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Green Beret Foundation Expands Services to Serve All Generations of US Army Special Forces Soldiers and their Families

Thursday, November 11th, 2021

Pineland Initiative will expand Foundation’s scope of programs and services to now include pre-9/11 Green Berets and families

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 10, 2021 // — The Green Beret Foundation (GBF) announced today the launch of the Pineland Initiative, a new campaign which will focus on expansion of the Foundation’s scope of services to now include pre-9/11 U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and their families.

The Pineland Initiative, launching in 2022, will reflect a 3-year phased approach to growth and expansion of existing programs and services in order to accommodate the needs of the pre-9/11 Green Beret population. One key aspect of this expansion will be the welcoming of additional Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) onboard GBF staff to meet anticipated greater need for assistance with the preparation and prosecution of Veterans Affairs benefits and disability claims. These new VSOs will bring with them the added benefit of providing a Foundation presence geographically located at each of the five Active Duty Special Forces Groups, and two National Guard Special Forces Groups, located around the country.

The name “Pineland” pays tribute to the shared legacy of Green Berets, past and present. GBF Executive Director and Green Beret, Brent Cooper, explains: “Pineland, a fictitious country located in North Carolina where U.S. Army Special Forces trainees consummate their training and selection with the legendary Robin Sage exercise in unconventional warfare, is a universal term that all Green Berets recognize and hold dear. It is a key rite of passage on the path to earning the coveted Green Beret. Being immersed in this fictitious country is a defining experience in all Green Berets’ lives, so it is also the perfect name for this pivotal moment in the GBF’s history, where we can now expand our services to Green Berets of all generations. Though we’ve helped many Green Berets and their families, the job will never be done until we are in a position to help all Green Berets–past, present, and future. The bond between all Special Forces soldiers across the generations is strong. We had to do more, and the Pineland Initiative is how we plan to go about doing so.”

This new initiative for GBF is well-timed, as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army Special Forces will be commemorated this coming June 19th. With Pineland being the first initiative in GBF’s history to support Green Berets of all generations, “There’s an opportunity to honor those that laid the groundwork to make the Green Berets the world’s premier, elite special operations force,” Cooper says.

GBF is asking that those wishing to support the Pineland Initiative campaign consider making a commitment of support to the Foundation at the amount of just a $12 monthly recurring contribution. The number 12 is symbolically significant to the Green Beret community, as it is the number of Green Berets on each Operational Detachment Alpha team–a fact which emphasizes that the Pineland Initiative will be a team effort. GBF offers multiple means by which supporters may choose to give, including one-time contributions and monthly recurring donations. For every dollar donated to the Green Beret Foundation, $0.84 goes directly to support the existing programs that the Pineland Initiative will now make available to pre-9/11 Green Berets and their families.

These programs and services include:

Casualty Support

GBF provides support to wounded or injured Green Berets, ensuring that their hospital stay, recovery, and rehabilitation is more comfortable, along with other financial support for family needs not covered by the Department of Defense.

Health & Wellness

GBF supplements the care that the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Health Agency provides to ensure total long-term health of a Green Beret’s mind, body, and spirit.

Family Support

A program to provide a welcoming community of support to families of Green Berets. This includes the Steel Mags program–the exclusive program of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of Green Berets–and educational scholarships provided to the children and wives of Special Forces soldiers.

Gold Star & Surviving Families

GBF provides Gold Star and Surviving Families with support, tools, and financial assistance to navigate through the death of their Green Beret, assisting families in building long-lasting, supportive relationships within the Special Forces community.

Next Ridgeline™ Transition Support

With the Next Ridgeline Program, GBF provides current and transitioning Green Berets with the resources and tools they need to be successful in their next careers, along with Veterans Affairs benefits and disability claims preparation and prosecution.

GBF has now expanded their ability to accept donations, beyond the traditional means of accepting support through recurring donations and corporate matching programs. To streamline the giving process for donors, they now have partnerships with AmazonSmile, Ebay Giving Works, PayPal Giving, the Combined Federal Campaign, and Network for Good. Cryptocurrencies are also accepted.

Support the Green Beret Foundation |fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org/gbfpineland

Posted in Charity, Press Release, SOF, Veterans | 2 Comments »

Operation Hat Trick: Supporting American Service Members and Veterans

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

SIG SAUER is proud to partner with Operation Hat Trick, a non-profit organization that generates awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of branded merchandise and products, OHT donates proceeds to selected organizations that fulfill the OHT mission.

OHT is dedicated to American service members as they recover from the visible and invisible wounds of war by helping them move past the traumas of battle so they can focus on their lives and families at home.

Proceeds from the sales of OHT branded merchandise are donated to Operation Hat Trick to support its mission to assist American service members and veterans.

SIG OHT ODG Hat

SIG OHT Blue and White Hat

SIG OHT Kryptek Highlander Hat

SIG OHT ODG and Tan Hat

SIG OHT Blue + White Ball Cap

SIG OHT Kryptek Typhon Hat

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Fundraising, Guest Post, Veterans | Comments Off on Operation Hat Trick: Supporting American Service Members and Veterans

American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog with Handler in Arizona

Sunday, October 24th, 2021

PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 18, 2021) – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, yesterday reunited retired Military Working Dog Irk, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Sheridyn Rupp, his former handler and best friend, in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “Tragically, these K-9 veterans are still sometimes separated from their human counterparts, who they formed a deep bond with. We are honored to reunite SSgt Rupp with MWD Irk, and wish Irk a happy, peaceful retirement with the person he loves best.”

MWD Irk is trained as a Patrol Narcotics Detection Dog. He served his time at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois for six years, helping to train his handlers on the basics and tactics of working with a Military Working Dog. MWD Irk worked alongside SSgt Rupp at Scott AFB for 22 months – the longest handler he ever had. While assigned as a team, the two conducted daily trainings on obedience, bite-work, narcotic detection and base security measures. The two have been separated for a year.

“Irk is one of the sweetest K-9’s I have met,” said SSgt Rupp. “He is brave and served with all his heart. However, because of his age he is starting to slow down, and the decision was made to give him a loving home and a couch to lay on for his retirement. I am so grateful to be reunited with Irk and cannot wait to give him the retirement he deserves.”

SSgt Rupp was active duty for eight years. She now serves in the Reserves at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, working as a Diet Therapy Technician.

Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs, so American Humane veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus travelled to Arizona to ensure MWD Irk’s health and safety. The reunion took place at the Lulu’s Fund headquarters in Phoenix. Lulu’s Fund, which is part of the Timothy T. Day Foundation, supports organizations in the animal rescue community throughout the United States.

American Humane recently launched a Military Working Dog Reunification fund which will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of donors. Proceeds from this fund will also provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement. To donate and support our nation’s furry heroes, including MWD Irk, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SOC-F – Arc’teryx LEAF Duffle Pack 50 Sweepstakes

Wednesday, October 20th, 2021

Arc’teryx LEAF and US Elite are Teaming up to support The Special Operations Care Fund. Four of the just-announced Special Make Up (SMU) Duffle Pack 50’s, including US Elite swag, will be raffled off.

• (2) Production Duffle Pack 50’s + some AWESOME swag, donated by US Elite Gear

• (2) one-of-a-kind Duffle Pack 50 prototypes donated by Arc’teryx LEAF

First Sweepstakes winner gets wins the opportunity to pick one (1) of the four Duffle Pack 50 bags of his or her choice. 2nd Sweepstakes winner gets to choose (1) Duffle Pack 50 of the three remaining bags. 3rd Sweepstakes winner gets their choice of the two remaining bags. Sweepstakes winner # 4 gets the (1) remaining bag.

• Winner # 1 in addition to the Duffle 50 bag also receives both a pair of Salomon Forces Sua Sponte MK II boots AND a Danger Ranger Knife.

• Winner # 2 in addition to the Duffle 50 bag will also receive a pair of Salomon Forces Sua Sponte MK II boots.

• Winner # 3 in addition to the Duffle 50 bag will also receive an Arc’teryx BAC Cap and US Elite T Shirt

• Winner # 4 in addition to the Duffle 50 bag will also receive a US Elite T Shirt.

• For this SMU (Special Make Up) project Arc’teryx wanted to use the best raw materials, with a operationally proven track record, and pair them with the best features from our ‘back catalogue’ of Arc’teryx Outdoor duffle packs. They chose the excellent 500D Cordura MultiCam material that’s Polyurethane coated on both sides making it seriously robust and water resistant, yet lightweight and flexible.

To support the Special Operations Care Fund and purchase your chances to win, go here.

Posted in Advertiser, Arc'teryx, Charity, Contest, Fundraising | Comments Off on SOC-F – Arc’teryx LEAF Duffle Pack 50 Sweepstakes

Safran Optics 1 Donates to Travis Mills Foundation

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

Recently, Safran Optics 1 donated $10,000 to the Travis Mills Foundation which supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Safran Optics 1 encourages others to donate to this worthy cause.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity | Comments Off on Safran Optics 1 Donates to Travis Mills Foundation

AUSA 21 – Safran Optics 1 SLAM D

Monday, October 11th, 2021

Safran Optics 1’s Small Lightweight Acquisition Marker Designator (SLAM D) fills the role of multiple battlefield devices; a tripod-mountable high-power designator, a high-power NIR pointer with pulse feature, a see-spot observation device with laser spot tracking and PRF code counting, and a handheld laser acquisition marker. Designed for one handed operation, it was envisioned to safely designate a target at 5 km but in testing they have performed out past 8 km.

SLAM D’s high-performance Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection SWIR camera core detects, tracks and brackets laser energy while deciphering up to three laser PRF codes simultaneously.

SLAM D serves as a STANAG 3733 compliant laser device, filling the role of long- range designation and LGB hosting during TGO. The user can program up to three different PRF code presets to allow the user to quickly cycle between codes to designate for different CAS aircraft, or set the code on the fly when an air weapons team checks on station unexpectedly.

Above, you can see the bottom of the SLAM D which gives a better view of the controls and tripod mount.

Additionally, Safran Optics 1 donated $10,000 today to Fisher House which provides housing for military families receiving medical care at major military and veteran medical care facilities.

Seen above are (l-r) Bob Lachance, VP Business Development at Safran Optics 1; COL Walt Kennedy (USA, Ret), Director, Business Development of Safran Optics 1; Marshall Banks, Director of Community Relations at Fisher House Foundation; Joseph Bogosian, President and CEO of Safran Optics 1.

Mr Banks said that they have just opened House number 92 and 93 cents of every Dollar donated goes toward the program. Visitors stays for free while family members receive medical treatment.

You can join in Safran Optics 1 in giving to Fisher House by following this link.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Charity, Lights | Comments Off on AUSA 21 – Safran Optics 1 SLAM D

Combat Flip Flops Veteran Art Auction

Thursday, September 30th, 2021

Over the last two months, the world witnessed an unprecedented event within the borders of Afghanistan. The only thing that matched the nature of the loss and destruction has been the positive effort of the veteran community stepping up to aid in evacuations and transit of interpreters, journalists, athletes, and activists.

Although the media seems to have already moved beyond the event, human beings are still trapped within the borders of Afghanistan. Veterans and private citizens are still working to move them to safety. Without support of the United States Government, organizations continue to raise money to assist in the transportation and resettlement of refugees–because the reality is that this freedom isn’t free. It takes money.

Combat Flip Flops enlisted the effort of renowned artists to donate art to auction to assist in these efforts. For a limited time, you can bid on limited edition art to raise money or resettlement efforts.

Launching the initiative is InvaderGirl and Matt Galbraith. For more information on the art available and incoming, please visit the link: www.combatflipflops.com/AAA

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Combat Flip Flops Veteran Art Auction

ESSTAC Using MDM 21 Crayon Sales to Benefit Family of Cpl Lopez

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021

With Modern Day Marine 2021 cancelled, ESSTAC wasn’t sure what to do with their gag business cards. Turns out, they’ve found a far better cause for them to go to, honoring the 13 Americans who gave their lives this past month.

Hunter Lopez was an ESSTAC fan and an avid user of their products and many other companies.

May He Rest In Peace, and no one forget his sacrifice.

ALL Procedes from the sale of these crayons will go to Hunter Lopez’s family via the following fundraiser…. ESSTAC will match money taken in from the MDM 21 crayon sales.

helpahero.com/campaign/help-support-the-family-of-corporal-lopez

Adding these to your cart should apply free shipping to your order. Order as many as can afford.

esstac.com/mdm-2021-crayons

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, USMC | 3 Comments »