‘Survivor’ Winner Donates Entire Million Dollar Prize to Veterans: ‘I Am Very Fortunate’

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Survivor 43 winner Mike Gabler made history on Wednesday night after he revealed he’d be donating his entire $1 million prize to veterans.

The heart valve specialist, 52, had been telling viewers of the CBS competition series his plan before nabbing the win, but followed through with his promise after being named Sole Survivor.

“There are people who need that money more,” Gabler told host Jeff Probst during the Survivor after show, filmed moments after his win. “And I’m going to donate the entire prize — the entire million dollar prize, in my father’s name, Robert Gabler, who was a Green Beret — to veterans in need who are recovering from psychiatric problems, PTSD, and curb the suicide epidemic.”

“We’re going to save lives and do something good,” the Kingwood, Tex. native continued amid cheers from jurors and castmates. “Season 43, all of us did this. A million dollars is going to them. We made history guys,” he added in the tender moment.

Ahead of his big reveal, Gabler could not praise the Survivor enough, sharing what an impact it had on him and the rest of the contestants. “We all have the chance of a lifetime out here, the adventure of a lifetime,” he said. “What we all learned from each other is priceless. It all made us better.”

The long-running reality competition show took place on the Fiji Islands again this season. Along with Gabler, the three-hour season finale consisted of top five competitors — Owen Knight, Jesse Lopez, Cassidy Clark and Karla Cruz Godoy — with Clark, Knight and Gabler making it to the final three.

After a 7-1-0 vote from jurors knocked out his final competitors, Gabler officially won. It was the first time his name had been written down all season.

Gabler, who is the second oldest winner in the show’s history, went on to say that he’s been “fortunate enough to come from a military family.”

When Probst respectfully asked what his financial situation was at home, considering his “beautiful gesture,” Gabler noted that he does not come from money.

“No I’ve worked very hard, I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “But you know, I realized being through this experience, I am rich at home. I have an amazing life at home. I have an amazing family. I have amazing friends. I need to be a better husband, I need to be a better father, I need to be a better brother, I need to be a better son. I’m going to do all those things just like all of us are going to do that when we go home.”

Read the complete article posted on PEOPLE.

Hope For The Warriors launches podcast to broach topics impacting military families today

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With a goal of restoring stability, strength and community to military families, Hope For The Warriors has expanded its array of outreach to include a monthly podcast.

For over 16 years, the national nonprofit has been serving the post-9/11 military community; including, service members, veterans, military families, caregivers, and families of the fallen across the country in all branches of service.

The mission of the monthly Hope For The Warriors Podcast is, through open conversations and honest dialogue, to learn more about the topics that are most impacting the military community.

The podcast is hosted by Hope For The Warriors Communication Specialist Kate Dudley, a military spouse who is a former television news reporter.

“We are so excited to bring you more open and honest conversations with America’s heroes. HOPE – it’s what our military community needs today,” shares Dudley.

The first podcast features Hope For The Warriors’ CEO and Co-Founder, Robin Kelleher, explaining what led her and other military wives to start the nonprofit over 16 years while stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and how the organization continues to adjust to support the everchanging needs of military families.

To listen visit, hopeforthewarriors.org/newsroom/podcasts/.

“We know firsthand the daily struggles that are impacting the military community right now,” shares Kelleher. “We feel it’s our duty to not only share the struggles but the success stories of those in the military community. We want to educate civilians of the sacrifices military families make and inform military families that they’re not alone and Hope For The Warriors is here for them.”

A new podcast will be released the first Thursday of each month and is available for download on Apple, Spotify, and ACast. To listen to the Hope For The Warriors podcast, visit hopeforthewarriors.org/newsroom/podcasts/

For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 159,000 through a variety of support programs focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. One of the nonprofit’s first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded 210 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Support Veterans With the Call of Duty Endowment Valkyrie Pack in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

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Season 03 Reloaded is here for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0, and players can show their appreciation for military veterans by picking up a new Call of Duty Endowment Pack.

The Call of Duty Endowment Valkyrie Pack honors female veterans and the substantial contributions they make every day in the military. Sales of the Valkyrie Pack also directly contributes to the Endowment’s mission to place unemployed and underemployed veterans in the U.S. and U.K. into high-quality jobs.

The Valkyrie Pack includes:

• “The Valkyrie” Roze Operator Skin
• “Sting” Handgun Blueprint
• “Winged Warrior” Assault Rifle Blueprint
• “Eagle Driver” Light Helo Vehicle Skin
• “Brave” Weapon Charm
• “Remove Before Flight” Sticker
• “Tornado” Animated Emblem
• One Double Player XP Token
• One Double Weapon XP Token

For additional information, head to the Call of Duty blog: https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2023/05/call-of-duty-endowment-modern-warfare-II-warzone-2-0-valkyrie-pack-veterans

Memorial Day Freebies and Discounts for Veterans and Servicemembers

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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.

Survivor Winner Donates $100,000 to Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)

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Survivor season 43 winner Mike Gabler has donated $100,000 of his $1 million prize winnings to Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a non-profit providing resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. special operations military veterans seeking mental health treatment with psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Gabler selected 10 veteran organizations to split his winnings with —highlighting non-profits that help former service members with PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are at risk of suicide.

Mike Gabler’s donation was made on behalf of his father, Robert Gabler, who was a Green Beret, to veterans in need who are overcoming health challenges and to curb the suicide epidemic.

As a nonprofit organization that supports veterans in accessing psychedelic-assisted therapies, VETS recognizes the critical importance of psychedelic research. Recent Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD are demonstrating the significant impact of psychedelic treatment on individuals suffering from trauma-related disorders. Other compounds, like psilocybin and ibogaine, are also showing incredible promise in addressing these issues—but more research is critically needed.

Gabler’s donation will directly support VETS’ work to provide resources, research, and advocacy for veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies.

“There is nothing like the support of the military and veteran community, and we are incredibly grateful to Mike Gabler, the son of an Army Special Forces veteran, for donating a portion of his Survivor winnings to VETS. Mike exemplifies the notion of serving those who’ve served, and we honor and value his outstanding leadership and unparalleled commitment to giving back,” said Marcus Capone, Co-Founder and Chairman of VETS.

VETS and its community greatly appreciates the donation from Gabler and is looking forward to expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapies to additional veterans to ultimately put an end to veteran suicide.

For more information on VETS, visit our website.

‘FUBAR’ stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first-ever TV show

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Arnold Swartzennager in suit walking away from a fire

By Sarah Sicard, Army Times

Nearly every person who has ever had the honor of serving in the U.S. military knows that when a situation goes entirely sideways, it’s “FUBAR.”

One film industry note that might be seen as “f—d up beyond all recognition” is that Arnold Schwarzenegger has never starred in a TV show during his 54-year acting career … until now.

At 75 years old, the former body building champion, “Terminator” star and California governor has produced and starred in an upcoming Netflix series called “FUBAR,” a story about a CIA agent on the verge of retirement until one last mission pulls him back in.

“Everywhere I go, people ask me when I’m going to do another big action comedy like ‘True Lies,’” Schwarzenegger said in the Netflix first look. “Well, here it is.”

In “FUBAR,” Schwarzenegger plays Luke Brunner, whose final mission before he rides off into the sunset to win his ex-wife back entails rescuing a fellow CIA operative who happens to be his daughter — played by Monica Barbaro (”Top Gun: Maverick”).

Much like the aforementioned 1994 action comedy, the series will test family dynamics as carefully held secrets become comically exposed through life and death situations. But unlike the movie, fans will get to enjoy a significantly longer story.

“‘FUBAR’ will kick your ass and make you laugh — and not just for two hours,” Schwarzenegger joked. “You get a whole season.”

The trailer is everything we could have wanted.

“FUBAR” arrives on Netflix on May 25.

Read more from Army Times here.

Photo Credit: Christos Kalohoridis/Netflix

From Heartbreak to Hope, Honoring Those Who Protect Us

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Stephen Siller in Firefighter Uniform

By Kellie Speed

When New York City Firefighter Stephen Siller was killed during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11, he could never have imagined the tremendous legacy his family would create in his memory.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was born as a result of that tragic day to honor and remember Stephen’s heroism as he ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 lbs. of gear on his back to the South Tower to serve in the rescue efforts. The foundation honors America’s greatest heroes and their families.

We caught up with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller to discuss the incredible work the foundation continues to do in the loving memory of his little brother.

Why was it so important for you personally to create a program to help our wounded warriors?

We know we went to war because of what happened on September 11, 2001, and my brother was a New York City firefighter who died that day. I fully appreciated that we didn’t want this to happen again on our soil, and we went into Iraq, Afghanistan and other places to ensure that it did not happen again. While doing so, many men and women sacrificed tremendously for our country to protect us here in America.

The first ever quadruple amputee to survive any war was years after 9/11; to be precise, it was in 2009 when SGT Brendan Marrocco lost all four limbs for our country. I went down with a group from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. I saw the sacrifice Marrocco made for us as a country and those 9/11 families who lost somebody — that’s when we decided to start building mortgage-free smart homes for our country’s most catastrophically injured service members. Not just injured, but catastrophically injured — those who have given up two, three or four limbs, or those who are quadriplegic, paraplegic or suffered a traumatic brain injury where they can hardly function, and other injuries along those lines. We want to give back some of the independence they gave away protecting us.

Can you tell us about the smart home program?

We have built over 100 smart homes across the country, but we have 73 new names that we just added for this coming year or two. It will be close to 200 by the time we are done in two years, but there are still more out there. Many have waited for years because I didn’t have the funds, resources or ability to build all these homes at once. Each home is a tremendous expense. Just to buy the land for these great heroes is $200 to $300 thousand. Then, we are into the construction side for $600 to $700 thousand.

The recipients need the space inside their homes to maneuver comfortably, and that’s the idea behind it all to give them back some of the comfort and independence that was taken away from them because they were protecting us. By no means is our work done. I don’t believe it will ever be done.

We have men and women who are still protecting us, and Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one protecting our country. If they have young families left behind, if they don’t have a house, we build them a house; and if they do have a house, we pay off their mortgage. It’s a promise we made at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that when their loved ones give them a kiss goodbye and they don’t come home, we are going to be there for the families because they gave their life for our country, so we have got to take care of them. That’s the promise the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has made.

How did it feel when you were able to hand over the keys to the first home recipient, Army SGT Brendan Marrocco?

It was a feeling that was inexplicable. It’s an emotion; sad to say that a lot of people don’t have that experience. They have great joy in their lives, and everybody should, but this is different. This is a blessing that we are able to give to a patriot who was willing to give their body for our country.

We delivered over 200 mortgage-free homes in 2021 and again in 2022, and the pace is picking up. We have got to do more and more every year. We do it for fallen first responders as well. If you die in the line of duty, we are going to pay off your mortgage, so we have our work cut out for us. I know there is no other foundation in America that has taken on this responsibility, and we are proud that we are. It’s more than just giving a mortgage-free house away; it’s creating a relationship with these beautiful families.

Did you ever envision Tunnel to Towers becoming what it is today?

No, this foundation was started in honor of my youngest brother Stephen. Stephen was the youngest of seven, so the six remaining siblings wanted to honor what he did and, for that matter, what all first responders did on 9/11. Stephen is only symbolic of the heroism demonstrated that day, and we want to make sure we never forget. That is our first obligation to make sure we never forget.

The beautiful thing about the Tunnel to Towers run that we have every year on the last Sunday in September is that we carry pictures of all 7,072 men and women who have given their lives for our country since 9/11. I think the legacy of my brother and the legacy of the foundation is the good work we are doing for all of these families.

What do you have planned for 2023?

We are going to try to eradicate homelessness amongst our veterans. The numbers I have given you are just for smart homes, Gold Star and fallen first responders. The foundation will have close to 1,000 homeless vets off the street in 2022, and I don’t talk about it too much. I want people to start realizing that we deliver. When we say we are going to do something, we deliver. When people donate $11 a month, and that’s what we ask Americans to do, they know where their money is going.

When you asked about plans for 2023, I am going to say that among smart homes, Gold Star, fallen first responders and catastrophically injured, we will do about 250 mortgage-free homes. Then for our homeless veterans, we will have 1,500 to 2,500 veterans off the streets in 2023. The beautiful thing is we are building these comfort homes for these homeless veterans, and then we are going to give them comprehensive services to be able to stay in the homes. We have a tremendous program we have rolled out that we are so proud of where we are doing all these things.

For more information about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit t2t.org.

Help Heal Veterans Exceeds One Million Pounds Of Recycled Materials For Use In Theraputic Craft Kits

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Stephanie Preciado, a veteran of the Texas Army National Guard, sews a pillowcase during at the Help Heal Veterans facility

Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets) announced it has recycled and repurposed more than one million pounds of material. Inspired in part by this year’s Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” Heal Vets is increasing efforts to use repurposed materials by actively seeking new partner organizations that need to find uses for materials they might otherwise discard.

For 50 years, Heal Vets has repurposed unused leather, cloth, and other materials to create therapeutic craft kits that are sent to veterans and active-duty military around the world to help with long-term support and recovery from the wounds of war — delivering thousands of kits to
kits to veterans and active-duty military each month. Pictured: Stephanie Preciado, a veteran of the Texas Army National Guard, sews a pillowcase during at the Help Heal Veterans facility.

Heal Vets partners have donated, and Heal Vets has repurposed:

  • 395,000 pounds of leather from airplane seats.  Southwest Airlines has donated leather from airplane seats since 2018. These materials are used to make wallets and footballs, and as components such as liners and insoles for moccasins.
  • 1,000,000 square feet of leather. The Elks, a partner since 2002, donates leather from Elks Lodge members around the country that is used to make moccasins, wheelchair gloves, dreamcatchers, pouches, and other items.
  • 469,500 pounds of upholstery. Since 2017, La-Z-Boy has donated upholstery fabric that Heal Vets uses in kits to make messenger bags, oven mitts, bowl cozies, and other items.
  • 112,416 pounds of cabinets. Since 2019, American Woodmark has donated cabinets that are repurposed for wood kits to make items like boxes and birdhouses.
  • 40,000 pounds of leather from automobile seats from Magna. The leather is used to make purses and bags.

“As our planet faces the challenge of climate change and the ever-increasing demand for resources, we all need to find ways relieve the pressure on our environment and use the resources we have wisely. For Help Heal Veterans, the answer is upcycling, using donated materials that otherwise would have gone to landfills to produce the kits that help our veterans heal. It’s a win all around–for the environment and for the people we serve,” said Capt. Joe McClain, USN (retired) and CEO of Heal Vets. “We are fortunate to work with corporations and civic organizations that share our dual commitment.”

Heal Vets has worked with partner organizations to produce more than 32 million therapeutic craft kits to aid veterans and active-duty military rehabilitation.

To learn more about Help Heal Veterans sustainability efforts, click here.

About Help Heal Veterans 

A nonprofit organization founded during the Vietnam War supplies free therapeutic kits to injured servicemen and women and U.S. veterans. The therapy kits often become a part of the patient’s treatment plan, providing a creative outlet for stress and boredom and a way to rebuild confidence and self-esteem. Help Heal Veterans has distributed more than 32 million kits since 1971 from hundreds of craft categories.

Photo Courtesy of Help Heal Veterans

Ridley Scott, Joaquin Phoenix team for ‘Napoleon’ war movie

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soldiers on horseback with swords in action epic “Napoleon”

By Sarah Sicard Military Times

French Emperor and military conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte is getting the silver screen treatment at the hands of famed director Ridley Scott (“Gladiator,” “Black Hawk Down”).

The movie, titled after its namesake, stars Joaquin Phoenix (“The Joker”) as the controversial lead.

“The film is an original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine, played by Vanessa Kirby,” according to an Apple TV+ press release. “[It] captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.”

An unremitting military commander during the French Revolution, Bonaparte was elected to the role of French Emperor after the dissolution of the country’s monarchy. However, he abdicated in 1814 after an unsuccessful invasion of Russia turned the European continent against him.

Bonaparte was exiled to the island of Elba but regained power after waging his infamous Hundred Days campaign in 1815. His loss at the Battle of Waterloo, however, forced a second abdication and exile on the island of Saint Helena. Bonaparte died at the relatively young age of 51.

The phrase “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever” has been attributed to Bonaparte. And although he did die in relative obscurity, his notorious legacy remains.

Produced by Apple Studios in partnership with Sony Pictures, “Napoleon” debuts in theaters on Nov. 22 before appearing on Apple TV+.

Read the article originally posted on Military Times.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Apple +

Former NFL Seahawk, Dave DesRochers’ The 1st & Goal Project Screens Movie: MVP

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By Danielle Jackola

“On the streets of Hollywood, a recently retired NFL player is saved from scandal by a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. With their ‘glory days’ behind them both, the two men bond in search of real purpose and identity. Inspired by actual events, MVP dramatizes the formation of Merging Vets & Players and features both military veterans and former professional athletes in front of and behind the camera” (@MVPtheMovie).

PHOTO: Christina Ochoa, Mo McRae, Margarita Reyes, MJ Acosta-Ruiz and Nate Boyer attend FilmRise’s MVP Red Carpet Premiere at AMC The Grove 14 in Los Angeles. The film, inspired by true events, is a raw portrayal of navigating the transition to life outside the uniform. Co-written by Nate Boyer, a Green Beret, former Seattle Seahawk and producer, MVP takes viewers on a journey into the intersecting lives of former NFL player Will Phillips portrayed by Mo McRae and Zephyr, portrayed by Boyer, and introduces viewers to the organization, Merging Vets & Players.

Merging Vets & Players

Boyer and Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer founded Merging Vets & Players in 2015. As a veteran and former NFL player, Boyer understands the unique experiences of veterans and professional athletes and how they can support each other. Glazer, a long-time television personality and sports reporter, has trained numerous athletes and co-owns The Unbreakable Performance Center in West Hollywood, California with former Chicago Bears’ linebacker, Brian Urlacher and U.S. Women’s Volleyball Captain, Lindsey Berg.

The organization shares that, “MVP empowers combat veterans and former professional athletes by connecting them after the uniform comes off; providing them with a new team to assist with transition, promote personal development, and show them they are never alone.” The nonprofit offers programs in eight cities plus virtually and boasts 2,000+ participants and over 9,965 program hours offered. There are many ways to get involved as a member, donor and partner. Find more information at vetsandplayers.org.

Screening

The 1st & Goal Project and Merging Vets & Players invited U.S. Veterans Magazine to a recent benefit screening of MVP (the movie) in Laguna Niguel, California. This fantastic film is not to be missed! Prior to the screening, attendees mingled, shared stories and enjoyed the photo opps. We are grateful for Dave DesRochers, Nate Boyer and everyone who organized the event, and the veterans, former NFL players and supporters who attended in support of this thought provoking and inspiring movie.

After the screening, several of the actors and the founder of 1st & Goal Project, DesRochers, spoke with the audience and explained their connection to the story and the nonprofit MVP. Viewers had an opportunity to ask questions and several veterans in attendance were moved to tears and shared how the film resonated with them.

The 1st & Goal Project

two men and a woman hold U.S. Veterans Magazines, smiling
(L-R) Nate Boyer, star of MVP, Danielle Jackola, senior editor of U.S. Veterans Magazine and Dave DesRochers, founder of The 1st & Goal Project, attend the MVP screening in Laguna Niguel, California.
DesRochers, former offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, is deeply committed to philanthropy including veteran-related causes. He is the vice president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) in Orange County, California and the founder of The 1st & Goal Project.

The 1st & Goal Project is hosting its inaugural Celebrity & Veteran Golf Invitational on Monday, March 20th at the beautiful Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club in Coto de Caza, California in support of veterans and veteran support groups: CarePossible, Veteran Legal Institute, Patriots & Paws, MVP and The 1st & Goal Project. Nestled in Orange County, the private, 36-hole country club is the perfect venue for the event. Join DesRochers and club sponsors, Pat and Kathy Aitro for a memorable day of golf, the chance to meet numerous celebrities and to impact the veteran-focused organizations benefitting from the event. To get involved, email dave@the1standgoalproject.com.

Photos courtesy of Olivia Sullivan @oliviasullivanphoto

U.S. Veterans Magazine Wins Two Awards in One Week

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U.S. Veterans Magazine, the premier resource magazine for transitioning service members, service-disabled veterans, veteran business owners and their spouses and families, has been awarded two prestigious awards in just one week.

The first award was received on November 7th from Veterans Legal Institute (VLI). Each year, VLI reviews the contributions given by their partners and chooses a group to recognize for their continual support of veterans. This year, U.S. Veterans Magazine was the recipient of VLI’s Community Partner of the Year award for its dedication and contribution to veterans.

The second award was received just a few days later, on November 9th from the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC). Every year, the Board of Officers at NVBDC reviews the activity of their corporations, members, certified veterans and partners, and recognizes individuals and groups for their dedication to going above and beyond to support veterans. This year, U.S. Veterans Magazine and its Partnerships Division Lead, Tonya Kinsey, were the recipients of the Media Partner of the Year Award.

“I am extremely proud of the work U.S. Veterans Magazine is doing through important organizations that value our veterans and give them vital resources when they most need them,” Kinsey stated of the honor, “I have worked closely with both organizations to help them expand their platform and highlight their stories.  We truly value their partnerships and are honored to have received recognition from both organizations!”

“We are so honored to receive these awards from these two veteran-focused organizations,” U.S. Veterans Magazine Publisher and Founder, Mona Lisa Faris, said of the awards. “Our partnership with each of these organizations works so well because our mission statements align. We were created to help veterans advance and both VLI and the NVBDC have the same goal.”

About U.S. Veterans Magazine

U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) is the premier resource magazine for transitioning service members, service-disabled veterans, veteran business owners and their spouses and families. USVM is the link between the qualified students, career and business candidates from the ranks of our nation’s veteran organizations, educational institutions, corporate America and the federal government. We provide our readers with relevant and timely information about employment, recruitment, supplier diversity, education, wellness and benefits. We recognize the immense value veterans offer as employees, and link job seekers with companies eager to hire them. Our publication connects entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow their businesses, and for those seeking educational prospects and scholarships, we share the information they need to support their academic success. Visit our official website at https://usveterans.wpengine.com/

About Veterans Legal Institute (VLI)

Veterans Legal Institute® (VLI) is an organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to homeless, disabled, at risk and low-income service members with opportunities for healthcare, housing, education, employment and more. VLI is dedicated to help current and former service members foster a sense of self-sufficiency for the future. To learn more, visit their official website at https://www.vetslegal.com/

About the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)

The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the original Veteran-Owned Business Certification organization developed by veterans, for veterans. The NVBDC is dedicated to providing credible and reliable certifying authority for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes to ensure that valid documentation exists for veteran status, ownership and operational control. The organization even offers a FASTRACK process, allowing businesses who are already certified with other certifiers to qualify for Veteran-Owned Business Certification in as little as 30 days. To learn more, visit their website at https://nvbdc.org/

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