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Archive for the ‘Veterans’ Category

Polaris Off Road and Zac Brown Band Partner on Exclusive Concert to Support Veterans

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

Polaris Off Road to Stream Exclusive Performance on December 27th to Raise Money for Camp Southern Ground’s Veterans Programs

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 11, 2020) – Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, teamed up with Zac Brown Band and Camp Southern Ground for the Proud American Thank You initiative to honor veterans and active military personnel. The initiative kicks off on Veterans Day and culminates with an exclusive performance by Zac Brown Band, available to stream, on December 27th with all donations going to Camp Southern Ground’s veteran programs.

Beginning today, you can join Polaris and Zac Brown Band in honoring our nation’s veterans by donating to Camp Southern Ground. Then on December 27th, Zac Brown Band and Polaris will host the Proud American Thank You concert, where Polaris will match every dollar donated during the performance, up to $25,000. Camp Southern Ground is a non-profit organization committed to providing extraordinary experiences with a dedicated veterans program designed to serve post-9/11 veterans and their transitions to life after military service.

To donate or learn more, visit CampSouthernGround.org/Polaris.

“Polaris takes pride in being an American company built on the values that shaped our nation, values that are protected and exemplified by the brave men and women who have—or are currently—serving our country. Together with Zac Brown Band and Camp Southern Ground, we want to say, ‘thank you’ for their service, sacrifice and commitment to our nation,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road.

“Teaming up with Polaris to raise money to support veteran programs at Camp Southern Ground is a privilege that I don’t take for granted,” added Mike Dobbs, CEO of Camp Southern Ground. “Camp Southern Ground’s veteran programs, Warrior Week and Warrior PATHH, were developed to support the mental health and wellbeing of transitioning veterans. Our goal with the Proud American Thank You is to raise funds to continue to provide that programming at no cost to veterans.”

Zac Brown Band is a frequent collaborator with Polaris and shares the same commitment to supporting our nation’s veterans. Brown started Camp Southern Ground to serve children with diverse backgrounds and abilities, and the project has grown to address the needs of service members transitioning to civilian life after active duty.

In addition to the Proud American Thank You fundraising concert, Polaris will continue its Heroes Advantage Program, offering discounts on vehicles to America’s active military, veterans, first responders, and medical professionals. Polaris works with other programs like its Salute to Service initiative with the Wounded Warriors Project. As a longtime partner of the United States military and allies around the world, Polaris produces a versatile lineup of utility, transport, and tactical off-road vehicles through its Polaris Government’s Defense business. With hundreds of current and former services members part of the Polaris team, including Chairman and CEO Scott Wine, Polaris believes in supporting those who protect this nation’s freedoms, especially after their service is completed.

For more information about the Proud American Thank You and to make a donation, visit CampSouthernGround.org/Polaris, and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

*Camp Southern Ground is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tax ID #27-3082862. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. If you have any questions, please contact a Camp Southern Ground representative by email  at development@campsouthernground.org.

Limited Edition Veteran’s Day Raptor Charging Handle from Radian Weapons

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

On September 2, 1901 as Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt used the phrase “speak softly, and carry a big stick” to describe his position on foreign policy. Later to be defined as Big Stick diplomacy, this theory set the foundation for his future presidency.

A decorated Veteran of the Spanish American War, lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider Regiment, and youngest President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt is our inspiration for this year’s Limited Edition Raptor Charging Handle.

Finished with an OD green cerakote handle, a clear anodized shaft and laser engraved with the famous quote, “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick; You Will Go Far.” this one-of-a-kind Raptor & Talon Combo is one you can’t afford not to add to your collection. A portion of the proceeds from this product will be donated to Warfighter Outfitters; Veterans helping Veterans on the water and beyond.

radianweapons.com/accessories/charging-handles/2020-veterans-day-combo

*Limited Quantities Available. While Supplies last. The purchase of a Limited Edition Raptor cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, or promotions. Limit 2 per customer.

Brownells Supports Veterans Group With Shirt Sales Throughout November

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

GRINNELL, Iowa (November 11, 2020) On Veterans Day, Brownells launched a set of limited-edition T-shirts with all profits generated by those shirts to be donated to Special Operations Wounded Warriors.

For sale only until the end of November, the shirts are available in three styles and colors – sizes small through XXXL – and are emblazoned with pro-veteran and patriotic images and slogans.

“Brownells has proudly supported SOWW for years,” said Brownells Vice President of Marketing Ryan Repp. “We hope the t-shirts are a big hit and help us generate more money for this great cause.”

All of the limited-edition t-shirts retail for $19.99 and can be found on this page at the Brownells website.

About SOWW

SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a 501(c)(3) Charity, was formed in August of 2012 for the distinct purpose of providing outdoor experiences to a select group of both active duty and veteran U.S. Military Special Operations Forces, that have received wounds in battle, and have received our country’s prestigious Purple Heart Medal. To donate or for more information, visit www.sowwcharity.com.

A Thank You Message To Our Veterans

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

Whether you’re an American Veteran or served in the military of one of our allies, a big thanks from us to you. We appreciate being in good company!

Warriors Heart to Auction off Handcrafted American Flags Benefiting Warriors Heart Foundation

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

Bandera, TX – November 10, 2020 – Warriors Heart, a private treatment facility providing care for addiction and chemical dependency & PTSD for active military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders, announced that they will be auctioning off a one-of-a-kind American Flag, handcrafted by Veterans and First Responders in the Warriors Heart Foundation woodshop, beginning Tuesday, November 10th at 8:00am CST through their auction website: auction.warriorsheart.com

The woodshop is a part of the unique treatments offered at Warriors Heart, devoted to healing our Nations’ Military, Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMT personnel. There are many American flags on the market, but this flag was made by those who were sworn to protect it.

This wooden flag is made with 13 strips of wood and 50 individual stars. The time and effort put into it reflects just how important the American flag is to the men and women serving under it.

“This Flag is a symbol of our home and all we believe in and here…it also represents freedom from addiction,” stated Warriors Heart co-founder, Tom Spooner.

Participants can view the flag, as well as the rules on the Warriors Heart Auction site, which will provide them with a link for the auction raffle tickets itself. The winner will be announced on Facebook, Instagram, and their Auction site, by 5:00PM CST on Thursday November 12th through the site at: auction.warriorsheart.com

100% of the profits go to the Operation Warriors Heart Foundation where they are used to subsidize the cost of treatment for a Warrior or First Responder in need. The foundation is driven solely through the donations of others, supporting programs that address the unmet needs of suffering servicemen and women and give individuals and communities the tools to become self-sufficient.

You can help make a difference in the lives of our warriors and their families, and this is just one way that you can serve those who have served you.

Everest.com Offers Reduced Pricing of Caliber Memberships to Veterans, Active Duty Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responders

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

The Woodlands, Texas – November 10, 2020 – Everest.com, the nation’s first outdoor lifestyle-focused, multi-merchant marketplace announced today that the company will offer Caliber memberships at 50% off to all members of the military and first responders’ communities.

Everest Caliber Memberships are now available to veterans, active duty military, law enforcement and first responders for $59.94 for a one-year membership with annual billing. Caliber members receive the following benefits:
– Free shipping on Caliber-eligible products
– Access to streaming entertainment
– Eat, Play & Travel discounts to 700,000+ locations
– Donation to our non-profit partners
– Early-bird notices on sales and closeouts
– Samples from Everest Storefronts
– Extreme discounts on gear
– Everest t-shirt
– Everest Collectible Pure Copper or Silver Bar
– Discount on a U.S. LawShield membership

 everest.com

CRKT Adds Septimo Multi-Tool to Forged By War Program

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

Born of Flames. Seriously. The Septimo™ Multi-Tool is a tactical carry designed by a seasoned Green Beret to be more than a convenience—he forged it of experience to serve as a lifeline. A tanto blade with one Veff Serration™ pairs with a Philips and flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, glass breaker, and adjustable wrench to create this deployment-prepared powerhouse.

Jeremy Valdez of Tampa, Florida brings combat experience and time serving in the 7th Special Forces Group to the aptly named Septimo™ Multi-Tool; a tribute meaning “seventh” in Spanish. Designed in the spirit of his tactical folding knife by the same name, the main motivation for this multi-tool design arises from his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan. During combat operations, Jeremy was involved in a helicopter crash. In the chaotic aftermath, the small folder he had failed to perform when he was cutting straps and moving debris while pulling fellow soldiers out of the burning, tangled chopper wreckage.

Duty to his fallen comrades and brothers and sisters in arms drove him to design the Septimo™ and now the Septimo™ Multi-Tool with a thumb stud opening, a desert-proof black oxide finish, and friction points on the handle to help deal with inclement conditions. It was given a single Veff Serration™ for impressively effective strap cutting ability.

In addition to the powerful blade, the Septimo™ Multi-Tool features both a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, a bottle opener, and an adjustable wrench with a strong glass breaker.

Some are born of novelty. The Septimo™ is born of purpose.

About the Forged By War® Program

In 2013, Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, designer of elite, military, tactical tomahawks, approached CRKT® with the news that he had been working with a few combat veterans that had returned from war with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress (PTS).

To help work through their challenges, they have been designing and forging steel into custom tools. Drawing from their experience earned in combat situations, they have been creating tools they wished they had available to them in the battlefield.

CRKT® cares deeply about our returning veterans and we saw a way to give back to the community that created them. In 2016, we launched the Forged By War® program.

These are mission ready tools, designed by veterans, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the veterans’ charity of choice.

Mission ready tools that are Forged By War®. Learn more here.

Jeremy Valdez’s charity of choice for this tool is the Green Beret Foundation.

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Veterans Suicide / Remembrance Day  

Sunday, November 8th, 2020

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
— President George Washington

So, I had a post all set and ready to go. I was about to share it with Eric so he could post. I wrote about Remembrance Day; (I have it at the end of this). I like to write about history as it pertains to the military, mainly the Navy. But something is going on that should not be ignored. It is only really talked about but when it happens to someone you know. But I think because of the stigma attached to it, no one will continue to talk about it. Many veterans out there are suffering from a lot of different things, physical and mental. Depending on what report you read, up to 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Some reports say higher and some lower, but they are not that far apart.  Regardless of the daily number, Veterans have the highest suicide rate among any other group.  It is not just the vets from the War on Terror, either. This number represents all the wars and conflicts from which we still have survivors. And it’s not only a U.S. problem, as many of our allies are dealing with the same issues. If you know someone or you might be having problems, PLEASE talk to someone, anyone.  The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

I have lost some very close friends to suicide, and I never want it to happen to anyone ever again. Please look out for the signs and symptoms; sometimes they are easy to see, while other times you have no clue and it will happen to someone close to you. But if you are thinking of hurting yourself, please talk to someone. If you believe the world is better with you not in it, it is not. The people you leave behind will always have to deal with what happened and still have to think they could have done more. I know I do, but I also know I did all I could have done to help. But there will always be that .01% that thinks I could have done more to help my brother. People, especially military people, are good at hiding things and it’s not always easy to see. Please keep an eye on your brother and sister. I look at the military as a family.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, was started by the U.S. and the U.K. to remember the fallen and honor the end of World War One, which occurred at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Traditions used to observe Remembrance Day include wearing poppies, and a two-minute silence at 11 am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.  It wasn’t long after WWI ended that the day the armistice was signed was adopted as a suitable time and date for countries involved in the war to mark their soldiers’ sacrifice, with official remembrance services taking place in the U.K. and USA in 1919. After World War II, both countries started to use that day to pay respect to the fallen from all wars. Despite the shared history, Remembrance Day has evolved in different ways.  Depending on where you are in the world, it can be known as Armistice Day, Veterans’ Day, Remembrance Day, Poppy Day and may not even be celebrated on November 11th. In 1938 it was made a legal holiday in the U.S., and, in 1945, it was changed to honor all military veterans. Please take a moment on November 11th to remember those who serve and have served in the name of our country and who continue to bravely give their time for the freedoms we hold so dear.