks if you would go help. You and your X-ray nod “yup”, “Roger” the request and roll the nose over and head for the LZ. In bound you call the guns who give you a sitrep [situation report], especially where the main fire is coming from. You set up a straight-in low level approach, tell the gun to have the grunts pop smoke, your ID the color, they confirm the color and you scream into the LZ. You remain light on the skids and stay in the LZ just long enough to load the wounded, - you see the faces of the grunts, the emotion, the grit, the determination, the relief when they back away from the bird - then you call coming out to the gun, and pop the tree line and scream out of the area. A click or two out you climb to 1000 feet and call the tower for the medivac pad. You drop them off, go grab some POL and check the bird for damage, clean out the back end of the blood and stuff, wishing you could get rid of the smell you will have with you for days, and then return to the original mission, never really knowing who they were, or how they made out, or what happened. You remember in quiet times, and then have another drink to soothe the pain.

Yes very real, Bob.

John

John’s world includes a special lady, Anne, who he has always affectionately called “Snooks”, and if my memory serves me right, was the name of two of his helicopters in Vietnam one of which he put down under fire and himself and his co-pilot were rescued. Anne is the Army wife we all hear about, loyal, true and tough.

Two weeks ago, I sat in a banquet hall in Louisville with 250 other guests who are all members of the Ohio River LZ Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Associations and listened to Joe Galloway, author of “We Were Soldiers” and others, who is famous for his story about the fight at LZ X-RAY, in Ia Drang Valley with then Colonel Hal Moore and the first major battle in the war in Vietnam with American soldiers, portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie of the same name. Joe talked a lot about his 44 years of hanging out with men and women at war, and the courage and dedication that he saw in big things and little things. He talked about the over 4,000 Army Aviators who were either killed in action, or missing in action and as I looked around the room at the grey headed men who still talked in a code of pilots and “stick buddies” and “boat guys” I realized that in fact we were surrounded by men who didn’t avoid the draft, who didn’t find ways not to serve, but instead, not only served, but then took on the task that was arguably the most dangerous job in Vietnam.

The fact that many of them as they introduced themselves, and noted that they had served multiple tours in Vietnam, as John did, is a testimony to their courage and to their faith in their country. Not one of them sounded bitter or sorry, what they sounded like was truly a “Band of Brothers”.

So here was John and “Snooks” sitting in a table on the outer edge of the banquet room, watching and smiling as he looked across the room, and to help you understand why that was kind of cool, was that he was the outgoing Chapter President, and clearly had every right to be sitting at or near the head table in a place of honor, but that isn’t John. John has never been about John, he is always about how he can help make a difference, either in his community where he serves on city boards, in groups like USA Cares, and the Helicopter Pilot Association and a company that he is the CEO of and has made into a profitable organization for only the second year in its eleven year history. In full disclosure I started the company and just as I recruited John to serve on the Virtual Committee in 2003, I also recruited him to be the CEO of our company.

John is a special man, and would be the last to admit it.

Introducing Team USA Cares: Marquardt

2009-02-05T07:56:00.001-08:00

We have all heard about "Army Buddies" and I am fortunate to have one too. Jim and I have followed each other's careers and lives since 1979. He went off to the first gulf war, where he served with distinction. He rode in airplanes, jumped

out of them with the 82nd Airborne but it wasn't until after he retired from the Army that he took to being a pilot.

Since we started USA Cares in 2003, Jim, I and others have traveled to locations all over America telling the USA Cares story and making the case that military families deserved a extra effort from all of us that live in peace and freedom.

Lined up in the landing pattern in New York with jumbo jets, or landing in a little field in Georgia, Jim has shown a level of professionalism and savvy that I would have never guessed. But his passion for flying is equally matc

hed by his passion for USA Cares. I wish I had a nickle for every hour that we have spend on the phone or together talking about strategy and what to do next and how can we do things better.

15,000 military families have come to USA Cares for assistance, and we have dispensed over $5 million in grants, so Jim's original process, which remains the base plate for our process remains true. Protect the dignity and privacy of our clients. Provide a hand up and not a hand out.

Jim gets very animated about caring for our guys, he has a son who has served multiple tours in Iraq with the Air Force and will again. So for Jim, it is personal. The fact that he has friends who are now leading the Army serving and doing so well is a source of quiet pride in this Allan Park, Michigan native.

And speaking of Allan Park, last week, Jim and I drove (weather wouldn't let us fly) to his old high school, Cabrini, where he told 800 students that one person could still make a difference and that all you had to do was believe. Jim believes that. The following week, the entire school all wore red to show their support for our troops. I think they got the message.

I have seen him at his worst and I have seen him at his best. Jim is not only my best friend, but he is one of my heroes. He would be the first to tell you that he isn't perfect, but I would be the first to tell you that while he isn't perfect, he has the passion of a warrior, and the compassion of a Priest.

This is my introduction of Jim Marquardt.

The War Isn’t Over Yet

2009-02-03T14:26:00.001-08:00

In all the excitement about a new President, and confirmation hearings and of course the state of our economy, it is easy to come to a conclusion that because the war is no longer on the front page of the newspaper or the lead story on the nightly news that, well, it must be over.

I wish that were so.

While it is true that Iraq just held a very successful national election that had very little violence associated with it, our new President has already made the decision to send two more combat brigades to Afghanistan to help achieve the same results we hope that our guys and gals did in Iraq. So the war isn't over, in fact, if we are sending thousand more of our very best, into harm's way, then we should continue to have to have the same attitude that we did right after we sent troops into Afghanistan and then Iraq. They have earned the respect of our nation, and certainly they deserve our continued support.

There are lots of reasons for depression, I am constantly reminded about how hard it is to raise money for nonprofits in this economic climate, yet at the same time, I continue to see the generosity of American's and of corporations and foundations, that when they know there is a need, they respond appropriately. Pacific Life, out in California, sent us another check for $10,000 to help USA Cares continue our work. With the simple message of text "VET" to 90999, Dennis Miller while appearing on "The Factor" began our incursion into the mobile giving world, and in the middle of all that, Bill Nelson, our Executive Director signed an agreement with medical facilities in Texas, including the Veterans Administration, where USA Cares would help families cover normal living expenses while the Veteran received residential treatment for as long as three months for the after effects of PTSD and or TBI.

For those men and women who are diagnosed with PTSD and TBI, the war is not over either. It may not be over for them ever. From what I have read and heard, you don't get better with time, you get better with treatment, and that is not necessarily medication. So we need a national effort in making sure that we don't repeat what we saw happen after Vietnam and the Agent Orange issue.

President Obama has selected the best VA Secretary that could be selected. General Shinseki, who I have the pleasure of calling "friend" and even better the privilege of serving with in the 1^st Cavalry Division is the most compassionate and caring man I think I ever worked for, and even better, his wonderful wife Patti is equal to caring. The VA is in good hands, and I can tell you that the General is not one for long meeting, but is demanding on action.

I will never forget when he took 1^st Cavalry at Fort Hood, his first Quarterly Briefing by the brigade was pre-briefed that we could say all we wanted to say, but at 90 minutes he was leaving. And that is what happened. He left at 90 minutes. We all got the message. I know that the bureaucrats at the VA are going to hunker down, but seeing the improvement in the VA over the last ten years, I have full confidence that our best days are ahead of us.

A Few Good Men

2009-01-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

10 January 2009

I had the privilege of watching a scene played out in probably hundreds of locations across America this Saturday. The B Company, 6/52 Aviation Regiment conducted a welcome home ceremony for ten of its soldiers who had returned from duty in Iraq. Some had been home for months, but this seemed to me to be another well meaning effort to let soldiers and their families know that their sacrifice is noted and respected.

The ten aviators who were recognized along with their families all said the same thing, that it wasn’t necessary, but they appreciated it.

Among the ten were two pilots who had each put in over 41 years of service in our nation’s military, both flying not only in Iraq on several tours, but each had Vietnam tours as well as some of the brush wars and the First Gulf War under their belts. Both were equally humble that they were doing what they loved and that they were only sorry that they had reached mandatory retirement age and couldn’t continue to serve. Each had a family wrapped around them, and there was a clear measure of pride in not only the spouses, but of the young men, or not so young, who from a distance you tell they were proud of their dad or granddad.

So on a rainy cold day at Fort Knox in Hanger #1, a small group of soldiers and their families watched as ten more warriors were welcomed home, they received a very nice triangle folded incased flag with a personal message from the Commanding General of the Army Reserve along with his coin. It was clear we all remembered what those who returned from Vietnam received and that seems to be a common theme among my generation that we won’t let it happen again. BG Matia, 11^th Aviation Commander, had it right when he said that honor and dedication is the watchword of those who serve our nation.

I was sorry that there weren’t thousands in attendance but at the same time, this reminded me why USA Cares remains vigilant for those military families who are isolated from the traditional military infrastructure associated with bases like Fort Hood and Fort Bragg. Their war was just as real as those who march home in formations of hundreds if not thousands.

So to Warrant Officers Clark, Crooke, Haberlin, James, Kelly R, Thomas, Schmidt, Stephens, Swanson and Kelly S, welcome home from one old sergeant major and a grateful free citizen.

To CSM Robert Casher, the ceremony was top notch and well done. You have much to be proud of in these warriors.

Roger

Fort Knox Yellow Ribbon Team

2008-11-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

Fort Knox Yellow Ribbon Team
Nov. 6, 2008

Gourmet Restaurant Honoring Troops With Special Dinner

2008-11-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

USA Cares to benefit from Black Trumpet event

PORTSMOUTH, NH Black Trumpet Bistro, a Portsmouth restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, will celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with the Great American Wine Dinner and donate a portion of the proceeds to USA Cares.

An e-mail invitation from the restaurant said “In celebration of our great country we want to honor and support post-9/11 soldiers and their families. Proceeds from the dinner will go towards two organizations that help these honorable men and women and their families through difficult times, specifically families in New Hampshire.” The two organizations are USA Cares and New Hampshire’s Chaplains Emergency Relief Fund.

USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated about $40,000 over five years to service members living in New Hampshire. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 13,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387.

The five-course will feature five wines presented by Black Trumpet Chef Evan Mallett and Guest Chef Mark Segal of Portsmouth’s 100 Club. The event is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Cost is $90 per person. The event’s menu is available on the restaurant’s web site at http://www.blacktrumpetbistro.com/pages/special_events.html.

About Black Trumpet Bistro
Black Trumpet is a two-story bistro and wine bar in the heart of Portsmouth’s historic old port operated by Chef Evan Mallett. The menu changes every six weeks to capitalize on the freshest seasonal ingredients. Black Trumpet’s cuisine reflects the chef-owner’s culinary curiosity, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean as well as the Americas. A typical Black Trumpet menu may include influences from Spain, North Africa, Turkey and the Mexican heartland. Dinner is served nightly from 5:30, and reservations are recommended for the dining room. The wine bar is first-come-first-serve. For more information or reservations please call (603) 431-0887.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. In five years, USA Cares has helped 13,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Talk Show Hosts Dennis Miller, Steve Wilkos to Play in L.A. Charity Golf Scramble to Benefit USA Cares

2008-11-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Mike “Titan” O’Hearn also attending

11 a.m. – Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 – MountainGate Country Club Golf Course

WHO: Dennis Miller offers his unique take on the day’s topics with comedy and satire on his daily radio show, “The Dennis Miller Show,” launched by Westwood One in March 2007. Miller is a five-time Emmy award winner for his critically acclaimed half-hour, live talk show “Dennis Miller Live,” which had a nine-year run on HBO. He was the host and executive producer of CNBC’s “Dennis Miller,” an interview talk show featuring reasoned discourse, opinion and humor.

Steve Wilkos is the host of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution’s nationally syndicated series “The Steve Wilkos Show.” He is both a Marine Corps and Chicago Police veteran. Prior to his own show, Wilkos filled in for Jerry Springer as host of the long-running “Jerry Springer Show” on more than 50 episodes.

Mike O’Hearn holds four Mr. (Natural) Universe titles, was Mr. California, Mr. USA, Mr. America and Mr. International, and was voted one of the 12 greatest physiques of all times by the fitness industry. A fierce competitor and undefeated in the Joust, Mike can be seen in NBC’s hit television series “American Gladiators” where he is known as “Titan.”

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support.

WHAT: Miller and Wilkos, national spokesmen for USA Cares, and other guests and players will participate in the second annual Charity Golf Scramble in Los Angeles on behalf of national charity organization USA Cares. O’Hearn will also attend. Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP, a national law firm, along with Hagen, Streiff, Newton & Oshiro Accountants PC; RGL Forensic Accountants and Consultants; and Matson, Driscoll & Damico LLP are sponsoring the tournament.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, 2008
WHERE: MountainGate Country Club Golf Course in Los Angeles

YOUR COVERAGE IS REQUESTED.

CONTACT: John Revell, USA Cares, Inc. - jrevell@usacares.org or (270) 352-5451
Patrick Shipstead, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP, pshipstead@rkmc.com

USA Cares To Be Featured on Good Morning America

2008-11-03T11:13:00.001-08:00

From 7 to 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, ABC affiliates

WHO: USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson leads USA Cares, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. In five years, USA Cares has helped 13,000 military families and distributed more than $5 million in grants.

WHAT: Nelson will appear in an interview broadcast nationally on the well-known ABC morning show, “Good Morning America,” interviewed by Lee Woodruff.

WHEN: “Good Morning America” will air from 7 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6

WHERE: Local ABC affiliate WHAS-TV 11.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT IS REQUESTED.

CONTACT: John Revell, Public Relations and Communications, USA Cares, Inc.
jrevell@usacares.org or (270) 352-5451
http://www.usacares.org

About USA Cares
USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

Bionic Gloves Helping USA Cares Give a ‘Hand Up’

2008-11-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Company donating portion of holiday sales as part of new partnership

RADCLIFF, KY - Bionic Gloves, sister company to Louisville Slugger, is partnering with USA Cares in support of its mission to help military families. Fitting the USA Cares “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out” motto, Bionic, which sells sports and fitness gloves designed by an orthopedic surgeon, will work hand in hand with the organization to promote the charity’s outreach efforts.

Both Bionic and Louisville Slugger are divisions of Louisville-based Hillerich & Bradsby Co., which also owns PowerBilt golf equipment.

“It’s a worthy cause,” Bionic Director of Sales and Marketing Vickie Boisseau said. “We want to get the message out to as many people as possible … it’s about giving back.”

Bionic has set up a charity code for USA Cares –
USACARES – that used when ordering any Bionic glove on the Bionic gloves web site, http://www.bionicgloves.com, will send a portion of the proceeds to USA Cares. Bionic will get the word out about USA Cares through its holiday e-mail blast and podcast PSAs.

“It’s an incredible gesture of support on their part,” USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman said.

The gloves, invented by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jim Kleinert, are designed based on the anatomy of the human hand and the science of ergonomics to provide comfort, fit, performance and durability. The gloves are available in a wide variety of styles, from golf and fitness to gardening and motorcycling. Prices range from $25 to $70; you can purchase gloves from their web site, http://www.bionicgloves.com or by phone at 1-877-5-BIONIC. Be sure to enter the USA Cares charity code: USACARES.

“This partnership is so fitting,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “We hope to continue it for a long time to come.”

About Bionic Gloves

Bionic Gloves is a division of Louisville-based Hillerich & Bradsby Co., the family-owned, 124-year-old manufacturer that also makes legendary Louisville Slugger baseball bats and gloves and PowerBilt golf equipment. Bionic gloves, invented by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jim Kleinert, are made for golf, gardening, dress/driving, sports, fitness training and other recreational activities.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants $40,000 to New Hampshire military families

2008-10-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

More than 40 families in financial need helped, four homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated about $40,000 over five years to service members living in New Hampshire. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved four New Hampshire military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 46 families have received grants. In 2007, 11 requests came in from New Hampshire. USA Cares has received 29 requests for help in the first nine months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Laconia, USA Cares paid $1,350 in rent to keep a family with three children in their home. In Milton Mills, the organization covered a $1,500 gas bill in the winter for a service member who has a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. And in Exeter, USA Cares helped with a $325 vehicle payment and $100 phone bill because the service member was injured while deployed and could no longer hold a job.

New Hampshire is home to an Army National Guard Family Assistance Center in Concord and though technically in Maine, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, one of four operating shipyards left in the nation.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of New Hampshire, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

Imperial Palace and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon Hosting Veterans Day Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit USA Cares

2008-10-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Proceeds from event will benefit military families in Las Vegas area

RADCLIFF, KY Harrah’s Entertainment’s H.E.R.O. committee – Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out – invites Las Vegans to participate in a charity golf tournament benefiting USA Cares on Tuesday, Nov. 11. USA Cares is a worldwide nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to military families through community initiatives, corporate and individual contributions and grants. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the organization and will assist families in the Las Vegas area.

The Veterans Day tournament will be hosted at Harrah’s Entertainment-owned Cascata Golf Course, one of the premier golf courses in the country.

“The team from Imperial Palace and Bill’s has really stepped up to support USA Cares, and we can’t thank them enough,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “The proceeds from this tournament will be a wonderful source of support for our military families.”

Breakfast and sign-in begins at 8 a.m. The tournament will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Lunch immediately follows play. The awards ceremony and raffles will be during lunch. Tournament registration is still open at $1,500 a foursome team or $375 an individual. Registration includes breakfast, all greens fees, cart fees, caddy, lunch, range balls and player gift bags. Lunch is only $20 for non-golfers. Registration forms are available for download at http://www.usacares.org.

About Cascata Golf Course

Designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, Cascata opened in 2000 and is already celebrated as one of the finest designs in the world. Only 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Cascata is the ultimate in privacy, luxury and uncompromising service. Visit http://www.harrahs.com/golf/cascata-golf/ for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Street Rods Show Helped USA Cares’ Visibility

2008-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Car aficionados wanted to show support for the troops

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares took part in the River City Street Rods Car Show on Oct. 11 at the Southwest Community Festival to raise awareness of the organization’s mission to help military families.

River City Street Rods President J.B. Speed invited USA Cares to the event. Proceeds from the car show after expenses and the 50/50 raffle will be donated to the organization. More than 215 cars appeared at the show that included a DJ, prizes, food, contests, awards and vendors.

The crew of the River City Street Rods said they chose USA Cares because they thought they should support the troops. They will donate proceeds again next year to USA Cares and are also working on an event to happen a few weeks after 2009’s Kentucky Derby.

“This is what community is all about,” USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman said. “By getting the word out about USA Cares, organizations can really make a difference in the lives of military families.”

About River City Street Rods Inc.

River City Street Rods Inc. was established in 1978 in Louisville, Ky. The group strives to be a community-oriented club and every year sponsors cruises or shows where all proceeds are donated to various charities. For the past three years, the group has donated to USA Cares to show its support of the troops serving our country to protect our freedom. Two years ago, the club took over hosting the Southwest Car Fest and more than 200 cars attended both years.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. In five years, USA Cares has received 13,000 requests for help and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants $47,000 to Arkansas military families

2008-10-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

More than 100 families in financial need helped, four homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $47,000 over five years to service members living in Arkansas. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved four Arkansas military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 111 families have received grants. In 2007, 45 requests came in from Arkansas. USA Cares has received 40 requests for help in the first nine months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Lawson, USA Cares made a $2,500 mortgage payment and covered $450 in utilities bills for a service member who was not paid correctly. In Little Rock, the organization negotiated with a landlord and paid $750 in rent to keep a service member in her home. And in Prescott, USA Cares helped with a $1,000 vehicle payment while the service member was deployed to Kuwait.

There are several military installations in Arkansas, including Pine Bluff Arsenal, which provides training and support to the U.S. and Allied Forces, as well as the Department of Homeland Security; and Little Rock Air Force Base, host of the 314th Airlift Wing, tasked with supply and training of C-130 crew members from all services.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Arkansas, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants $32,000 to Arizona military families

2008-10-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

More than 100 families in financial need helped, five homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $32,000 over five years to service members living in Arizona. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved four Arizona military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 102 families have received grants. In 2007, 42 requests came in from Arizona. USA Cares has received 69 requests for help in the first nine months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Buckeye, USA Cares paid a $300 utility bill. In Phoenix, the organization negotiated with a landlord and paid $500 in rent to keep a service member with three children in his home. And in Goodyear, USA Cares helped with a $580 vehicle payment because the service member lost his job after an injury received in service in Iraq.

There are several military installations in Arizona, including Davis-Monthan Air ForceBase, headquarters of the 355th Fighter Wing; Fort Huachuca is a joint services training site; and Luke Air Force Base, a part of the Air Education and Training Command.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Arizona, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants $45,000 to Wisconsin military families

2008-10-23T10:27:00.001-07:00

More than 70 families in financial need helped, six homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $45,000 over five years to service members living in Wisconsin. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved six Wisconsin military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 73 families have received grants. In 2007, 28 requests came in from Wisconsin. USA Cares has received 24 requests for help in the first nine months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Schofield, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a service member in his home. In Milwaukee, the organization paid more than $400 to cover car and utility payments for a Reservist transitioning to active duty who didn’t get paid because of a computer glitch. And in Glenwood City, USA Cares helped with a $770 utility payment because the service member coming off deployment wasn’t paid correctly.

Among Wisconsin’s military installations is Fort McCoy, a Total Force Training Center.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Wisconsin, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants $55,000 to Alabama military families

2008-10-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

More than 140 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $55,000 over five years to service members living in Alabama. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine Alabama military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 142 families have received grants. In 2007, 59 requests came in from Alabama. USA Cares has received 62 requests for help in the first nine months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Livingston, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. In Troy, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $575 to save the family home. And in Birmingham, USA Cares helped with a $580 utility payment because the service member was laid off from his civilian job while deployed to Iraq.

There are several military installations in Alabama, including the Anniston Army Depot, the only Army depot capable of performing heavy- and light-tracked combat vehicles maintenance; Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, home to Air University; and the Army’s Fort Rucker, host to the Army Aviation Warfighting Center and serving more than 93,000 people.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Alabama, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

Better on a Bagel Supporting USA Cares in November

2008-10-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

USA Cares to benefit from in-store promotion and customer donations

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares will be a part of Radcliff eatery Better on a Bagel’s Charity of the Month program, an effort to give back to the local community. Five cents on every bagel sold in November will be donated to the organization.

The store owners also are considering joining the USA Cares “I Care Too!” Red Shirt Fridays program to show its support for the troops.

“We were looking for a way to give back to the community because they have done so much to help us. The decision was made to use a local charity each month. The type of charity would go along with that month and what was going on in that month. With November having Veterans Day we decided that USA Cares would be the charity of choice because they give back to military families. So the match was perfect,” store owner Robert Hay said.

The restaurant at 728 Knox Blvd. will display USA Cares literature to encourage others to support the organization in its mission to help military families. There will also be a donation jar on the premises.

“We need everyone’s help getting the word out about our programs,” USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman said. “We’re really happy to have the support of a local business.”

About Better on a Bagel

Better On A Bagel is a small, family-owned bagel and coffee shop in Radcliff, Ky. Owner Sylvia Hay prepares fresh baked goods including seasonal favorites and daily specials. The store serves breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches, salads, espresso drinks and coffee, and other refreshments. For more information visit http://www.betteronabagel.com, call (270) 351-2435 or e-mail support@betteronabagel.com.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

###

California Knitting Shop Wrapping Up Help for USA Cares

2008-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Operation Lap Wrap Hopes for Contributions from Customers

Photo credit: Warren Eig
Edith Eig, owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City, Calif., is helping USA Cares by contributing to Operation Lap Wrap.

RADCLIFF, KY - A yarn and knitting business in southern California has stepped up to make volunteer contributions to the USA Cares Operation Lap Wrap program by both donating blankets and offering discounts to customers.

“In addition to making a fashion statement, knitting is also both therapeutic and social; so when I first learned of the compassionate lap wrap program, I seized the opportunity to invite my customers to participate and turn their passion for knitting towards this very good cause,” said Edith Eig, owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City, Calif. “My heart goes out to our brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line, and I wanted to reach out and help make a difference. As a collective group, we’re weaving hope into every stitch of these hand-knit blankets and wish the very best for these individuals as they strive to rebuild their lives.”

Kim Moorman, USA Cares Director of Business Development, said a box of lap wraps has already arrived from Eig. Short notes of encouragement and thanks to the troops were enclosed with the blankets.

“They are awesome! I really love the notes and the one from Troop 408 that had a bunch of little notes from the girls on them. That will definitely touch a lot of hearts as they see and receive them,” Moorman said.

Eig decided to offer a 15 percent discount on yarn sales to any customers who want to create lap wraps for the troops.

“The outpouring of support has been incredible. Together, my clients and I have sent Operation Lap Wrap a huge box of blankets, and there is a new batch in the process of being made with more and more people expressing interest everyday. This is an ongoing effort that we will support until our troops finally come home for good,” Eig said.

Cheryl Bruce, Volunteer Coordinator for USA Cares, said the lap wraps will be a huge help. “Our service members are hospitalized for various lengths of time. Lap Wraps provide warmth for a visitor in a hospital room and coverage of missing limbs when confined to a wheelchair,” she said.

“La Knitterie Parisienne is proud to be a part of USA Cares Operation Lap and honored for the recognition. We are featuring Operation Lap Wrap on our web site at www.LaKnitterieParisienne.com and are encouraging anyone who’d like participate to get involved. I’ve identified some wonderful yarns to craft these lap wraps and welcome everyone to join us. Customers can visit us at our store located at 12642 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, Calif., or call us at 818-766-1515 and let us know they’d like to knit a lap wrap blanket,” Eig said.

About La Knitterie Parisienne

Owned by entrepreneur Edith Eig and located in Studio City, CA, La Knitterie Parisienne is one of the world’s most successful and recognizable knitting yarn stores, carrying an unprecedented selection of premium yarns, knitting books, buttons and knitting accessories. The shop specializes in teaching the art of knitting for free with the purchase of yarn from the shop and hosts many interactive events for their clients including the popular “Sip and Knit” social gathering during the shop’s late night on Wednesdays. Eig hails from Paris, France, where she learned to knit at the age of five. She’s combined her Parisian sensibilities with her incredible flair for fashion and design to become an icon in the knitting industry and an authority appearing in such news outlets as TODAY on NBC, CNN and Entertainment Tonight, Time magazine, Newsweek magazine, Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Mother or Purl: Friends, Fun and Fabulous Designs at Hollywood’s Knitting Circle” (HarperCollins) and is a philanthropist incorporating knitting into a wide array of worthy organizations. La Knitterie Parisienne is located at 12642 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604. For more information, call 818-766-1515; for yarn purchases only call 1-800-2-BUY-YARN or visit www.LaKnitterieParisienne.com.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

###

Contact for USA Cares:
Jess Bratcher
USA Cares, Inc.
Public Affairs Assistant
(270) 352-5451 x106
jbratcher@usacares.org
http://www.usacares.org

Contact for La Knitterie Parisienne and Edith Eig interviews:
Audrey Eig
818.622.2962 - o
818.535.4859 - c
818.622.0407 - f
audrey.eig@nbcuni.com

USA Cares grants more than $60,000 to Massachusetts military families

2008-09-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

More than 100 families in financial need helped, seven homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $60,000 over five years to service members living in Massachusetts. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved seven Massachusetts military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 103 families have received grants. In 2007, 53 requests came in from Massachusetts. USA Cares has received 26 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in West Springfield, USA Cares paid $840 in rent to keep a family with a baby in the home. In Salisbury, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $2,200 to save the family home. And in Milford, USA Cares helped with an oil payment for heat while the service member was getting a loan for a new furnace.

There are several military installations in Massachusetts, including Hanscom Air Force Base, which manages the development and acquisition of electronic command and control systems, and Westover Air Reserve Base, home of the 439th Airlift Wing.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Massachusetts, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants more than $70,000 to Oklahoma military families

2008-09-29T05:59:00.001-07:00

More than 180 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $70,000 over five years to service members living in Oklahoma. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine Oklahoma military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 183 families have received grants. In 2007, 83 requests came in from Oklahoma. USA Cares has received 51 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Edmond, USA Cares paid $620 in rent to keep a family with one child in the home. In Muskogee, the organization negotiated on an automobile loan and paid $1,000 to save the car. And in Oklahoma City, USA Cares helped with more than $400 in utility payments because the service member’s spouse had to have emergency surgery.

There are several military installations in Oklahoma. Fort Sill is the location of the Army Field Artillery School, and the base supports a population of about 53,000 plus a large retiree community. Tinker Air Force Base hosts the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, the 72nd Air Base Wing, and two Air Force Reserve Wings. And Vance Air Force Base is a pilot training base.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Oklahoma, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants more than $70,000 to South Carolina military families

2008-09-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

More than 170 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $70,000 over five years to service members living in South Carolina. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine South Carolina military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 172 families have received grants. In 2007, 68 requests came in from South Carolina. USA Cares has received 73 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Clover, USA Cares negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $4,600 keep a family with two children in their home. In Columbia, the organization paid a $560 house payment as well as $630 in other bills. And in Kingstree, USA Cares helped with a $480 vehicle payment and granted a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. The service member had been in a vehicle accident while being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

There are several military installations in South Carolina, including Shaw Air Force Base, home of the 9th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing, the largest combat F-16 fighting wing; Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, one of the Marine Corps’ preeminent training facilities; and Fort Jackson, the largest Initial Entry training Center in Army, training 34 percent of all Soldiers and 69 percent of the women entering the Army each year.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of South Carolina, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

Lap Wraps, Boxers Donated

2008-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 24, USA Cares Director of Volunteer Outreach, left, presented donated boxers and lap wraps to the Soldier and Family Assistance Center on Fort Knox in support of Operation Brave Boxer and Operation Lap Wrap. MSG Ray Folse, noncommissioned officer in charge of the center, right, accepted the donations on behalf of Soldiers and their families going through transition periods.

"The Steve Wilkos Show" Joining Forces with USA Cares

2008-09-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Daytime Talk Show to Raise Awareness of Military Families in Need

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares has a new partner in its mission to provide financial support for military families in their time of need. NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution’s “The Steve Wilkos Show” is teaming with the organization to “make a difference in the lives of U.S. military personnel and their families.”

Wilkos, a former Marine and Chicago police officer, will serve as a national spokesperson for the organization and will travel the country to help get the word out for USA Cares. The married father of two young children, he has a special place in his heart for those in the service, veterans and the families left behind by those serving overseas.

“As a former Marine, I couldn’t be more proud to support an organization like USA Cares,” Wilkos said. “USA Cares provides military families and veterans with critical resources, and I cannot think of a more deserving group of people to support.”

The show is kicking off its second season with USA Cares, including asking viewers to get involved by logging on to the show's web site, www.SteveWilkos.com, or the USA Cares site, www.usacares.org. According to NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution, a national public service announcement campaign, in-show messaging, national and local fundraising events, co-branded online initiatives and much more are in the works.

“Steve Wilkos takes on difficult challenges and issues in a very direct and impactful way. And it’s like my Marine Corps friends say, ‘Once a Marine…Always a Marine’.” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “You have to respect the fact that some challenges just cannot be ignored. USA Cares is appreciative of the commitment by Wilkos and NBC Universal in assisting us help military families and veterans from all branches of service when they most need it.”

USA Cares was founded in 2003 and has responded to about 12,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” Nelson said.

About NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution

NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution division is responsible for the distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages. "The Steve Wilkos Show" is currently distributed in more than 95% of U.S. markets.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Boonedock’s Sees Red on Fridays

2008-09-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Vine Grove Business Supporting USA Cares “Red Shirt Friday” Campaign

VINE GROVE, KY A new business in Vine Grove has joined the USA Cares Red Shirt Fridays campaign to show the community it supports military families.

A USA Cares Family Resource Coordinator mentioned the Red Shirt Fridays program to the Boonedock’s manager while at the restaurant, and owner Sherry Boggs immediately came out to the table with a donation. She didn’t hesitate when asked if she would be interested in joining the team. Boggs was in the Air Force, and her husband Joseph was in the Army. And they know Vine Grove is very pro military, which made the decision that much easier.

Caption:The Boonedock’s staff: (top) Amanda True and Walter Brennan; (front) Josh Clark, Rich Mixon, Jennifer Drake, Sherry Boggs and Katherine Hayden.

“Helping the troops, their families and our veterans is something I am very passionate about, and I want to do everything I can to show support for our brave men and women,” Boggs said. To that end, she is working with Kim Moorman, Director of Business Development at USA Cares, on hosting an event at Boonedock’s to help show their support of USA Cares.

The Red Shirt Fridays program has sold 10,000 shirts that say “I Care Too!” and provides a way for companies and organizations to show they support our troops and military families. With the purchase of a minimum of 25 shirts, a business can customize the back of the shirt with its name and then encourage employees to wear them every Friday. Some stores offer discounts to customers who wear the “I Care Too!” shirts into their business, and others continue the support by purchasing extra shirts, selling them and then donating the proceeds back to USA Cares. For more information about joining the Red Shirt Fridays program, go to www.icarefriday.org or contact Kim Moorman at (270) 352-5451.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Cardinal Health Marks 9/11 with ‘I Care Too!’ Tribute

2008-09-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

USA Cares red shirts worn in recognition of Patriot Day

RADCLIFF, KY Employees of Cardinal Health in Radcliff wore USA Cares “I Care Too!” red shirts on Thursday in memory of those who died and served during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The employees gathered for a photo to pay tribute to the sacrifices made and assistance rendered seven years ago.

“Ed Donohue, one of our teammates, brought up the idea, and we thought it was a great way to show our support of our troops and first responders,” Kim Compton of Cardinal Health said. “I reached out to City Hall, they put us in touch with the fire department, and a ladder truck came out to take the picture for us.” Although the photo was taken after 5 p.m., there was still “a group of about 50, a good turnout,” that stayed, Compton said.

The Red Shirt Fridays campaign, a USA Cares fund-raiser, seeks to increase awareness and funds to support Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard service members by selling more than 165,000 T-shirts – one for every service member in Iraq and Afghanistan. Program participants are encouraged to wear the red shirts every Friday in the workplace to demonstrate their support for American troops.

Cardinal Health joined Red Shirt Fridays in late June as a corporate supporter. The company purchased 600 T-shirts for its employees. It is one of several businesses nationwide supporting the program, including Boonedocks, Hardin Memorial Hospital, Heart of Kentucky Realtors, Huddle House, Kentucky National Bank, Nolin RECC, Kentucky Land Company, Radcliff Chamber of Commerce, Republic Bank Elizabethtown/Louisville, and U.S. Cavalry.

“Cardinal Health has always had a policy of supporting the community, and it’s our sincere pleasure to share this tangible expression of our support for local military families, particularly those in the Radcliff and Fort Knox area,” Paul Rogers, vice president of customer service, said at the June gathering celebrating the company’s commitment to the Red Shirt Friday program.

USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman works closely with businesses who want to show their support. “It’s amazing how so many people want to reach out to our troops and their families,” she said. “Wearing the red shirts gives them a visible way to spread the word and help USA Cares continue its work helping military families.

“Cardinal Health was our first Fortune 100 company to participate in our campaign,” Moorman said. “We hope their participation and enthusiasm in supporting the troops, both on Fridays and on special occasions like Patriot Day, will inspire other companies to do the same.”

Businesses or organizations interested in joining the “I Care Too!” Red Shirt Fridays campaign may contact Moorman at (270) 352-5451 or kmoorman@usacares.org.

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is an $90 billion global company serving the health care industry with products and services that helps hospitals, physician offices and pharmacists reduce costs, improve safety, productivity and profitability, and deliver better care to patients. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 40,000 people on five continents.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares Earns 2008 Newman’s Own Award

2008-09-12T10:52:00.002-07:00

Organization Recognized for Military Family Assistance Program

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares recently received a Newman’s Own Foundation $5,000 grant in recognition of its mission to provide military families with financial support and other critical resources in their time of need.

The awards are co-sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation Inc., Newman’s Own Inc. and Military Times Media Group with the purpose of recognizing homefront organizations for their contributions to military quality of life.

“Being chosen for this grant really shows that USA Cares is making a difference nationwide,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “This recognition tells people that we are worthy of support, and we need that support to continue helping these families.”

Paul Newman’s iconic likeness adorns a variety of products in grocery stores. It is, according to newmansown.com, “shameless exploitation in pursuit of the common good.” Newman and the foundation donate all profits and royalties after taxes for educational and charitable purposes. Since 1982, Newman and his foundation have given more than $250 million to thousands of charities worldwide.

USA Cares accepted the award and $5,000 grant at an event hosted by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Fourteen other organizations received grants in amounts ranging from $15,000 to $1,000. Fisher House reported that it received 120 applications for these grants.

“Your spirit of volunteerism, generosity and patriotism is making a difference in the quality of life for members of the military and their families,” the award states. “Your contributions to the support and welfare of our armed forces are appreciated.”

The Fisher House facilitates the awards. Its foundation is “dedicated to our greatest national treasure … our military service men and women and their loved ones.”

“This grant will go to direct assistance for military families and our general mission,” USA Cares Fund Development Director Jennifer Robinson said. “We’re honored to receive this grant.”

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Sales of Children’s Book to Support USA Cares

2008-09-12T10:52:00.001-07:00

‘A Glove of Their Own’ an uplifting tale of children’s love and passion for baseball

RADCLIFF, KY A soon-to-be-released children’s book, “A Glove of Their Own,” is contributing a portion of its sales to USA Cares.

“A Glove of Their Own” is about “Giving back and extending friendship is written between the lines of this story; a story of kids who play with little, worn-out equipment, without coaches or concession stands, all for the love of the game,” Bob Salomon said on the book’s web site, http://www.agloveoftheirown.com/. Salomon, a father of two and Little League baseball coach, along with authors Debbie Moldovan, Keri Conkling and Lisa Funari-Willever, created the book.

The sale of each book generates $3.30 for charities, Salomon said. Three charities receive 10 cents each. Purchasers can then designate the remaining $3 of the donation to USA Cares by using the USC 247 charity code on the Web site where the book is ordered.

“Whether you donate your old equipment, organize a community collection, or donate funds to these dedicated organizations, you will have made a difference to a child,” Salomon said.

“We’re honored to be a recipient of charitable funds generated from the sales of ‘A Glove of Their Own’,” USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman said. “The goal of the book is to teach children the value of sharing what you have with those in need. That idea is in line with our mission, to help military families in need.”

“I’m proud that we can be a part of this wonderful book,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

Sports organizations such as Rawlings, Louisville Slugger and Modell’s have joined several big name baseball stars such as retired Houston Astros legend Craig Biggio and Boston Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey in promoting the book.

Besides featuring “A Glove of Their Own” at its Museum, Louisville Slugger has chosen to use the same USC 247 charity code to show its support for military families through USA Cares.

“A Glove of Their Own” first editions will be available in late October. The book is illustrated by Lauren Lambiase and is a 10”x10” slipcover hardback with 32 pages. The cost is $15.95. Click on the USC 247 charity code to designate that $3 of the book’s sale goes to USA Cares. Reserve a copy at the Franklin Mason Press web site (http://franklinmasonpress.com/store/page2.html). For more information, go to the book’s web site (http://www.agloveoftheirown.com/).

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In its five and one-half years of operation, USA Cares has responded to over 11,000 requests for assistance, saved 465 military family homes from foreclosure or eviction thus sparing over 1,000 children from uncertainty. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants more than $90,000 to Michigan military families

2008-09-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

More than 200 families in financial need helped, 13 homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $90,000 over five years to service members living in Michigan. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved 13 Michigan military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 210 families have received grants. In 2007, 70 requests came in from Michigan. USA Cares has received 58 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Port Huron, USA Cares paid more than $3,000 one a mortgage to keep a family with five children in the home. In Elsie, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $912 to save the family home. And in Canton, USA Cares helped with utility payments because the service member had surgery after an injury on duty and did not receive incapacitated pay.

There are some military installations in Michigan, including the Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal, which provides quality of life programs, housing referrals and base operations support to personnel from all four branches; and the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, a Defense Logistics Agency.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Michigan, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants more than $85,000 To Illinois military families

2008-09-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

200 families in financial need helped, eight homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $85,000 over five years to service members living in Illinois. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved eight Illinois military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 200 families have received grants. In 2007, 66 requests came in from Illinois. USA Cares has received 81 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in DeKalb, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with two children in the home. In Joliet, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $3,400 to save the family home. And in Elmhurst, USA Cares helped with a telephone payment because the service member was forced to retire after an injury in Iraq and benefits were slow in arriving.

Included in Illinois military installations are Scott Air Force Base, home of the 375th Airlift Wing which makes global mobility possible; and Naval Station Great Lakes, home to the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Illinois, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants more than $78,000 to Alaska military families

2008-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

More than 200 families in financial need helped, three homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $78,000 over five years to service members living in Alaska. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved three Alaska military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 230 families have received grants. In 2007, 85 requests came in from Alaska. USA Cares has received 39 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Eagle River, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. And in Barrow, USA Cares helped because the National Guard service member was away when extremely low temperatures damaged the home’s heater, toilet, and water heater. USA Cares was able to replace the water heater.

There are several military installations in Alaska. Fort Wainwright is home to the third Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the Task Force 49 Aviation Brigade. The post supports more than 12,000 people. Elmendorf Air Force Base is also in Alaska, hosting the largest and principle unit in the 11th AF, the 3rd Wing. It provides combat ready forces to Southwest Asia operations; and Fort Richardson, the military’s most centrally located worldwide transportation hub. The installation is home base for more than 22,000 service members and civilians.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Alaska, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

Help Comes Together to Assist Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran

2008-09-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

USA Cares teams with other organizations to get the job done

RADCLIFF, KY. - Vermont National Guard Solder, Stephen Larkin of Brookfield, VT was deployed with his unit, HHC 2nd Battalion, part of Task Force Green Mountain to Iraq in 2006. During that time he received back injuries while guarding the Iraq/Kuwait border at camp Navistar. Stephen has also been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Upon medical release from Iraq, Stephen was sent to Ft. Gordon, Georgia for his first round of surgery. He remained there on medical hold for 6 months until released to Veterans Administration care in White River Junction, Vermont. Stephen had one of his vertebra replaced with titanium plate and he has lost feeling in his left side. He was unable to return to work as a result of these injuries. Prior to deployment, Stephen worked as an information specialist and maintenance technician at the Randolph Rest area off I-89.

The Larkin's financial situation has deteriorated as they struggle to live on his VA disability check. His wife, Susan, is also unable to work due to her own health issues. While they struggle to keep their bills paid, they hit rock bottom when the septic system on their property failed completely earlier this year.

Fearing that the state could condemn their home, they discussed their situation with Vermont National Guard Family Assistance Center Specialist, Joyce Cloutier. Joyce immediately brought in Amy-Jayne McCabe, Northeast Regional Manager for USA Cares: A leading non-profit organization providing post-9/11 veterans and military families with financial support and other critical resources.

The Larkin's need was greater than USA Cares could tackle on its own. Part of what USA Cares does very well is to find additional resources for military families when a need is to too great. So Joyce and Amy-Jayne partnered with other organizations such as Rebuilding Together, The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Unmet Needs, and Operation Homefront. The Ethan Allen Chapter of AUSA, Veteran Love and Appreciation, Weed Concrete out of Newport, New Hampshire, Dimmick Septic out of Randolph and the Vermont State Veteran's Assistance office are others who also stepped up for this family. They all came together sharing their money and resources; each offering a portion of the total of nearly $15,000 needed to make a difference in the life of a Soldier who has given so much and asked for so little in return.

"One of the reasons I believe that the Army Community Covenant, a part of the Army’s Soldier Family Action Plan, recognized USA Cares as a source of military family financial assistance is because we partner with other organizations and have dedicated personnel who don’t stop working for veterans until the job gets done' said Bill Nelson, Executive Director of USA Cares.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In its five and one-half years of operation, USA Cares has responded to over 11,000 requests for assistance, saved 465 military family homes from foreclosure or eviction thus sparing over 1,000 children from uncertainty. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

For more information please contact:

John Revell, Communications and Public Relations Manager
USA Cares
800.773.0387
270.352.5451
www.usacares.org

USA Cares grants more than $85,000 to Pennsylvania military families

2008-09-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

More than 180 families in financial need helped, eight homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $85,000 over five years to service members living in Pennsylvania. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved eight Pennsylvania military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 188 families have received grants. In 2007, 60 requests came in from Pennsylvania. USA Cares has received 68 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Drexel Hill, USA Cares paid $750 in rent to keep a family with two children in the home. In Philadelphia, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $3,500 to save the family home. And in Doylestown, USA Cares helped with utility payments for a service member who suffered back injuries and PTSD and was unable to work or accompany his unit when it moved to California.

There are several military installations in Pennsylvania, including the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, which serves the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army Reserve; Carlisle Barracks, an Army Installation Management Agency location supporting the U.S. War College; and the Tobyhanna Army Depot, the largest full-service electronics maintenance facility in the Department of Defense and employer of more than 5,000 people.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Pennsylvania, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants almost $93,000 to New York military families

2008-09-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

More than 200 families in financial need helped, seven homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated almost $93,000 over five years to service members living in New York. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved seven New York military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 237 families have received grants. In 2007, 88 requests came in from New York. USA Cares has received 91 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Calcium, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. In Central Islip, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $7,400 to save the family home. And in Fort Drum, USA Cares helped with food and provided assistance for the pregnant spouse of a service member after two auto accidents drained their finances.

There are several military installations in New York, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, which graduates more than 900 new officers annually; Fort Drum, a training facility that is home to the 10th Mountain Division; and Fort Hamilton, a unique combined community of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, reserve components and more.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of New York, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants $93,000 to Kansas military families

2008-09-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

More than 250 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated $93,000 over five years to service members living in Kansas. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine Kansas military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 253 families have received grants. In 2007, 104 requests came in from Kansas. USA Cares has received 76 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Manhattan, USA Cares paid $900 in rent to keep a family with one child in the home. In Kansas City, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $5,000 to save the family home. And in New Century, USA Cares helped with a $500 vehicle payment because the service member was being trained for deployment and wasn’t paid correctly.

There are several military installations in Kansas, including For Leavenworth, the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi and home of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center; McConnell Air Force Base, host of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and service provider for more than 15,500 people; and Fort Riley, location of the 24th Infantry Division and provider of ready forces as directed by FORSCOM. Fort Riley supports a population of more than 48,500 people, as well as any National Guard and Reserve members who train there.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Kansas, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

Nonprofit group helps struggling troops pay bills

2008-08-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Dispatch!

Nonprofit group helps struggling troops pay bills
Saturday, August 23, 2008 3:02 AM
By Rick Rouan
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Some military personnel return home to a hero's welcome.

But even heroes can struggle with the same economic problems that everyone confronts.

A Kentucky-based nonprofit organization has spent the past five years helping those troops with financial assistance -- $115,000 in Ohio alone -- and is trying to do even more through its first nationwide fundraiser.

USA Cares Inc. launched its "Share a Minute" campaign July 4 and has raised about $60,000 so far. The campaign aims to raise more than $13 million -- $25 for each of the 525,000 minutes it says the average service member spends in a tour of duty.

The organization prefers to help troops who have returned from overseas or domestic deployment in the past two years, but it will consider applications from all military personnel and veterans. It helps pay utilities, negotiates with mortgage companies and finds help for problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

It provided more than $200 to a Franklin County soldier who couldn't pay the balances on her gas and electric bills, said Jess Bratcher, a spokeswoman for USA Cares.

The organization says it has helped save the home of 10 Ohio military families facing foreclosure; about 220 total Ohio families have received grants.

The Share a Minute campaign is necessary to aid a growing number of troops who need help, Bratcher said.

"The number of cases is rising just a huge amount," she said. "It was just a month ago that we hit our highest of 121 a week and now we're all the way up to 140 a week."

Bratcher said the organization helps about 75 percent of applicants, most of whom have returned from deployment in the past two years.

In most cases, military personnel must file for aid through the organization's Web site, www.usacares.org. The group has specialists who can help people file an application over the phone, she said. The application requires basic biographical and financial information along with a description of the problem and pertinent paperwork, such as a copy of the utility bill that needs to be paid.

People can get help in as quick as 48 hours, Bratcher said, although paying a utility can happen faster than negotiating with a mortgage company.

The organization doesn't help with things such as credit-card payments, cosmetic repairs to cars and homes, and travel expenses, according to its Web site.

Bratcher said the group still tries to find assistance for those it doesn't help directly.

"Sometimes it can be advice, counseling or a contact somewhere else," she said.

rrouan@dispatch.com

USA Cares grants $110,000 to Tennessee military families

2008-08-21T11:30:00.001-07:00

More than 300 families in financial need helped, 14 homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $110,000 over five years to service members living in Tennessee. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved 14 Tennessee military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 322 families have received grants. In 2007, 132 requests came in from Tennessee. USA Cares has received 82 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Clarksville, USA Cares paid $900 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. In Memphis, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid almost $4,200 to save the family home. And in another case, USA Cares helped with a $1,500 vehicle payment because the deployed service member was released earlier than planned and needed medical treatment for a work-related accident.

There are several military installations in Tennessee, including Arnold Air Force Base, home of the Arnold Engineering Development Center, where aircraft are tested and evaluated. It serves a population of approximately 2,600 people.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Tennessee, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

End

USA Cares grants $115,000 to Ohio military families

2008-08-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

More than 200 families in financial need helped, 10 homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $150,000 over five years to service members living in Ohio. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved 10 Ohio military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 222 families have received grants. In 2007, 76 requests came in from Ohio. USA Cares has received 58 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Columbus, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with four children in the home. In Hillsbough, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $3,350 to save the family home. And in another case, USA Cares helped with a $335 utility payment because the service member training with the National Guard was released to civilian status ahead of schedule, but then was called back, interrupting a steady income.

There are several military installations in Ohio, including Wright Patterson Air Force Base, one of the largest and most important bases in the Air Force that serves a population of approximately 40,000 service members, civilians, and retirees. It is the home of the Air Force Research Laboratory and the USAF Medical Center.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Ohio, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.