Veterans’ Day links

As you can imagine, my inbox is filling up with stuff from folks who want you to know about what they’re doing for veterans, so I figured the best way to share it all with you is with links and you can choose that which interests you. I’ll update the links as they come in.

First from our buddy, Gina Elise and Pinups for Vet;

Pin-Ups For Vets (www.PinUpsForVets.com) is proud to introduce our 8th annual popular pin-up fundraiser calendar that will once again support VA Hospital Healthcare programs, hospitalized Veterans, deployed troops, homeless Vets, military spouses, and female Vets entering the workplace.
(Please check out all the pages on our website to see all the good things we are doing.)

Our new calendar features NINE Veterans this year–both male and female. The calendar also features two popular TV sportscasters who have each done multiple USO tours to the troops in the combat zones. One of these sportscasters is employed by the L.A. Lakers and is the only female scout in the NBA. ( Attached is a calendar photo for the month of November to honor our Vets from each branch of the military.)

Our organization has received numerous community service awards— and America’s deployed troops have flown 9 U.S. flags over military bases to honor the work we are doing to support our Nation’s heroes.

We are currently on a 50-state VA Hospital Tour where we have visited over 5000 ill and injured Vets at their bedsides across the U.S. to boost morale and to deliver gifts of appreciation. ( Please see our “Gina’s Visits” page on our website. ) Please check out all the pages on our website to see all the good things we are doing to support our Nation’s Heroes !

We reached our 25th state, two weeks ago, when we visited the Durham, NC, VA Hospital and Fort Bragg to deliver gifts of appreciation to the hospitalized Vets there, as well as to the troops.

Thank you so very much, Jonn, for your consideration in doing a column about our unique all-volunteer nonprofit organization. We have so many interesting stories to tell about our interactions with our Vets….one Vet, with a traumatic brain injury, who hadn’t spoken for weeks, finally spoke his first words to us as we visited his bedside.

We hope your readers might like to order a calendar for themselves or for a hospitalized Veteran that we will personally deliver or to donate one to an active duty service member that we will put into a care package.

On Monday, November 11, honor America’s bravest for their patriotism, sacrifice, and valor with a cause. Give back this Veteran’s Day with Operation Hat Trick (OHT), a program that generates awareness, support, and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded warriors through donations to participating organizations around the country. In an exclusive licensing partnership with leading sports apparel brand, ’47 Brand, OHT provides continuous support to both active service members and veterans looking to further their education and future employment.

The Trust for the National Mall, the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall, announced today the release of the smartphone app for the World War II Memorial. The free app, WWII Memorial, will be available for iOS and Android, and is available for download on iTunes and Google Play beginning today – just in time for Veterans Day. Download the ITune app here.

In honor of the service and sacrifice our nation’s active duty service members, veterans and their families, the retail banking industry has committed to a number of programs to help them as they continue their missions or transition to civilian life. These programs include job training and hiring, small business funding, affordable housing, and financial education. A number of CBA’s retail bank members have also partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to launch a private sector national Veterans Employment Advisory Council to promote veteran employment and best practices.

“Veterans, active-duty military, and their families have committed themselves to serving a nation we all love. Without their commitment to duty, the opportunities that we have here at home would be for not. We are proud of the many initiatives our member banks have undertaken to support these brave individuals and their families as they have supported us,” said Richard Hunt, president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association.

Free Tickets Available to Events Nationwide on Veterans Day Through Brown Paper Tickets (Word Document link)

The first annual Veterans Glassblowing Day will take place on November 9, 2013 nationwide. Glassblowing schools across the country will open their studios for veterans to experience the craft of glass blowing.

Veterans Glassblowing Day was initially inspired by President Obama’s plea for citizens to help our veterans find work after returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Following President Obama’s passing of the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act in July 2012, longtime glassblower Lisa Aronzon was inspired by this call to action and invited the glassblowing community to come together in support of our veterans. As our nation faces financial uncertainty, social revolution, acts of violence, and military conflicts, Veterans Glassblowing Day offers a terrific opportunity for Americans to pay it forward to our troops.

As a studio glassblower with nearly 30 years of experience, Aronzon believes that educators are afforded the unique opportunity to open their studios to veterans, introducing men and women to their craft. Her hope is that on November 9, glassblowers will open their doors as a united front, providing an experience that is fun, challenging, and community driven. In addition to affording troops the chance to develop a technical skill, Veterans Glassblowing Day will unify the glassblowing community, bringing awareness to the craft and promoting each school or organization through their involvement in this nationwide initiative.

The long-term goal of Veterans Glassblowing Day is to create a non-profit organization that will offer scholarships for veterans to attend glassblowing classes and apprentice with professional artists.

Veterans can be treated to a free glassblowing class on Veterans Day, just by calling one of these participating glassblowing schools across the country to sign up:

Participating Schools & Organizations

Area 253 Glass Blowing area253glassblowing.com Tacoma WA

Atlanta Hot Glass http://www.atlantahotglass.com Atlanta GA

Blue Sage Studios http://www.bluesagestudios.com/ Oklahoma City OK

Conway Glass http://conwayglass.com/classes Conway SC

The Crucible http://www.thecrucible.org/home Oakland CA

The Crysler Museum http://www.chrysler.org Norfolk VA

Diablo Glass School http://www.diabloglassschool.com/ Boston MA

Glen Echo Glassworks http://glenechoglassworks.com/ Glen Echo,
Glass Axis http://glassaxis.org/ Columbus OH

The Glass Blowing Center http://www.glass123.com/ Hilliards PA

Goggle Works Center for the http://www.goggleworks.org Reading PA

Hot Sand Glass Studio http://www.hotsand.com Asbury Park NJ

Ignite Glass Studio igniteglass.com Chicago IL

Indianapolis Art Center http://indplsartcenter.org Indianapolis IN

J and C Glass Studio www.jandcglassstudio.com Cleveland OH

Lisa Aronzon Glass Studio http://www.LisaAronzon.com Broadway VA

Pratt Fine Art Center http://www.pratt.org/ Seattle WA

Public Glass www.publicglass.org San Francisco CA

Revolution Glass http://www.revolutionglass.com Los Angeles CA

The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass www.cmog.org Corning NY

Schack Art Center www.schack.org Everett WA

Tacoma Glassblowing Studio www.tacomaglassblowing.com Tacoma WA

Toledo Museum of Art, Glass Pavillion http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion/

Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center http://www.wheatonvillage.org Millville NJ

The Works, Ohio Center for History, Arts and Technology, www.attheworks.org/?

In addition to glassblowing, veterans can claim free event tickets nationwide every day of the year, by logging on to Brown Paper Tickets Salutes at http://community.brownpapertickets.com/LP/BPTsalutes/.

Editor’s note: If you’d like to speak with Lisa, with any of the glassblowing schools, or with Brown Paper Tickets about free tickets for Veterans year round, don’t hesitate to call Barb Morgen at 206.898.8411.

Lack of sleep can be depressing…literally. Particularly if you’re in the military.

Recent research suggests that US military personnel who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and comorbid insomnia have a higher likelihood of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who only had OSA or no sleep disorder.

Your readers might suffer from OSA and insomnia and not even know it. Sleep expert, Dr. Teofilo Lee-Chiong of the University of Colorado Denver can speak to the signs and symptoms individuals should look for, as well as:

· What this research means for your readers

· How OSA threatens your health

· How to find out if you’re at risk

To schedule an interview with Dr. Lee-Chiong, I can be reached at (908) 499-1200.

With Veteran’s Day around the corner, I was hoping you would cover the launch of Unite US, a platform designed by vets for vets which uses geolocation to help vets not only find resources in their community but to be resources. It helps with school, finding jobs, mentors, and much more. They have received 2 million in funding and have a partnership with Verizon.

Are you planning any stories surrounding Veterans Day promotions?

ESquared Hospitality, the international restaurant and hospitality group, announced that in honor of this coming Veterans Day, it will recognize the many men and women who have served our country by offering a special restaurant discount. Any veteran or member of active military who visits a participating ESquared Hospitality restaurant on Veterans Day, November 11, will receive a 50 percent discount for parties of two or less or a 25 percent discount for parties of three or more off of the total check.* **

Please let me know if you would like any additional information or high-resolution images.

Thank you,

Crystal

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

· BLT Steak Scottsdale

Camelback Inn

5402 East Lincoln Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85253

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

· BLT Steak Atlanta

W Atlanta – Downtown

45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard

Atlanta, GA 30308

MIAMI, FLORIDA

· BLT Steak Miami

The Betsy Hotel

1440 Ocean Drive

Miami Beach, FL 33139

HONOLULU, HAWAII

· BLT Steak Waikiki

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk

223 Saratoga Road

Honolulu, HI 96815

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

· BLT Burger Las Vegas

The Mirage

3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

· BLT Steak New York

106 East 57th Street
(bet. Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10022

· BLT Prime New York

111 East 22nd Street
(bet. Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10010

· BLT Fish

21 West 17th Street
(bet. 5th and 6th Ave)
New York, NY 10011

· BLT Fish Shack

21 West 17th Street

(bet. 5th and 6th Avenue)

New York, NY 10011

· BLT Burger New York

470 Sixth Avenue
(bet. 11th and 12th Streets)
New York, NY 10011

· BLT Bar & Grill

W New York – Downtown

123 Washington Street

(entrance on Albany Street)

New York, NY 10006

· GO Burger Bar & Grill

1448 2nd Avenue

(bet. 75th and 76th Street)

New York, NY 10021

· Casa Nonna

310 West 38th Street

(between 8th & 9th Avenue)

New York, NY 10018

· Juni

12 E 31st St

New York, NY 10016

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK

· BLT Steak White Plains

The Ritz Carlton, White Plains

221 Main Street

White Plains, NY 10601

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

· BLT Steak Charlotte

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

110 North College Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

We have a new project coming up, and wanted to share some information about it with you.

HBO Documentary Films presents a weekly series this fall, debuting provocative new specials every Monday from October 7 through December 9. The timely documentary CRISIS HOTLINE: VETERANS PRESS 1 spotlights the traumas endured by America’s veterans, as seen through the work of the hotline’s trained responders, who provide immediate intervention and support in hopes of saving the lives of service members. CRISIS HOTLINE: VETERANS PRESS 1 debuts as part of the HBO Documentary Films Fall Series on Veteran’s Day, MONDAY, NOV. 11 (9:00-9:45 p.m. ET/PT).

NBCUniversal, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, announced today the launch of “Next Steps for Vets,” a web portal that features tools and resources to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses with employment and education opportunities. The portal, hosted by NBCNews.com, serves as a nationwide network that equips veterans with essential tools and information to help them in their transition after returning home from military service.

The Car Wash Industry Honors Military Personnel on Veterans Day

Lancaster, PA (Nov. 5, 2013) – More than 2,100 car wash owners and operators around the world will come together on November 11, to honor veterans and current military service personnel with a free car wash. Car washes in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will offer a free car wash on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, to those who have or are currently serving in the armed forces.

Grace for Vets founder Mike Mountz, former owner of Cloister Wash & Lube, vowed to find a way to honor veterans after serving in the armed forces and witnessing the seriously wounded soldiers at Veterans Hospital in Valley Forge, PA. Several years after opening his first car wash, Mountz started the Grace for Vets Free Car Wash Program.

“This day is not about the car wash operators who are providing free washes, it’s about honoring those who have and are still protecting their country. It’s an exciting and emotional day for everyone. Every year we look forward to giving back to those that have given so much,” Mountz explained.

With the help of car washes around the world, Grace for Vets recognizes more military service personnel each year. The program is looking to increase its wash total to 150,000 this year. Owners and operators can register to participate at graceforvets.org/register, and Veterans can find a list of participating car washes at graceforvets.org/veterans.

Below please find news about New Jersey’s Crystal Springs Resort – home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City – announcing a “Service & Swing” golf outing package for military, police, fire and EMT organizations.

Rates start at $79 per person (minimum of 16 golfers). Groups booking by Nov. 30 are eligible for a five-percent donation back to their area of service.

More information below and hi-res images are available by request. Your consideration of this news item is greatly appreciated.

Warm regards,
Stephen

Crystal Springs Resort Creates ‘Service & Swing’ Golf Outing Package for Military, Police Organizations

Groups Booking by November 30 Receive Five-Percent Donation to Their Organization

(HAMBURG, N.J.) – Crystal Springs Resort – home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City – announces its new “Service & Swing” golf outing package for military, police, fire and EMT organizations.

Rates start at $79 per person (minimum of 16 golfers) and include 18 holes of golf at the resort’s Black Bear, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge or Cascades courses, American BBQ buffet, draft or bottled beer, unlimited range balls and $5 pro-shop merchandise credit. Each outing participant will also receive a complimentary return round of golf at Black Bear, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge or Cascades

As an added bonus, groups booking by November 30 are eligible for a five-percent donation back to their area of service.

“Crystal Springs is deeply appreciative of the brave men and women who protect us every day overseas and at home,” says Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort. “Our founder, the late Gene Mulvihill, was a Marine Corp veteran who possessed unwavering gratitude for these individuals that we continue to embody throughout our entire operation.”

Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of northern New Jersey, Crystal Springs is a golf playground for all ages and abilities. Its 117 holes are exceptionally diverse:

Ballyowen – Irish links-style layout rated state’s No. 2 public golf course by Golfweek
Black Bear – Inviting mix of tumbling terrain and risk / reward options for players of all abilities
Cascades – Newest addition stresses playability and features junior tees (nine holes)
Crystal Springs – Ranked “Top 50 Toughest Course in America” by Golf Digest
Great Gorge – Vintage 70’s golf on the legendary Playboy course (27 holes)
Minerals – Family golf at “Top 12 Short Course” in America by Golf Range Magazine (nine holes)
Wild Turkey – Spectacular resort course with world-class amenities and vistas

Crystal Springs is a nationally-recognized leader in golf innovation and growing-the-game initiatives. They include family golf on Cascades and Minerals featuring four-person carts and two holes cut on each green (one eight inches in diameter); “Swing N Sip for Ladies” and more.

For more information: www.crystalgolfresort.com, 973.827.5996.

About Crystal Springs Resort

Located in Vernon and Hamburg, N.J., Crystal Springs Resort is the only four-season resort of its kind in the Tri-State Area. Comprised of four luxury hotels – Grand Cascades Lodge, Minerals, the Appalachian and Black Creek Sanctuary; seven renowned public golf courses; 15 acclaimed restaurants highlighted by the four-star Restaurant Latour and its Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning (since 2006) 135,000-bottle wine cellar; two full-service spas ranked #24 in Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas; the state-of-the-art Minerals Sports Club; multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including the distinctive Biosphere Pool Complex with an underground aquarium, tropical foliage and free form nature pools; Mountain Creek with 167 skiable acres on four mountain peaks, 100% night skiing, Drop Zone Snow Tubing, and the Waterpark and Bike Park during summer months. Crystal Springs Resort hosts hundreds of weddings, special events, corporate outings and thousands of transient hotel guests each year.

For more information: www.crystalgolfresort.com, 973.827.5996.

Category: Link fest