Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

I am literally filing this posting from New York City’s famed 6th Avenue, where the street is closed to everyone except Wounded Warrior Project’s annual Soldier Ride, New York edition. Lin and I have joined the warriors on bike and riding from 34th Street to Central Park. Other events tied to the ride this week include the Brooklyn Bridge, portions of Long Island and far east to the Hamptons.

People on the streets are stopping and clapping. It just goes to show how supportive New York City is to those who served.

Earlier this morning, we attended a kickoff breakfast at the flagship Macy’s department store on 34th Street. I had a chance to catch up with Macy’s CEO Terry J. Lundgren and President of Macy’s Stores Mark Cosby.

(l. to r.) Macy’s CEO Terry J. Lundgren, Veterans Advantage Founder Scott Higgins, Macy’s Stores President Mark Cosby and his wife Kathy	A pre-ride birthday celebration for Tony “Paulie Walnuts” Sirico (from HBO’s “The Sopranos”) hosted by BGC Partners
The scene from the start in front of Macy’s	Executive Director Steve Nardizzi kicks things off
Here I am gearing up next to one of the equipment trucks supplied by U-haul.	Participants gather in the lobby of Macy’s early in the morning
Riding through Brooklyn	Riding through Central Park
Here we are in East Hampton, Long Island, New York	Proud support for us as we roll through Long Island

Tags: wounded warrior project
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Monday, July 19th, 2010

I’m pleased to report that Dunkin’ Donuts has once again doubled its Everyday Discount to 20%, this time for the entire month of July. It has already doubled its discount (from the regular 10% everyday savings) in January, February and May. For regular Dunkin’ coffee drinkers reloading on your supplies saves you money from your regular daily coffee expenses, as well as recoups your Veterans Advantage membership fees.

Tags: benefit updates
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Saturday, July 17th, 2010

I am getting great feedback about our July partner of the month, Foot Locker. Our VP of Marketing just saved $25 on a pair of leather Nike sneakers just this past weekend. The staff was extremely knowledgeable about their products, as always, and with an extra sense of honor for the Veterans Advantage partnership. He also picked up a Paul Pierce Boston Celtics jersey earlier in the month at Champs Sports, and similarly received the 20% Veterans Advantage discount. Show your card at any of these locations today for great deals or go online to www.FootLocker.com or www.ChampsSports.com!

Tags: champs sports, Foot Locker
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Friday, July 16th, 2010

Next week, we’re participating in the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride from Macy’s in New York City to eastern Long Island. 35 of our warrior heroes are participating in this ride. Lin and I are privileged to be riding with them.

Tags: wounded warrior project
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

It is with profound sadness that we have just learned that Yankees owner George Steinbrenner’s died this morning at the age of 80. Steinbrenner, a Veteran of the US Air Force, had been principal owner of the Yankees since 1973.
 
A devoutly patriotic man and past chairman of the US Olympic Committee Foundation, whose birthday is on Independence Day, he and his team have been strong supporters of all who serve for many years. News of his passing just crossed the wires this morning.
 
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbrenner and Yankee families. He served with distinction in so many ways.

Tags: NY Yankees, TopVet and TopRank
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Monday, July 12th, 2010

News broke over the weekend that should be heartening for those of us in the Veterans community: The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will make it easier for Vets of any generation to get the help they need, if they suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD).

Under the new rule, The VA would not require corroboration of a stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA doctor confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran’s symptoms are related to the claimed stressor. Past benefit rules required a stressor related to hostile military activity.

“Just as we have a solemn responsibility to train and equip our troops before we send them into harm’s way, we have a solemn responsibility to provide our veterans and wounded warriors with the care and benefits they’ve earned when they come home,” said President Obama in his weekly radio/Internet address this past Saturday.

“That is our sacred trust with all who serve – and it doesn’t end when their tour of duty does.”

Much like the rewrite of the GI Bill last summer, we believe this is a landmark decision. According to the New York Times, the estimated cost for this necessary benefit upgrade amounts to a $5 billion program over several years. I believe it is worth it. When you think of the ease with which Vets can live and integrate into society after receiving this vital health care, I believe it’s a national investment that will serve all of us quite handsomely.

“This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often devastating emotional wounds of war,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits and services they need.”

For additional information, go to www.va.gov or call VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.

Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, PTS
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010

News in the New York City area, and around the country, over the last couple of weeks has focused on the next move for basketball star LeBron James. Actually, NBA fans will say the buzz has been building for the last year. The buzz hit a peak tonight when LeBron picked the Miami Heat on ESPN (a Veterans Advantage Partner).

The site of the announcement was The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. We profiled its Executive Director, Bob DeAngelo as a HeroVet in 2002. Bob (picture from his Navy days, below) has been a friend for years, and I’m glad to see he played a role in this major sports event.

LeBron enjoys some fun time with the kids
of the Boys and Girls Club
(Photo Credit: Bob DeAngelo)

Tags: HeroVet
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