ReportWire

Tag: military families

  • Trump heads to Fort Bragg to cheer special forces members who ousted Venezuela’s Maduro

    [ad_1]

    President Donald Trump is heading to North Carolina on Friday to celebrate members of the special forces who stormed into Venezuela on the third day of the New Year and whisked away that country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, to face U.S. smuggling charges.First Lady Melania Trump will also be making the trip to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world by population, to spend time with military families.Trump has been hitting the road more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated with Trump’s efforts to improve affordability.The president spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.Trump has since deployed the National Guard to places like Washington and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as other federal law enforcement officials involved in his crackdown on immigration. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced Thursday that the administration is ending the operations in Minnesota that led to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens.This time, Trump’s visit is meant to toast service members involved in his administration’s dramatic ouster of Maduro, an operation he has described as requiring bravery and advanced weapons.His administration has since pushed for broad oversight of the South American country’s oil industry. Next month, he plans to convene a gathering of leaders from a number of Latin American countries in Florida, as the administration spotlights what it sees as concerning Chinese influence in the region.The March 7 gathering can give Trump a chance to further press a new and aggressive foreign policy which the president has proudly dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine,” a reference to 19th-century President James Monroe’s belief that the U.S. should dominate its sphere of influence.

    WASHINGTON —

    President Donald Trump is heading to North Carolina on Friday to celebrate members of the special forces who stormed into Venezuela on the third day of the New Year and whisked away that country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, to face U.S. smuggling charges.

    First Lady Melania Trump will also be making the trip to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world by population, to spend time with military families.

    Trump has been hitting the road more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated with Trump’s efforts to improve affordability.

    The president spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.

    Trump has since deployed the National Guard to places like Washington and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as other federal law enforcement officials involved in his crackdown on immigration. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced Thursday that the administration is ending the operations in Minnesota that led to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens.

    This time, Trump’s visit is meant to toast service members involved in his administration’s dramatic ouster of Maduro, an operation he has described as requiring bravery and advanced weapons.

    His administration has since pushed for broad oversight of the South American country’s oil industry. Next month, he plans to convene a gathering of leaders from a number of Latin American countries in Florida, as the administration spotlights what it sees as concerning Chinese influence in the region.

    The March 7 gathering can give Trump a chance to further press a new and aggressive foreign policy which the president has proudly dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine,” a reference to 19th-century President James Monroe’s belief that the U.S. should dominate its sphere of influence.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Nonprofit uses underwater technology to search for missing service members

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    More than 80,000 service members who went missing in action in previous conflicts are still unaccounted for. However, through research and new technology, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency estimates the remains of 38,000 fallen veterans could be recoverable. Nonprofit organization Project Recover is working with the agency to bring some of those service members home through complex underwater missions.  

    “This is a great American story here,” former Navy Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet said. “Our work is to use technology, like underwater drones and scuba diving gear, to find the platforms that these members perished on and then do the DNA analysis of detecting and recovering their remains and matching them to those that are missing.” 

    Project Recover members stand with folded American flags during a ceremony honoring fallen World War II aviators. (Project Recover)

    Gallaudet also serves as a Project Recover advisory council member. The group was founded by Dr. Patrick Scannon. He came up with the idea in 1993 when he was touring the Palau islands with his wife and discovered a downed plane from World War II. 

    “That 65-foot wing essentially changed my life,” Scannon said in an interview with GoPro.

    NEWLY RELEASED AMELIA EARHART DOCUMENTS REVEAL VIVID DETAILS OF JAPAN’S ROLE IN SEARCH FOR DOOMED AVIATOR 

    Project Recover teams have located dozens of aircraft sites around the Palau islands associated with nearly 100 service members who went missing in action.

    “The recovery is difficult. We first have to find the aircraft or ships,” Gallaudet said. “And then we’ve got to go determine if there are any remains there and then ID them, match them to the service members. “

    In 1944, U.S. officials determined the Palau islands were a crucial part of a larger mission to liberate the Philippines. The effort to capture the island of Peleliu ended up being a costly effort for the U.S. Located around 500 miles away from the Philippines, the island held an airfield, which U.S. officials believed could be used to launch an attack during their larger mission. More than 10,000 Japanese troops were stationed on Peleliu at the time.  

    U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers sit on a military airfield as ground crews work nearby.

    U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers are parked on a military airfield. (B-52 Bomber Down)

    The battle was expected to last just a few days but ended up going on for 74. The U.S. began its bombardment by dropping more than 600 tons of bombs, but the Marines had little intelligence on enemy positions. Japanese troops hid in coral caves and mine shafts around the islands. The initial aerial attacks had little impact unless pilots flew dangerously close to the island.

    SEARCH FOR MISSING MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370 TO RESUME AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE

    On Peleliu, 1,800 Americans were killed in action and more than 8,000 were wounded or missing. Nearly all the 10,000 Japanese troops were killed in action. Across the Palau islands, the U.S. had carried out nine major air campaigns in which around 200 aircraft were lost.  

    Now Project Recover is working to bring some of those service members home. 

    “There were three service members on the aircraft that perished, a lieutenant and then two enlisted crew members. And over the last few years, we were able to recover the remains of all three. And we didn’t identify them all at the same time. It took forensic analysis and DNA. Technology. But the last one was finally identified,” Gallaudet said. 

    Lt. Jay Manown, AOM1c Anthony Di Petta and ARM1c Wilbur Mitts took off for a bombing mission in September 1944. They were conducting pre-invasion strikes in preparation for the invasion of Peleliu when their plane spun out of control and crashed into surrounding waters.

    “The plane was hit by enemy fire, and it burst into flames,” Di Petta’s niece, Suzanne Nakamura, said in an interview with Media Evolve.

    Project Recover located the plane in 2015. After more than a dozen dives to investigate the wreckage, teams began removing the remains of the three service members. Lt. Manown was the last to be repatriated. 

    “We held the ceremony in his hometown in West Virginia, and the relatives of all three service members came to that final ceremony,” Gallaudet said. 

    The three nieces of the men have become especially close.

    A scuba diver examines a submerged World War II aircraft wreck during an underwater recovery mission.

    A diver examines a wreck during an underwater mission to locate and recover missing U.S. service members. (Project Recover)

    WWII HERO’S REMAINS FINALLY COMING HOME AFTER 80-YEAR MYSTERY IS SOLVED THROUGH MILITARY DEDICATION 

    “We’ve communicated beautifully and become friends through this experience and almost a sisterhood of type,” Manown’s niece, Rebecca Sheets, said in an interview with Media Evolve.

    “We’ve talked so much by phone and feel so close,” Mitt’s niece, Diana Ward, told Media Evolve. “This is just a joy to meet each other in person, and we’re just sharing the emotion we’ve felt about bringing our uncles home.” 

    The three women have also connected over how their grandmothers, or the mothers of Manown, Di Petta and Mitts, may have felt about their sons finally coming home. 

    “We have a connection because our uncles were involved in not only defending the freedom of the United States, but as human beings who fought together and died together,” Nakamura said.

    AMELIA EARHART MYSTERY EXPEDITION HALTED AS RESEARCHERS SEEK ANSWERS ON MISSING PLANE 

    Including their work in Palau, Project Recover has completed more than 100 missions across 25 countries. They have repatriated 24 missing Americans and have located more than 200 missing in action awaiting further recovery efforts. The group is raising money for a mission it hopes to complete in 2026 — the search for a B-52 aircraft that disappeared during a training accident. 

    “It’s off the coast of Texas. We’ve not yet found the aircraft. And of those eight service members, they all had families,” Gallaudet said. “There are about 32 of those family members still alive today who want the answers to know what happened to their loved ones.”

    In addition to the more than 80,000 missing-in-action service members, 20,000 are missing from training accidents. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is not permitted to allocate funds toward a search effort for the eight men who disappeared along with their B-52 because the crash occurred during a non-conflict training accident. 

    “Not having found the wreck yet, we don’t know what the cause of the failure was. And so it’s our goal to find that wreckage and then take the remains and repatriate them to the families,” Gallaudet said. 

    Servicemembers pose in flight suits in front of a B-52 bomber on a military airfield.

    U.S. Air Force B-52 crew members pose for a group photo. (B-52 Bomber Down)

    The Air Force Bomber was on a routine training mission in February 1968 when it disappeared from radar and radio contact. The Air Force immediately conducted an extensive nine-day search of the flight path but found no trace of the bomber. As the military concluded its search, determining it went down in an unknown location, three pieces of debris washed ashore in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

    “This B-52 off the Texas coast hasn’t been located yet, but we think we know where the area is. We’re going to find it,” Gallaudet said.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 

    More than $300,000 has been raised for the mission so far. Project Recover estimates another $200,000 is needed to search for the eight men. If the organization can locate the remains, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency will be able to allocate resources for a recovery effort. 

    You can learn more about Project Recover and the missing B-52 and donate to help with the search on Project Recover’s website.

    Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel’s (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the network’s election coverage. Baier is also host of FOX News Audio’s “The Bret Baier Podcast” which includes Common Ground and The All-Star Panel. He joined FNC in 1998 as the first reporter in the Atlanta bureau and is now based in Washington, D.C. where he was recently described as “the most influential news anchor in America right now” at the 2025 Semafor Trust in News summit.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How US troops celebrate Christmas abroad

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    As families across the United States gather for the holidays, thousands of U.S. service members are spending the season overseas, marking the occasion far from home while continuing their duties.

    American troops remain deployed across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, supporting missions that range from NATO deterrence operations to maritime patrols and humanitarian assistance. While Christmas abroad rarely resembles celebrations back home, service members often find ways to recognize the holiday within the constraints of their mission and location.

    Across overseas installations, troops commonly decorate workspaces, living areas and dining facilities with lights, trees or improvised decorations. Many bases organize special holiday meals, often with commanders and senior enlisted leaders serving food. 

    Chaplains typically hold Christmas services when schedules and security allow, sometimes in chapels, hangars or temporary facilities. For sailors deployed at sea, Christmas is often marked between watches, with decorated mess decks and holiday meals worked around operational demands.

    The holiday season also brings outreach from senior leaders. In recent days, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth placed Christmas morale calls from the Pentagon to service members stationed across the globe, including troops in South Korea, Kuwait, Norway, Greenland and aboard a Navy aircraft carrier operating in the Pacific. The calls were intended to thank service members for standing watch away from home and to recognize the range of missions continuing through the holidays.

    AMERICANS TURNED CHRISTMAS DINNER INTO PATRIOTIC DUTY DURING WWI WITH WARTIME RECIPES

    In Japan, where thousands of U.S. service members are stationed year-round, bases often emphasize morale and community traditions during the holidays. At Yokota Air Base, leaders delivered baked cookies to airmen living in dorms as part of the installation’s annual “Cookie Crunch,” a tradition aimed at supporting those spending the holidays away from family. 

    Other installations across Japan and the Pacific typically host concerts, meals and volunteer events that sometimes include host-nation communities.

    Operation Christmas Drop 2025 volunteers smile for a photo at Guam Air Force Base. (Senior Airman Alexzandra Gracey/Air Force)

    U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sara Wofford, 36th Airlift Squadron director of operations, stands before a formation of C-130J Super Hercules and C-130H Hercules aircraft from the U.S, Japan and Republic of Korea air forces participating in an elephant walk during Operation Christmas Drop 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 13, 2025

    Operation Christmas Drop highlights U.S., allies’ and partners’ capabilities to quickly mobilize and project power and airlift operations at a moment’s notice. (Senior Airman Samantha White/AIr Force)

    MILITARY REVEALS JUST HOW MUCH TURKEY SHIPPED GLOBALLY TO ENSURE AMERICAN TROOPS ENJOY THANKSGIVING MEAL

    Elsewhere in Japan, the U.S. Band of the Pacific performed holiday music for local audiences, using seasonal concerts as a way to engage surrounding communities during the holiday period.

    One of the military’s most visible holiday efforts in the region is Operation Christmas Drop, the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. Now in its 74th year, the operation recently concluded at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, where multinational teams prepared and delivered hundreds of aid bundles by C-130 aircraft to remote Pacific island communities. 

    The mission combines humanitarian assistance with airlift training and regional cooperation.

    Holiday experiences also vary based on assignment type. In places like Japan and parts of Europe, many U.S. troops serve on accompanied tours, meaning spouses and children live with them overseas. 

    Bases in those regions often host larger holiday events and family-focused activities. 

    In contrast, deployments to the Middle East and parts of Africa are typically unaccompanied, with service members living on base or at forward locations without family present. In those environments, holiday observances are usually smaller and shaped by operational and security constraints.

    That distinction also affects leave. Troops stationed overseas on long-term assignments may be eligible to travel home during the holidays if schedules allow, while service members deployed on rotational or combat deployments generally remain in place, with units maintaining normal staffing and mission requirements throughout the season.

    U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific members wave goodbye during a holiday concert at Tama Hills, Japan, Dec. 13, 2025. The event emphasized mutual respect and collaboration between the U.S. and Japanese communities through music.

    In Japan, the U.S. Band of the Pacific performed holiday music for local audiences, using seasonal concerts as a way to engage surrounding communities during the holiday period. (Airman 1st Class Kayla Karelas/Air Force)

    U.S. Army soldiers march in formation during Belgium’s National Day parade in Brussels.

    Soldiers of the U.S. Army take part in the military and civilian parade for National Day 2025 at Place des Palais – Paleizenplein on July 21, 2025, in Brussels. (Xavier Piron/Photonews via Getty Images)

    Across Europe, U.S. forces mark the holidays while supporting NATO missions and forward presence efforts. Senior leaders use the season to acknowledge the sacrifices of those stationed abroad. In a holiday message to troops, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland encouraged soldiers to spend time embracing local culture and connecting with family when possible. 

    U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich also thanked service members and their families for their service.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    For many deployed troops, the United Service Organizations (USO) plays a key role during the holidays. Across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, USO centers, mobile vehicles and expeditionary teams provide festive meals, seasonal decorations and spaces where service members can rest and connect. 

    Mobile USO teams often reach personnel stationed at remote or demanding locations, offering brief opportunities to recharge.

    For deployed units, the holidays often are marked quietly rather than ceremonially. Traditions differ by location, mission and security environment, but service members continue to find small ways to recognize the season before returning to the routines of deployment.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Hegseth seeks briefing on Sen Mark Kelly ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship’ viral video

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    The Department of War released an update via X on Tuesday regarding “potentially unlawful conduct” exhibited by Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., in the viral video titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship” which critics claim encouraged treason from service members. 

    War Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded an update on the review by Dec. 10.

    “The Department of War recently received information regarding potentially unlawful comments made by CAPT (Ret) Mark E. Kelly in a public video, on or about November 18, 2025. I am referring this, and any other related matters, for your review, consideration, and disposition as you deem appropriate,” Hegseth wrote.

    “Please provide me a brief on the outcome of your review by no later than December 10, 2025,” his letter concluded.

    Hegseth addressed his letter to the Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan. Kelly served in the Navy as a captain before running for office.

    HEGSETH RIPS MARK KELLY’S POST ABOUT HIS SERVICE: ‘YOU CAN’T EVEN DISPLAY YOUR UNIFORM CORRECTLY’
     

    The Department of War received information regarding potentially unlawful comments made by Sen. Mark E. Kelly, D-Ariz. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The Department of War and the Office of Kelly did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

    Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How government shutdown impacts veterans and military families – WTOP News

    [ad_1]

    The impacts of the government shutdown vary for military service members and their families.

    The impacts of the government shutdown vary for military service members and their families.

    Active duty troops are still being paid. However, if the government shutdown stretches until Oct. 15, the paychecks those service members are expecting would be held up.

    For military families, that’s causing anxiety, according to Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and board president of Blue Star Families, an organization that works to connect military families with civilian communities.

    Roth-Douquet told WTOP her organization is conducting a survey of military families due to release next week. She said one military spouse reported her family already lives paycheck to paycheck.

    “We know from research that fewer than one in three military families have $3,000 in savings. So that means, you miss a paycheck and already, you don’t have the money to cover your family’s needs: the mortgage, the rent, the food bill, the day care,” Roth-Douquet said.

    Financial stresses for military families isn’t just an economic issue, Roth-Douquet said.

    “From our perspective, that’s not just one family’s hardship, it’s a national security liability. Because we need our military to be able to focus on their mission and not whether they’re going into default on their bills,” she said.

    Blue Star Families has a hub, Roth-Douquet said, that includes a variety of resources.

    “You can get emergency help, food and child care information, service branch-specific resources, also help for mental health and well-being,” she said.

    Jim Marszalek, assistant executive director at Disabled American Veterans in D.C., said the Veterans Affairs receives advance appropriations, “which essentially guarantees health care and benefits” are funded a year in advance.

    “So that means benefit checks will continue, that means that health care appointments will continue as well,” Marszalek said.

    There are a number of services for disabled veterans that are suspended during the shutdown, including transition assistance programs for veterans leaving military service.

    “So any service member who’s being discharged at this time may miss out on that while on active duty,” Marszalek said.

    He added Disabled American Veterans’ transition service offices can still be contacted for assistance.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    [ad_2]

    Kate Ryan

    Source link

  • Military families sue Trump administration over gender-affirming care ban

    [ad_1]

    Three military families are suing the Department of Defense over a policy that prevents military clinics or insurance from covering gender-affirming care.

    The case, Doe v. Department of Defense, was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR) on behalf of three servicemembers and their families. The plaintiffs, who are using pseudonyms, had obtained the care for their transgender children through the military health system for over a decade before the Trump administration prohibited it.

    “President Trump has illegally overstepped his authority by abruptly cutting off necessary medical care for military families,” Shannon Minter, Legal Director at NCLR, said in a statement. “This lawless directive is part of a dangerous pattern of this administration ignoring legal requirements and abandoning our servicemembers.”

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a rule in February banning gender-affirming medical care for trans service members as well as preventing new enlistments of individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, which stated, “Effective immediately, all new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused, and all unscheduled, scheduled, or planned medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are paused.”

    Hegseth’s orders were temporarily blocked by a federal court in April, with the judges finding the restrictions to be unconstitutional. Despite this, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara issued a decision in May to move forward with the restrictions.

    The Pentagon policies came alongside Donald Trump’s executive order banning trans troops from serving in the military altogether. The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the administration to enforce the ban while lawsuits against it are heard.

    “This is a sweeping reversal of military health policy and a betrayal of military families who have sacrificed for our country,” said Sarah Austin, Staff Attorney at GLAD Law. “When a servicemember is deployed and focused on the mission they deserve to know their family is taken care of. This Administration has backtracked on that core promise and put servicemembers at risk of losing access to health care their children desperately need.”

    This article originally appeared on Advocate: Military families sue Trump administration over gender-affirming care ban

    RELATED

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Calling All Active Military, Veterans & Family Members Interested in Entertainment Careers

    Calling All Active Military, Veterans & Family Members Interested in Entertainment Careers

    [ad_1]

    Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) and Major Hollywood Studios Invite You to the Fourth Annual Veterans in Entertainment Virtual Summit Nov. 15 & 16

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 15, 2022 07:24 EST


    LOS ANGELES, November 15, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Leading Hollywood studios, networks and entertainment companies are joining forces with Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) to present the fourth annual Veterans in Entertainment Summit, a two-day virtual event running Nov. 15 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. PT) and Nov. 16 (9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT).

    Last year, over 500 veterans, service members and military family members attended the virtual event, learning from more than 50 speakers during 17 unique sessions. The agenda included live panels featuring veterans and writers from Warner Bros. Television/CBS’s United States of Al and CBS’s SEAL Team. The event also featured sessions with game developers and talks with creatives, executives and representatives from major industry unions. 

    This year, some of the biggest producers in Hollywood will share their stories, including Michael Uslan (owner of the film rights for the Batman movies); writer/producer Tom DeSanto (X-Men and Transformers franchises); social impact producer Bonnie Abaunza (Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamond); and Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty and Pushing Daisies). All are supporters of veteran initiatives like VME.

    “When you think about it, making a film or TV show mirrors a military operation in many ways,” said Karen Kraft, VME Chair and Executive Director. “You have to bring highly specialized people together as a team to complete a job on a tight schedule. You need the skills to plan, coordinate, supply and execute, just like we learn in the military.” 

    “Veterans don’t always immediately think of the entertainment industry when transitioning,” said Tom McCafferty, the Vice-Chair of VME. “Truth is, entertainment companies also need to hire corporate folks with backgrounds in areas like accounting and business, IT, marketing and publicity.” 

    “This event provides a great way for veterans and military veterans a chance to learn about career opportunities and finding mentors, internships or joining the various trade unions who provide crews to Hollywood productions,” said Rebecca Murga, an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran and VME member who is currently writing on Swagger for Apple TV+.

    “If you’re interested in an entertainment career or ever wondered what it might be like to work in Hollywood, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear from the best in the business,” said Barbara Autin, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran. Autin is a development consultant for the Grindstone Entertainment Group at Lionsgate and volunteers with VME.

    Event Sponsors include Paramount Veterans Network, Warner Bros. Discovery, Activision Blizzard, The Call of Duty Endowment, Amazon Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, First Entertainment Credit Union, Bad Robot Productions, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Deloitte, The Walt Disney Company, Lionsgate, and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

    All of the events will be hosted online and registration is FREE for veterans, active duty and military families. Register at www.vmeconnect.org.

    About Veterans in Media & Entertainment

    Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to connect U.S. military veterans working or aspiring to work in the entertainment industry to jobs, internships and educational opportunities. VME currently provides job, internship and educational programs and services to over 5,000 veterans nationwide. More info at https://vmeconnect.org/.

    Source: Veterans in Media & Entertainment

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Digitunity is Connecting Military Families With Technology

    Digitunity is Connecting Military Families With Technology

    [ad_1]

    Partnering with mission-driven organizations helps Digitunity bridge the technology gap for military families.

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 11, 2022 08:00 EST


    CONWAY, N.H., November 11, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Frequent relocation takes a significant toll on military personnel and their families. A lack of technology can make this even more difficult. That’s why Digitunity partners with organizations including Tech for Troops, Heroes Deserve Help, The Outlook Foundation, and The Armed Services YMCA, to connect military families, regardless of location, with devices like computers for remote learning and work.

    The technology gap between those who don’t have access to the internet and digital devices versus those who do is referred to as the digital divide. This disparity prevents underserved groups from gaining access to the educational and economic resources that they need.

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit that bridges the digital divide by connecting technology donors with non-profit organizations serving people in need, including military families and veterans. 

    “On average, military-connected kids attend 6-9 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. This illustrates how relocation can have a negative impact on military families,” said Scot Henley, executive director of Digitunity. “Our partnerships with outstanding veterans’ organizations in our Digital Opportunity Network put these life-changing devices in the hands of those who need them most.”

    Military families rely on technology to manage deployment and frequent relocation. Communication with friends and family relies on email, voice, and video calls. Military spouses often work remote jobs to accommodate their frequent moves. Children often need to attend classes and complete homework online.

    When only the military service member is relocated, a laptop is often the only means of communication between them and their family. One Digitunity partner, The Outlook Foundation, provides computers to deployed service personnel and their stateside families, ensuring family members can communicate with one another and access the services they need.

    The Armed Services YMCA, another Digitunity partner, specializes in aiding junior enlisted military personnel and their families through social, educational, and recreational programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Many of these programs occur remotely through technology. 

    “In this age of digital connectedness, we believe no military family member should go without the technology they need. That’s why we’re thrilled to be fostering collaboration, engaging boots-on-the-ground organizations, and putting in the work to keep these families connected,” Henley said.

    Digitunity works to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one. If you are interested in more information about how Digitunity helps military members and families, you can check out their veterans’ resource guide here. 

    About Digitunity
    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, visit www.digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Homelessness Challenging Post-9/11 Veterans

    Homelessness Challenging Post-9/11 Veterans

    [ad_1]

    One in five qualifying for VA-funded Supportive Services for Veteran Families help in South Florida enlisted after 9/11, six-year study reports

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Oct 18, 2019


    PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., October 18, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​​​​​​​​​Homelessness is challenging many post-9/11 veterans even more than their peers from prior service eras, according to a study by the nationally-accredited Purpose Built Families Foundation.

    The study looked at data from 2,995 homeless servicemen and women served by the Broward-based nonprofit since 2013. More than one in five enlisted after September 11, 2001, author Danielle Korngold reported.

    “While there is much more to understand about the post-9/11 veteran experience, the numbers are significant,” Korngold said.

    Statistically, Korngold expected post-9/11 veterans to be less than 13% of those qualifying for the VA-funded Supportive Services for Veteran Families program in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The study found post-9/11 veterans represented 22% of those receiving services between 2013 and 2019.

    This week, a group of post-9/11 veterans impacted by homelessness got together at Operation Sacred Trust in Pembroke Pines to talk about how the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon changed their lives.

    When the second plane hit on the morning of September 11, 2001, 19-year-old Michael Desir was in the lobby of a Miami hotel preparing for Marine Corps boot camp.

    In Ohio, 11-year-old Jeremy King was dealing with changes in life that would come with his parents’ breakup.

    16-year-old Juan Flores had just arrived to French class at South Broward High School where his teacher had wheeled out a television set and turned on the news.

    “I just remember not really understanding the depth of what had happened,” Jeremy said.

    “Every conversation around me, people were saying, ‘This is real. This is real.’ And then I see the news caption, ‘America Under Attack,’” Michael remembered.

    “Five seconds after we started watching, we saw the second plane hit,” Juan said.

    All three went on to serve in uniform. Michael and Juan in the Marine Corps; Jeremy in the Navy.

    Michael, Jeremy, and Juan were later impacted by Veteran homelessness in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Juan, now Dr. Juan Flores, as an intake supervisor with the Operation Sacred Trust Supportive Services for Veteran Families program; Michael and Jeremy, as veterans who experienced homelessness firsthand.

    Clyde Angel said 14 years serving as a VA Chaplain showed that post-9/11 veterans frequently struggled “to reconnect with self and others through their transition from active duty to civilian life.” Dr. Angel said he was able to help many “express emotions and feelings that were difficult due to the symptoms of emotional numbing.”

    Losing close relationships, Dr. Angel said, is “often a core issue” that goes beyond homelessness. “The ability to strengthen significant relationships provides an important supportive component to deter suicide,” he said.

    Seth Eisenberg, CEO of Purpose Built Families and a co-founder of Operation Sacred Trust, agrees.

    “Preventing homelessness, suicide, and related challenges has to include helping veterans learn practical, usable skills to protect their closest relationships,” Eisenberg said.

    Source: Purpose Built Families Foundation

    [ad_2]

    Source link