American Soldier Network joins Jeffrey Earnhardt at Las Vegas

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Xtreme Concepts has partnered with the American Soldier Network (ASN) for a special paint scheme at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway this weekend to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Joining Xtreme Concepts and ASN, and honoring fallen service members, is Tito Ortiz, UFC Hall of Famer and champion.

American Soldier Network is a hands-on organization that raises awareness and funding to tackle the psychological and emotional battles affecting veterans on the home front with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), homelessness, unemployment reintegration and suicide. The American Soldier Network is a nonprofit corporation with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under section 501(c)(3).

“I am honored to be partnered with the American Soldier Network at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” Jeffrey Earnhardt, driver of the No. 96 Xtreme Concepts Toyota, said. “ASN is an amazing organization that gives back to our service members in their time of need. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s important to help raise awareness on how our veterans can get help, and how we as a society can be there for support.”

“Veteran suicide is at epidemic proportions,” Landon Ash, Xtreme Concepts owner said. “These men and women put their lives in harms way so that we can have safety and security to enjoy our everyday lives. We owe these men and women a debt of gratitude and should come together as a community to help those veterans in need heal. It is my pleasure to work with the American Soldier Network and serve on several other boards that help focus on making sure these heroes get the help they deserve.”

On board the No. 96 Xtreme Concepts Toyota will be two names of fallen service members, USAF Ssgt Nick Sandantrea and US Army Patrick Craghead. USAF Ssgt Sandantrea lost his life while active duty, and US Army Craghead shortly after serving. Both Gold Star families will be in attendance at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“40,000 Americans lose their lives to suicide annually – of those approximately over 8,000 belong to the veteran and military community,” Annie Nelson, ASN founder and principal, said. “We must stop this epidemic! We launched RuckUp.org to do just that. It is such an incredible honor to partner with Jeffrey and Tito. Saving lives is urgent! If one life is touched by this weekend’s efforts we’ve all done our job.”

Read the complete article on ESPN.

NVBDC Conference Elevates Businesses

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NVBDC Conference Elevates Businesses collage of attendees

Another year is in the books for the annual NVBDC Reserving Veteran Business Connections Conference, a collaborative effort held in partnership with the prestigious Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

The Reserving Veteran Business Connections event is designed to foster connections and opportunities for veteran business owners and showcase networking and collaboration’s power in driving economic growth and diversity for NVBDC-certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect, learn and propel their veteran-owned business to new heights by engaging with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the state of Michigan’s Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Small Business Association (SBA), Toyota, Rocket Companies, Kohler, Flagstar Bank, Comerica Bank, Tenneco, Stellantis, DTE, Freddie Mac, Cornerstone Consulting Organization LLC (CCO), Consumers Energy and Dell.

The 1:1 matchmaking sessions were the event’s highlight. They enabled veteran business owners to interact with supplier diversity professionals and transition from relationship building to contracts with NVBDC corporate members.

Keith King
Keith King
From Left to right: Chris Sim, Keith King, Leonie Teichman
From Left to right: Chris Sim, Keith King, Leonie Teichman
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Genevieve Hayes, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Genevieve Hayes, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Sheila Harton Montgomery, Teresa LeFevre, Keith King, Cameron Boli
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Sheila Harton Montgomery, Teresa LeFevre, Keith King, Cameron Boli
From Left to right : Leonie Teichman, Keith King, Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor, Annette Stevenson
From Left to right : Leonie Teichman, Keith King, Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor, Annette Stevenson
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor

Conference attendees heard from a renowned economist, academic leader and advocate, Dr. Fred McKinney, who presented on Revitalizing Supplier Diversity Opportunities and Challenges. Moreover, attendees also had the opportunity to hear from supplier diversity professionals who provided insights into procurement opportunities, financing strategies and best practices for business growth.

The seventh annual NVBDC-Federal Reserve Matchmaking Conference leaves a trail of educated, inspired and motivated veteran entrepreneurs armed with insights, connections and strategies to elevate their businesses to new heights.

We invite you to register for our upcoming National Veteran Business Matchmaking Conference to be held live in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8-9, 2023, by visiting NVBDC.ORG/EVENTS.

Photo credit: NVBDC Staff

2023 Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Conference Recap

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award recipients at NCOA hold plaque together smiling

The San Antonio heat fueled the enthusiasm of NCOA members who gathered at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk on July 18-21 for the 58th Annual NCOA Conference and Vanguard Awards Banquet.

The Resolutions Committee met to help set the Association’s legislative course for the coming year. NCOA’s Director of Government Affairs, Levi Sadr, facilitated the meeting. The Committee reviewed the Association’s resolutions for relevance and continued need.

The theme for the opening icebreaker was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” Delegates donned their favorite team colors, jerseys and T-shirts, mixed and mingled, competed in a variety of Auxiliary-hosted games, and enjoyed plenty of Mexican-style fare—the perfect recipe for a night to remember!

Accomplishing the business of the Association kicked off on Wednesday with the opening ceremony. NCOA President Paul Kingsbury welcomed the delegates, as did Brigadier General Russell Driggers and CMSgt Casey Boomershine, the Commander and Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio. Mrs. Janet Driggers briefed the delegates on the Five & Thrive Program, which aims to improve the Quality of Life challenges in five focus areas (childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment) by highlighting preventative measures, promoting best practices and fostering community partnerships.

Richard Schneider, NCOA’s long-time Director of State and Veterans Affairs, was inducted into the NCOA Hall of Fame with his four children—Rich Schneider, Kristin Bond, Leslie Schneider and Fiona Schneider—proudly in attendance.

As always, we are grateful to the Senior Enlisted Leadership Panel participants who took time from their busy schedules to attend the conference and update our delegates on what was happening in their respective services. Representing the Sergeant Major of the Army was CSM Brian Hester, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Futures Command; representing the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was SgtMaj Michael Pritchard, Command Senior Enlisted Leader FMFLant, MARFORCOM, MARFORNORTH; representing the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy was FLTCM Delbert Terrell, Fleet Master Chief, Personnel, Manpower and Training; representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was CMSgt Edwin Ludwigsen, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center; and representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force was CMSgt Jacqueline Sauve, Advisor to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. SSG Martha Erosa, President of the Fort Sam Houston Audie Murphy Club, was moderating the panel.

NCOA collage of event attendees and award recipients

Photos left to right: Senior Enlisted Panel; NCOA Board of Directors; NCOA Auxiliary Board of Directors; Vanguard Award recipients, MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, USA, Sgt Shawn B. Henson, USMC, IT2 Thomas D. James, USN, and SSgt Austin S. Kier, USAF. ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, USCG recipient , was unable to be in attendance; Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey and Banquet keynote speaker SgtMaj Michael Pritchard; Vanguard Banquet Master of Ceremonies James Sullivan, CMSgt, USAF (Ret); Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Schneider’s children with NCOA Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson; Robert Barnett accepts the NCOA Chairman’s Award from Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey.

Small and Large Regional Chapters of the Year were recognized during the awards luncheon. NCOA’s Military Vanguard recipients were presented with life memberships in the Association. Chairman of the Board Gerald Morey presented the NCOA Chairman’s Award to Robert Barnett. NCOA’s Executive Director, Joe Terry, presented Appreciation Awards to a number of sponsors who have been instrumental in supporting the Association—USAA, Doc-Development, United Healthcare, Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association. The Awards Luncheon wrapped up with the traditional Parade of Checks. Thank you to the individuals and chapters that made donations to support the Association’s benevolent programs and membership development program.

Wrapping up a full day, delegates convened for the NCOA Annual Business Meeting where SMSgt Gerald Morey of Great Falls, Montana; Marine Corps veteran Vicky Hensley of Wingate, Texas and 1LT Ashley Gardner, USAFR, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, were elected to serve on the NCOA Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, members of the International Auxiliary attended the Auxiliary’s Annual Business Meeting, where Lee Fike of San Antonio, Texas, and Tammy Sullivan of Mather, California, were elected to serve on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. The Auxiliary’s Outstanding Performers were recognized, the Betsy Ross Top Recruiter Award for 2022 was presented to the Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary, Barbara Weatherill received the Auxiliary Top Supporter Award, and the Auxiliary’s President’s Award was presented to Scott Rodowick.

Thursday kicked off with a variety of informative briefings by Tuesday’s Children, AAFES, USAA and Women Veterans Concerns; the Honorable James Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor VETS; Doc-Development; CMSgt Tanya Johnson, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Defense Health Agency; and Ms. Maureen Elias, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Knights of the Square Table held their annual assembly to accomplish the business of the Knights of the Square Table—new Knights were dubbed, existing Knights were elevated, fallen Knights were honored, and the course for the upcoming year was set.

The stars shined brightly on Thursday evening during the Vanguard Awards Banquet, where CMSgt (Ret) Jim Sullivan, chairman of the Central Valley Chapter, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Hats off to Jim for a job exceptionally well done!

NCOA’s superstar chapters were recognized. The Rogue Chapter from Medford, Oregon, was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Large Chapter of the Year and the Magnum Force Chapter from Bridgeport, Michigan, was named the 2022 Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year. The Trails End Auxiliary from Portland, Oregon, received the 2022 Auxiliary Chapter of the Year Award.

The guest speaker for the evening was Sergeant Major Michael Pritchard. Then the focus turned to the reason for the evening—honoring this year’s heroic Military Vanguard Award recipients.

The amazing stories of MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, U.S. Army; Sgt Shawn B. Henson, U.S. Marine Corps; IT2 Thomas D. James, U.S. Navy; SSgt Austin S. Kier, U.S. Air Force; and ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, U.S. Coast Guard, had delegates glued to their seats with tears in their eyes. The Vanguard stories appear on the NCOA website.

Friday morning was the Breakfast with the Boards—nothing like a hot, hearty breakfast to start the day off right as delegates prepared to depart amid promises to keep in touch and choruses of “see you next year.”

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our generous affinity partners and sponsors whose support helped make this year’s conference a resounding success. A huge THANKS to our Conference Partner: USAA; Platinum Sponsors: Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association; Gold Sponsor: GEICO Military; and our Vanguard Sponsors: USAA, United HealthCare, Doc-Development, BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental and Vision Programs, and the NCOA JROTC Program.

Special thanks to Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), BeneFeds, Columbia Southern University, Conviva Care Center, Dixie Flag and Banner Company, Doc-Development, Excelsior University, GEHA, Grand Canyon University, Robert Haltiner, Humana Military, HEB, Jordan Ford, National Cemetery Administration, NCOA Air Academy Chapter, NCOA Knights of the Square Table, NCOA International Auxiliary, NCOA Mountain Post Chapter, NCOA Oregon State Advisory Council, Operation Gratitude, PGK Sir Ted Pilihos, Quilts & Crafts, Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson, Southern New Hampshire University, PGK Sir Richard Steinberg, Sir Joseph Terry, NCOA Trails End Auxiliary, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The Wash Tub, Lady Barbara Weatherill, Western Governors University and Xpert Media Management.

Commercial UAV Expo Launches New Advanced Airspace Summit

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advanced airspace summit promo fro drone trade show

Portland, Maine, USA – Organizers of Commercial UAV Expo, the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, have announced an important addition to this year’s conference program: the Advanced Airspace Summit. Commercial UAV Expo takes place September 5-7, 2023, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, and the Advanced Airspace Summit will be held on Wednesday, September 6, as part of the event’s conference program.

“There is currently a large gap between crewed and uncrewed aviation,” said Jeremiah Karpowicz, Group Editorial Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of Commercial UAV Expo. “Commercial UAV Expo is working to bridge that gap and create trust within the entirety of the airspace community – including the general public. As the commercial drone industry continues to grow, the UAS community needs to address stakeholders’ challenges and concerns so that we can build the future of the airspace together. This highly anticipated addition to our conference program will allow attendees to discuss where the industry is today, how the technology will evolve, what regulatory changes will likely be necessary, and what challenges the industry will face related to passenger expectations and public acceptance. We will tackle these issues through insightful communication and planning, and Commercial UAV Expo is proud to be at the forefront and provide a platform to move the industry forward.”

“Sharing perspectives and knowledge will affect safe further integration into our NAS. By listening and  educating the community holistically, we are building the bridge of understanding and paving a road to success,” said Toni Drummond, President US of Titan Aviation Global. “As we have been witnessing, it’s critical during this rapid growth for collaboration between all parties, especially general aviation and emerging technologies. The next revolution of sustainable aviation will depend on all stakeholders working together to develop solutions that will carry us directly into the future.”

The Advanced Airspace Summit is a part of the full conference program and formatted as a two-part panel series on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 6, 2023.  Sessions are designed to answer these questions:

  • What should we be doing as an industry to increase security and trust?
  • How can we build better airspace awareness today?
  • And why is doing so vital to the future of airspace as a whole?

The agenda is as follows:

Part I: Cultivating Public trust

  • Opening Address: Is the Public Ready for the Airspace of Tomorrow, today?
  • Panel discussion: Can We Cultivate Public Trust in the Airspace Through Airspace Deconfliction?
  • Panel discussion: How Will the Drone Corridors of the Present Define the Future of the Airspace?

Part II: Establishing Regulatory and Operational Frameworks

  • Opening Address: AAM Infrastructure Development – Plan for the Future Now!
  • Panel Discussion: Regulations Nation – Working Within Current FAA Regulatory Frameworks to Advanced UAM & UAS Operations
  • Panel Discussion: People, Process, and Policy for Drone, Cargo and Air Taxi Operations

Panelists include industry experts from leading companies including AERODiMEO LLC, Choctaw National of Oklahoma, DroneUp, End State Solutions LLC, FAA, Iris Automation, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, NUAIR, P3 Tech Consulting, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Spright, Supernal, Syracuse International Airport, Titan Aviation Global, The MITRE Corporation, TruWeather Solutions, USDOT’s Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence, Xelevate Solutions, and Zipline International.

The Advanced Airspace Summit is part of a robust conference program delivering practical, actionable education developed in conjunction with commercial drone leaders.

The exhibit hall floor features 200+ solutions providers and their latest UAS solutions, including airframes, software, sensors, and services, to create a cutting-edge and comprehensive showcase of the industry’s advancements and innovations. Additional features include DRONERESPONDERS Safety Summit, Workshops and training, and live outdoor flying demonstrations, which allow for hands-on learning and connections. Visit www.expouav.com for more information on attending and exhibiting. Registration is open – click here to register today!

About Commercial UAV Expo

Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is an international conference and expo exclusively focused on commercial UAS integration and operation covering industries including Construction; Drone Delivery; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security; and Surveying & Mapping. It takes place September 5-7, 2023, at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas NV. For more information, visit https://www.expouav.com/.

Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified Communications’ technology portfolio which also includes Commercial UAV News; Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, 3D Technology Newsletter, AEC Innovations Newsletter, Geo Business (UK) and Digital Construction Week (UK).

For more information about exhibiting at the Commercial UAV Expo, visit the exhibitor information page or contact Kat McDonald, Sales Manager, at kmcdonald@divcom.com or +1.207-842-5646. For attending information, visit https://www.expouav.com/ or email info@expouav.com.

The National WWII Museum Opens New Special Exhibit Highlighting Japanese American Veterans of World War II

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WWll veteran Wesley Koyano holding American Flag

On June 30, The National WWII Museum opened The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits, a new special exhibit exploring the service, patriotism and legacy of the second-generation Japanese American, or Nisei, men and women who, in the face of prejudice and incarceration, risked their lives to advance the Allied effort in World War II. The exhibit showcases a selection of photographer Shane Sato’s powerful portraits of Japanese American WWII veterans, supplemented with artifacts and oral histories from the Museum’s collection.

The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits will be on display in The Joe W. & Dorothy D. Brown Foundation Special Exhibit Gallery through March 31, 2024. Support for this exhibit comes from Catherine and David Edwards.

Sato’s first-of-its-kind portrait series features Nisei WWII veterans who served with the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and its component unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion; in the Women’s Army Corps; or as translators and interpreters with the Military Intelligence Service. As a Japanese American himself, Sato saw in his work an invaluable opportunity to “carry the torch” of his forebears and use his talents to tell their unique stories and shared experiences. The portraits, which range from serious to spirited, somber to stoic, highlight the distinct personalities of these men and women.

“During World War II, ‘Go for Broke’ served as the motto for the 100th/442nd. The regiment lived up to those words and remains the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in US Army history,” said Associate Curator Chase Tomlin. “Sato has captured the Nisei veterans’ ‘Go for Broke’ spirit of compassion, dedication and resilience with his meaningful photography.”

The exhibit examines the exclusion and incarceration of thousands of people of Japanese descent in the United States, in the wake of Pearl Harbor through Executive Order 9066, as well as Japanese Americans’ continued patriotism despite discrimination, delving into Nisei servicemembers’ training and missions.

The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits also explores the postwar lives of Japanese American veterans. Decades after their service, 20 Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to members of the 100th/442nd were upgraded to Medals of Honor in June 2000; Congress in 2011 honored the Nisei who served in the 100th/442nd and the MIS with the Congressional Gold Medal. Several of these prestigious awards, including the Medal of Honor awarded to 100th Infantry Battalion Second Lieutenant Yeiki Kobashigawa, are included in the exhibit, alongside oral histories reflecting on the legacy of Japanese American servicemembers.

“The National WWII Museum is proud to display these portraits and explore the stories of these Japanese American veterans who, once deemed second-class citizens, risked everything to fight for their country and collectively changed how many viewed the Japanese American community,” Tomlin said.

Shane Sato is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, California. His project to capture the moving portraits of Nisei WWII veterans began over two decades ago, culminating in a set of coffee table books, The Go For Broke Spirit: Portraits of Courage and The Go For Broke Spirit: Portraits of Legacy, featuring photographs of more than 150 Japanese American veterans.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. Visit nationalww2museum.org.

World War II veterans return to Utah Beach to mark D-Day anniversary

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World War ll veterans lined up to salute

By Sylvie Corbet and Jeffrey Schaeffer, The Associated Press

ON UTAH BEACH, France — World War II veterans shared vivid memories of D-Day and the fighting as dozens returned to Normandy beaches and key battle sites to mark the 79th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi control.

Looking at the vastness of Utah Beach, its sand blowing in strong wind and bright sunshine, 99-year-old Robert Gibson remembered: “it was tough.”
 

U.S war veterans salute during a ceremony outside the Pegasus Bridge memorial in Benouville, Normandy, Monday, June 5, 2023. (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Gibson landed there on June 6, 1944 alongside more than 150,000 other Allied troops.

He said there were “lots of casualties. We had almost run over bodies to get in the beach. Never forget we were only 18, 19 years old. … I’m glad I made it.”

The first job of his battalion, he said, was “to guard an ammunition dump and the first night it got struck. You didn’t know where you were to go. Bullets were going all over the place. But we ducked it.”

On Monday, veterans have been greeted to the sound of bagpipes at the Pegasus Memorial, where they attended a ceremony commemorating a key operation in the first minutes of the D-Day operations, when troops had to take control of a strategic bridge.

World War II veterans Jake Larson, a 100-year-old American, and Bill Gladden, a 99-year-old British national, met at the memorial where they had a close discussion.

“I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,” Larson told Gladden, their hands clasped.

Larson, who has more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, explained with enthusiasm: “I’m just a country boy. Now I’m a star on TikTok. You can see me all over: ‘Papa Jake.’ I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this, it came about.”

Larson landed on Omaha Beach, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

“I’m 100 without an ache or a pain. You can’t fake that,” he said.

U.S. veteran Andrew Negra returned for the first time to Utah Beach this year. The last time he stood there was when he landed on July 18, 1944.

He was “amazed” by the warm welcome from local French people: “Every place we went, people are cheering, clapping, and they’ve been doing this for I don’t know how many years.”

At age 99, Negra is the only member of his battalion who is still alive. Braving the wind to walk on the beach for a few minutes, he said, “So many we lost. And here I am.”

Negra participated in combat operations until his division reached eastern Germany in April 1945.

Cheerful crowds applauded, calling out “Merci” and “Thank you.” Children waved, and many families asked for a photo with the men.

Read more of the article on Military Times here.

Memorial Day Freebies and Discounts for Veterans and Servicemembers

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Remember and honor words with flag in background for Memorial Day observance

As part of Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, several businesses and organizations across the country are offering free and discounted services to servicemembers and veterans this month.

Check out the list below to see the ways in which others are supporting and appreciating our troops.

Unless otherwise specified, these deals apply to all branches of the military for active-duty, retired, and veteran members.
 
 

Meal Deals: Memorial Day 2023

Bob Evans: As a general rule of thumb, Bob Evans offers a 10% discount for active, veterans and retired military every day. While they’ve offered more menus and specials in the past, it’s unclear if there will be anything extra for Memorial Day 2023.

Café Rio: Participating Café Rio restaurants give a 25% discount nationwide to veterans from Tuesdays through Sundays with a military ID. Plus, locations in Virginia and Maryland offer 50% off on Military Mondays.

Cici’s Pizza: Cici’s Pizza offers military and veterans’ discounts at participating locations. The discounts vary by eatery.

Cracker Barrel: all active duty service members and Veterans can enjoy a free sandwich on their designated day during Mission’s annual Armed Forces Week.

Dairy Queen: Certain Dairy Queen locations offer military and veterans discounts, some up to 50% off select items or orders. But the discounts can vary by store; check with your local DQ for more information.

Fogo de Chao: On Memorial Day this year, Fogo de Chao is offering 50% off a meal for active and veteran military personnel and 10% off up to three guests’s meals.

Fuddruckers: Select Fuddruckers locations 10 to 15 percent off with military ID at participating locations. Contact your local restaurant for more information.

Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock Cafe offers 15 % off all food, non-alcoholic beverage and retail purchases with valid military ID.

Home Chef: Military personnel and veterans can get 50% off of their first purchase from Home Chef and 10% off all additional boxes.

Hooters: Just show a valid form of ID at any Hooters restaurant, and 10% will be taken off of your bill, 20% off on Tuesdays. This discount applies to all military personnel and is for food only, not alcohol.

Joe’s Crab Shack: At Joe’s Crab Shack, they are offering 15% off to US military members and veterans on Memorial Day.

Kolache Factory: Kolache Factory restaurants offer a year-round 10% discount to veterans and active military members. Just present a current ID at the register and enjoy a sweet or savory pastry treat!

Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s Roadhouse offers active-duty and veteran military service members a 10% discount on their meals every day with valid military ID or proof of service.

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon: All veterans and active-duty personnel get a 20% discount every Monday and 10% off every other day at Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon.

Long John Silver: The restaurant offers a 10% military discount all year long at participating Long John Silver locations when you show your valid military ID. And on Military Mondays—like Memorial Day 2023—that discount increases to 20% off your order.

Melting Pot: Participating Melting Pot locations offer military appreciation discounts throughout the year—often increasing the discount around Memorial Day. Check your local restaurant for details.

Omaha Steaks: Omaha Steaks offers a $10 military discount on online orders for active-duty military, retirees, veterans, spouses and dependents who verify online.

Outback Steakhouse: Through Outback’s Heroes Discount, you can get 10% off of your entire check while dining in or for takeout when you show a valid ID.

Pie Five Pizza: Last year, Pie Five Pizza restaurants saluted America’s heroes by giving a free pizza to active, veterans and retired military personnel who presented proof of service or military ID. Check with your local Pie Five Pizza restaurant to see if they are offering that freebie deal again for Memorial Day 2023.

Texas de Brazil: Texas de Brazil offers military members, veterans, first responders, nurses and teachers a 15% discount off of regular dinner and lunch prices, good for up to four guests per visit with valid ID.

TGI Fridays: TGI Friday’s has offered a 25% off on all family meals and platers during the Memorial Day weekend.
Wendy’s: Members of Veterans Advantage will get special coupon savings on patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, as well as qualify for other Wendy’s discounts all year long.

Retail: Memorial Day Discounts for Veterans

Academy Sports + Outdoors: Through July 4, Academy Sports is offering a 10% discount online and in stores to military members and first responders.

Adidas: Military personnel, veterans, first responders teachers, medical professionals and nurses can get 30% off at Adidas online or in-store as well as 20 % off at Adidas factory outlet stores after verifying their status.

Alpha Industries: Alpha Industries offers 30% off for active duty, reserve and retired military personnel. Exclusions apply.

Armitron: The watch company offers active duty, veterans and dependents 10% off an online purchase. Verify online and receive a single-use code via email that can be applied at checkout. You can even verify for additional codes from Armitron for future purchases, but there is a limit of one code per day.

Asics: Asics offers 40 percent off full-price purchases online for military personnel, medical professionals, teachers, students and first responders.

Blanquil: Get a better night’s sleep with a 40% discount off all regularly-priced items at BlanQuil. Verify your status and you’ll receive a promo code to apply at checkout

Clarks: Clarks offers a Troop Discount for active duty, retired and veteran military personnel as well as spouses, plus teachers and first responders.

Converse: All active, reservist, veteran and retired US Military personnel, as well as the spouses and dependents of active personnel can get a 10% discount from Converse.

Dell: Military personnel can get 10% off select Dell and Alienware PCs and accessories and 15% off during Military Appreciation Week.

DiscountContactLenses.com: Score 20% off DiscountContactLenses.com when you verify your status.

DiscountGlasses.com: At DiscountGlasses.com, get 30% off after verifying your status.

Eyemart Express: There is a year-round 20% discount on eyewear at Eyemart Express offered to active and non-active military members, veterans and dependents. The discount only applies to optical eyewear and sunglasses (not contact lenses or eye exams) and all you have to do is show a valid ID card at the time of purchase.

Home Depot: Apply online at Home Depot and active military and veterans can enjoy a daily 10% discount in stores and online—up to $400 a calendar year. The discount is also available to current spouses of service members enrolled in the program.

Hulu: If you sign up for Hulu through MyExchange, you can get a 25% off each month of the streaming service if you sign up for a monthly subscription through MyExchange. This is only for Hulu with ads. Hylete: Hylete offers up to 30% off on all orders after military verification  (including active duty, reserve and honorably discharged), veterans, first responders and hospital staff with a GovX ID.

Jiffy Lube: Active duty, retired and veteran military personnel can score 15% off year-round at select Jiffy Lube locations.

Life Extension: Veterans Advantage members can get up to 70% off pampering Life Extension products.

Lowe’s: Active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses can get a 10% discount on eligible items all year long online and in stores after verifying their status with Lowe’s.

Mattress Firm: Verify your status online and you will be emailed a coupon code for an extra 10-20% off at Mattress Firm. Spouses and registered dependents are also eligible to enjoy the discount! You can apply for a new single-use discount every 90 days.

Related: Military Retirement Gifts

Midas: With a valid government ID, active military and veterans can receive 10% off at participating Midas locations.

Nike: Nike offers a 10% discount for active, veteran, retired and reservist military.

O’Reilly Auto Parts: Eligible active duty, retired and veteran military personnel and their immediate family members can get 10% off the retail price of in-store items at O’Reilly Auto Parts, with some exceptions. Just present proof at the register.Related: These Dogs Are Having the Best Memorial Day

Rack Room Shoes: Rack Room Shoes offers a 10% military discount every Tuesday for personnel who present a valid ID—and that discount doubles to 20% on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day! Available in-store only.

Reebok: Military personnel, government employees, teachers, medical and hospital workers can get a 50% off Heroes Discount from Reebok.

Restore Hyper Wellness: Restore wellness studios offered 20% for single services, packages and memberships to veterans and military service people all year long last year. Treatments offered include Cryotherapy, IV Drip Therapy, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Compression, Red Light Therapy and Infrared Saunas (among others) as well as skincare services like Cryoskin and HydraFacial. Check with your local Restore studio for details.

Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone offers a 10% military discount to active duty, retired and veteran military personnel. Verification is required through ID.me.

Sherwin-Williams: Paint the town red, white and blue! Sherwin-Williams offers a 15% military discount to active duty, retired and veteran military personnel and spouses year-round.

Shoney’s: Shoney’s has a 15% off discount for all military and veterans, as well as first responders, in uniform or with valid ID.

Sleep Number: Through June 5, 2023, military and veterans can apply for Sleep Number’s Hero Discount. Verify your status and receive a promo code for 20% off.

T-Mobile: Active-duty military, veterans and their families can take 40% off of family lines with T-Mobile‘s Go5G Military unlimited plan (with 5G access included).

Tuft & Needle: Tuft & Needle offers 15% off for military personnel, veterans, healthcare workers and first responders.

Uncharted Supply Co.: Uncharted Supply Co. offers a discount to all active-duty military, veterans and dependents. You can verify every 24 hours to receive a one-time promo code.

Under Armour: Under Armour offers a 20% discount for active duty and retired military and veterans as well as their families. First responders, nurses, teachers, doctors and EMTs are also eligible for the discount, which is sometimes upped to 40 percent off for a limited time.

Walgreens: Veterans, military members and their families who have a myWalgreens membership can enjoy a 20% discount (with proof of service) from May 26 through May 29 at Walgreens stores. Restrictions apply.

Zenni Optical: Zenni Optical offers a 10% military discount for active duty, veterans, reservists and military spouses all year long.

Activities: Memorial Day Freebies for Military Members

Blue Star Theaters: Military families can get complimentary and discounted admission to Blue Star Theaters.

Busch Gardens Theme Park Admission: Busch Gardens theme parks offer active-duty military members and veterans and their families special ticket pricing and free admission through its Waves of Honor program. Offers differ by park but include SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place and Discovery Cove locations. Visit Waves of Honor for details.

Colonial Williamsburg Admission: On either Memorial Day Weekend or Veterans Day Weekend, active-duty military, retired military personnel and veterans can receive free admission (once annually) for themselves and up to three direct dependents to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg also offers other discounts throughout the year. Must show proof at the ticket office when purchasing.

Free Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Admission: For members of the Veterans Advantage rewards program, the regular adult admission will be waived when you show your VetRewards card at the ticket office and tickets for family members will be discounted to 20% off.

Magic Springs Admission: Magic Springs Theme Park and Water Park in Host Springs, AR, has designated Saturday, May 27, through Sunday, June 11, as HERO Appreciation Days—and is giving free admission to military, police, correction officers, healthcare workers and other heroes who show their professional ID at the ticket window. Heroes can buy discounted tickets for their family members who join them for $36.99.

Museum Admission: Through Blue Star Families and the National Endowment for the Arts, museums across America are offering free admission for active-duty military members and their families all summer long. The program runs from Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 20) through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 4). Check out the list of Blue Star Museums for more information.

Free Rings: Qalo accessories is celebrating Military Family Appreciation Month by giving free silicon rings from the Military Heroes collection to those that serve and have served. Just verify status at checkout.

Silverwood Theme Parks Admission: Memorial Day Weekend—May 27, 28 and 29, 2023—is American Heroes’ Weekend at Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach in Athol, Idaho. With identification, all military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters and medics will receive free admission and their joining spouses and children can purchase discounted tickets at the front gate.

Zoo Tickets: Many zoos around the country have special discounts all year long for veterans and active-duty military members in addition to free ticket deals in May. All military members—active or retired—will receive free admission to the Cincinnati Zoo on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day, and up to six half-price admission tickets for immediate family. The Indianapolis Zoo offers current and former military members free admission on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Last year, the Birmingham Zoo offered veterans, retired and active military and up to six family members free admission throughout Memorial Day Weekend; they seem to offer military discount on these special days, yearly, so check this year for 2023’s deals. Look up your local zoo to see if they are offering free tickets, too!

Be sure to go online, or call your local restaurant, retailer or entertainment spot to make sure they are participating!

For more deals, visit Parade.com.

NASA names naval aviator to lead next moon mission

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Capt. Reid Wiseman smiling wearing Astronaut suit

NASA announced Monday a naval aviator will lead an upcoming mission around the moon, bringing humans deeper into space than has been achieved in more than five decades.

Navy Capt. Gregory “Reid” Wiseman will serve as the commander for the Artemis II mission, scheduled for November 2024 at the earliest.

The journey will mark the first crewed lunar mission for the space agency since the Apollo program ended in 1972.

(NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman is selected to lead the upcoming Artemis II mission around the moon.

(Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center via NASA)

Wiseman is set to be joined by Navy Capt. Victor Glover, who will serve as the flight crew’s pilot, as well as NASA astronaut Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut JeremyHansen, a colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Together, we are ushering in a new era of exploration for a new generation of star sailors and dreamers — the Artemis generation,” NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at a news conference at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.

On their roughly 10-day mission, the crew will orbit the moon aboard an Orion spacecraft using a Space Launch System rocket. NASA test launched the space capsule back in November 2022.

The Artemis program looks to build toward further moon missions later this decade, which NASA says will include landing the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface. The space agency is targeting a 2025 launch date for that mission, known as Artemis III.

Before being selected as an astronaut in 2009, Wiseman commissioned to the sea service through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 1997, according to his NASA biography. The Baltimore, Maryland, native deployed twice to the Middle East and later served as a Navy test pilot. More recently, he held the most senior position among NASA’s astronaut corps.

This will be Wiseman’s second trip to space after serving aboard the International Space Station in 2014. It will also be his fellow naval aviator Glover’s second space flight, having previously piloted NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1.

Read the complete article originally posted on Military Times.

The 1st & Goal Project Celebrity & Veterans Golf Invitational Wrap-Up

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Club hosts Pat and Kathy Aitro with the Mayans M.C. (Joseph Raymond Lucero, Emilio Rivera, Michael Irby). (Courtesy of The 1st & Goal Project)

The 1st & Goal Project hosted its inaugural Celebrity & Veterans Golf Invitational at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club in Coto de Caza, California, on March 20, 2023. The vision of Dave DesRochers, founder and CEO of The 1st & Goal Project and president of the NFLPA OC Chapter, was to create an event that would generate awareness and funds for local veteran assistance programs.

The event raised funds in support of CarePossible, Veterans Legal Institute, Patriots & Paws and MVP (Merging Vets & Players).

Each nonprofit provides a wide range of programs and support for those who have served our country. DesRochers and his fiancé, AnnMarie, were surrounded by his club sponsors Pat and Kathy Aitro, co-hosts Anthony Munoz (HOF NFL) and Nate Boyer (Green Beret, NFL and co-founder of MVP).
 

Pictured: Club hosts Pat and Kathy Aitro with the Mayans M.C. (Joseph Raymond Lucero, Emilio Rivera, Michael Irby). (Courtesy of The 1st & Goal Project)

Numerous celebrities from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, plus actors, sponsors, vendors and, of course, veterans that were sponsored to play, attended the event and demonstrated their skills.

Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club was the perfect venue to hold the invitational, with two Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed courses. The picturesque scenery of the courses is spectacular, accented with windmills, gorgeous rolling hill backdrops and beautiful homes. The greens were rolling pure, even with all the recent rain, and the courses provided plenty of challenging holes even for the avid golfer.

(L-R) Isaac Curtis (NFL, Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor) with Byron Scott (NBA player and head coach). (Olivia Sullivan)
(L-R) Isaac Curtis (NFL, Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor) with Byron Scott (NBA player and head coach). (Olivia Sullivan)

The festivities kicked off the night before the invitational at the Sponsor, Veteran & Celebrity Meet and Greet at Great American Craft Bar in Santa Margarita, California. It was a fun-filled evening, and the venue was a fantastic fit providing top-shelf spirits from American-distilled and American-based companies. The food was provided by Chef Leo Razo of Villa Roma in Laguna Hills, California.

Nate Boyer (honorary host, Green Beret, NFL, Founder MVP), Mikal Vega (Navy Seal, Purple Heart recipient, 2 bronze Medal of Valor, actor and director Call of Duty) and Dave DesRochers (host, CEO of The 1st & Goal Project, president NFLPA OC Chapter). (Olivia Sullivan)
Nate Boyer (honorary host, Green Beret, NFL, Founder MVP), Mikal Vega (Navy Seal, Purple Heart recipient, 2 bronze Medal of Valor, actor and director Call of Duty) and Dave DesRochers (host, CEO of The 1st & Goal Project, president NFLPA OC Chapter). (Olivia Sullivan)
A large number of celebrities attended the invitational. (Olivia Sullivan)
A large number of celebrities attended the invitational. (Olivia Sullivan)
Autographed footballs on display
Autographed footballs on display. (Olivia Sullivan)
Tyree Washington (retired sprinter, awarded the 400m Gold Medal). (Olivia Sullivan)
Tyree Washington (retired sprinter, awarded the 400m Gold Medal). (Olivia Sullivan)
Actor Joseph Lucero. (Olivia Sullivan)
Actor Joseph Lucero. (Olivia Sullivan)

“My vision is to hold this event annually and to grow it each year to provide more funds for our local programs here in Orange County. Based on initial responses, I can assure you that next year will be huge. So, if you missed this year, get in early,” said DesRochers.

Visit the 1st & Goal Project website at: https://the1standgoalproject.com

National Medal of Honor Day 2023

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SPC 5 Dwight Birdwell receives the Medal of Honor from President Biden at the White House

On National Medal of Honor Day coming March 25, we will honor the valor that the most courageous servicemen and servicewomen in the United States military have displayed. Awarded by the President of the United States, only military members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty will receive this distinction.

There are actually three different versions of the Medal of Honor, for the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, though Coast Guard members and Marines are also eligible to earn the Navy version.

It was in 1863, during the Civil War, that the first Medal of Honor was given. A Union raiding party had recently destroyed Confederate railways and important transportation in Tennessee and Georgia – these six men became the first recipients of the award. The only woman ever awarded the Medal of Honor was Mary Edwards Walker, who served during the Civil War as a surgeon in the Army.

To date, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to those who fight to keep our country safe – and March 25, 2023 is the day to honor their exemplary service.

Past awardees include four Vietnam veterans that President Biden awarded for risking their lives to defend fellow service members in the jungles of South Vietnam. Read the article in U.S. Veterans Magazine‘s digital issue here.

To commemorate Vietnam Veterans, a special day is dedicated every March 29th to honor all the Vietnam veterans who fought during its time.

Photo: SPC 5 Dwight Birdwell receives the Medal of Honor from President Biden at the White House. Photo Credit: U.S. ARMY/SGT HENRY VILLARAMA

Source: National Today

FOX Nation’s 4th Annual Patriot Awards Ceremony Benefitting the American Red Cross is Tonight

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Fox Nation Patriot Awards

By Kellie Speed

FOX Nation is hosting its fourth annual Patriot Awards at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, tonight. You can catch the patriotic show live at 7 p.m. ET on FOX Nation, and it will also be offered in a repeat presentation on FOX News Channel on Sunday, November 27, at 10 p.m. ET.

Each year, the awards show honors standout Americans who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in support of this great nation. The event gives true American heroes the recognition they deserve.

“It is the awards show that America needs and that America deserves,” said FOX & Friends Weekend co-host and Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Pete Hegseth, who will return for his fourth year as the emcee.

Hegseth will join FOX News Media personalities Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, Judge Jeanine Pirro, the cast of The Five, Harris Faulkner, Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Dan Bongino, John Rich, Mike Rowe, Nancy Grace, Lawrence Jones, Johnny Joey Jones and Abby Hornacek.

This year’s Patriot Awards include the Most Valuable Patriot Award, Heroism Award, Service to Veterans Award and Back the Blue Award. Additionally, The Five (weekdays, 5 p.m. ET), Tucker Carlson Tonight (weekdays, 8 p.m. ET) and Gutfeld! (weekdays, 11 p.m. ET) will present live shows at the venue.

Last year’s Patriot Award recipients included “Most Valuable Patriot” Olympic Gold Medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock; Award for Heroism recipient Lt. Col. (Ret.), Former Green Beret Scott Mann for his work in Afghanistan with Task Force Pineapple; “Modern Warrior” recipient Army Sergeant First Class John Goudie, and the “Courage” award recipient posthumously awarded to Todd Beamer in United Airlines Flight 93 (accepted by his parents David and Peggy Beamer).

They also paid a humbling tribute to the nation’s 13 fallen heroes killed on August 26, 2021, during the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan – Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak and Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page.

Keep an eye out in the next issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine for a full feature on the event.

For more information, be sure to visit nation.foxnews.com

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