Friday, November 11th, 2011

This month’s HeroVet is Gen. David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret’d). We honor his long and distinguished service and sacrifice to our country. As a Grand Marshall of the New York City Veterans Day parade this year, he represents the hundreds of thousands of troops who have served in Iraq and those who can officially stand down from service there by year’s end. It is our most sincere hope and prayer that we can report a similar outcome for those who have served, and are currently serving, in Afghanistan.

Prospects for the return of our troops, and re-uniting with their families, is even more special this month — National Military Family Appreciation month. No greater toll has been absorbed by American families over the last 10 years as the price paid by the military family. Be sure to remember the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children who are all hoping for someone special to come home soon.

Finally, and speaking of the parade, Veterans Advantage once again saluted our troops by participating in our 12th Veterans Day parade today up New York City’s historic Fifth Avenue. With the marking of the 50th Anniversary of the start of war in Vietnam, this year’s parade paid special tribute to those who have served in that war. I was joined by several of our board members who are fellow Vietnam Veterans, including Medal of Honor Recipient Paul W. Bucha, as well as notable corporate executives Gerry Byrne and Peter Eldredge.

For more:  Here’s a press release we also distributed about our activities this month.

Tags: National Military Family Appreciation Month, Veterans Day
Posted in HeroVet, VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Monday, May 16th, 2011

More in our ongoing focus on Military Appreciation Month. Fans of our Veterans Advantage Facebook page noticed an interesting discussion during Mother’s Day weekend from a military mom saying there should be more acknowledgement of the unique support that is required of them. And as perfect timing would have it, our contributing editor Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen wrote a fitting tribute to these special moms all across America.

Her advice — let’s make sure every day is Mother’s Day. As Dr. Van Dahlen says in her current piece on VeteransAdvantage.com:

Those of us who know a military mom or two will attest to the fact that these women rarely seek attention or recognition. Women who join our armed forces, marry into the military, or raise children who choose to serve are unlikely to show the strain they experience or the worry they feel. And they are unlikely to complain—even if we think that they have good reason to. These mothers are proud of the role they play in our military community.

Tags: Military Moms
Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

We hope you enjoy reading our VetFamily profile this month, Harris Faulkner of FoxNews. I first met Harris as a featured guest on her “Strategy Room” roundtable show for FoxNews on Veterans Day a couple of years back, and we’ve been in touch ever since.

Once we heard of all the support she’s received from our members over her inspiring story of her Army Vet dad (three Vietnam tours), we wanted to update you about his battle against a life threatening illness last year.  The good news is that he’s doing much better now!

Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Friday, February 4th, 2011

In recognition of Black history month, we have profiled two great Americans, Vet Family member and Fox News star commentator Harris Faulkner, whose Lt. Col Dad served proudly in Vietnam and Dell senior executive and Veterans Advantage Board member, Major General Frank Miller. Overcoming adversity and against the odds, they have risen to great accomplishment. We are proud to honor them.

Tags: Gen. Frank Miller, Harris Faulkner
Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

This month is Military Family Appreciation Month. We should all take a moment to lend a helping hand to the unsung heroes in our military: the family members who support our service personnel.

As you read this, millions of military husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, quietly and without wavering, are getting ready for work and school alone, visiting wounded loved ones at military hospitals, or going to bed each night without the gift of having their loved ones at home. In many instances, they struggle to make ends meet financially.

This year is unique. While American families are struggling in a down economy, the national situation is particularly difficult on military families, who are now in their 10th year of two wars. In his proclamation issued just last Friday, President Obama stated:

“Government can only do so much. While only a fraction of Americans are in military families, all of us share in the responsibility of caring for our military families and veterans, and all sectors of our society are better off when we reach out and work together to support these patriots…. As America asks ever more of military families, they have a right to expect more of us — it is our national challenge and moral obligation to uphold that promise.”

There is plenty Americans can be doing to uphold that promise. Employers can offer job opportunities and workplace flexibility. We can volunteer with local community groups who are organizing programs to assist the troops and their families. We can reach out to personally thank our military families for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans Advantage is trying to do its part. Every month is Military Family Appreciation Month at Veterans Advantage as we partner with companies to thank those who serve and their families with special savings this month and every other month of the year.

Tags: Military Appreciation Month, Veterans Day
Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

We hope you also enjoy this week’s VetFamily feature story on Phil Mickelson. What a stunning victory he posted at the Masters golf tournament earlier this month. As a golf fan, I was touched by the heartwarming story of the Mickelson family– childhood sweethearts, cancer survivors, military family members, champions. We’re rooting for Phil and Amy!

Phil Mickelson’s story is also an important reminder of the moms in our lives – don’t forget Mother’s Day on May 9!

Tags: Phil Mickelson, vetfamily
Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

We hope you enjoy this week’s VetFamily feature piece — no matter which end of the New Jersey Turnpike you’re on, you’ve got to give credit to Johnny Damon of the World Champion New York Yankees. The Game Four Series hero proved his hustle with a bold double steal that solidified a key late-game rally. Impressive also is Damon’s dedication and support of the Wounded Warrior Project, which Veterans Advantage enthusiastically supports as well. Like his fellow military brat Mark Teixeira, Damon enhances the Yankee’s reputation as a team that cares for those who serve and their families.

Tags: Events, johnny damon, veterans day celebration
Posted in VetFamily: Military Families | No Comments »