Armed Forces Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Armed Forces Foundation is an American
non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.
that began operations in 2001 with the mission of supporting the members of the United States Armed Forces
from all branches of service, both active duty and retired. With such a broad range of goals the Foundation has expanded tremendously and now has annual donations of over $8 million. Through its efforts, the Foundation currently administers 4 programs and a number of projects with the goal of raising funds and awareness to support service members and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation maintains a 94% ratio of every dollar donated from outside contributions back into its programs.
and his wife Beverly, is the largest program administered by the Armed Forces Foundation and provides direct financial assistance to service members and their families facing financial hardship through injury and other service related situations. With the ability to provide money to service members and their families from all branches of service, the Foundation is able to make a valued impact on the lives of those who serve the United States.
Troop & Hospital Staff Appreciation Dinners: during hospitalization, simple gestures and warm wishes for wellness play an important role in the injury recovery process. To show its thanks, the AFF organizes appreciation dinners for injured troops and the staff of the:
These dinners feed hungry patients and hospital staff and are catered by local businesses.
Lodging Assistance: While recovering from combat injuries, having a family member by one's side is an integral part of the healing process. The AFF makes this possible through hotel, lodging and travel costs. The AFF provides for hotel and lodging costs to help families be with their loved ones at the following places:
The Armed Forces Foundation sponsors a wide range of MWR events, including:
Classic Outdoor Sports
The Armed Forces Foundation Classic Outdoor Sports Program fills a vital need of injured servicemen and women and their families - that need being much needed R&R. Through the Classic Outdoor Sports Program, the Armed Forces Foundation along with a number of other supporters plan hunting and fishing trips for injured warriors and their families.
The Classic Outdoor Sports Program has received wide praise from the press for its efforts in providing injured troops and their families with a much needed good time. The program has received recognition from Congressional leaders, ESPN
, ESPN2
, Outdoor Channel, The Sportsman Channel
, Pentagon Channel
, and Fox News.
According to a recent study administered by the Department of Defense
, 1 in 6 service persons returning from combat in Iraq acknowledged symptoms of severe depression and PTSD. Of that number, the study also reported that 60% would be reluctant to seek help from commanding officers or their peers out of fear they would be treated differently. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to severe depression, alcoholism, violence and other unhealthy behavior.
gives readers an intimate look into the world of U.S service personnel affected with TBI and PTSD. This awareness project has generated a dialogue between the Foundation, Corporations, and Government in what can be done to better care for service persons returning from combat and living with these unseen injuries.
, honors the bravery of the young children of service members separated from their loved ones by active duty combat. Operation Caring Classroom (OCC) teaches civilian children about the way of life of their peers who grow up in military families. Among the highlights of the program:
.
The SHIP committee and the Armed Forces Foundation are committed to renovating the Grant Building and returning it to use by the residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home
for recreational, residential, and rehabilitation use. To that end, the SHIP committee and the AFF have committed to raise funds and awareness for the project.
, the Grant Building is a handsome marble structure, and will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2012.
The Grant Building is a large, rectangular shaped building with a central court from the second to through fourth floors. Plans for its construction were debated as early as the 19th century, but construction did not commence until 1906 and ultimately lasted six years. Baltimore
based Architects Baldwin and Pennington designed the structure as both a residence and mess hall
, a large media and political emphasis has been devoted on the cause the Armed Forces Foundation supports. In the past, the Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by many high ranked military officials as well as national elected officials.
: on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:
"Commending the Service of the Armed Forces Foundation"
(Mr. Wilson of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks)
"Mr. WILSON of South Carolina.
Mr. Speaker, this weekend I had the honor of joining the nonprofit Armed Forces Foundation in Columbia, South Carolina, for Military Appreciation Day. There I met with hundreds of military and family members who gather to enjoy a day of recreation, fishing and appreciation for their service.
Led by President Patricia Driscoll, along with fundraiser Wyatt Smith and founded by Jim Gorab, the Armed [Forces] Foundation works to support the American military community. President Driscoll knows personally the sacrifice these men and women make, as her husband is on active duty in Iraq today, fighting to protect American families in the war on terror.
Along with military appreciation events held throughout the United States, the Armed Forces Foundation coordinated care packages for troops deployed and offers travel assistance for families visiting wounded soldiers. Additionally, they give away thousands of turkeys every year for Thanksgiving and gift certificates for military children at Christmas time.
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Armed Forces Foundation for their service to those who defend freedom.
In conclusion, may God bless our troops and may we never forget September 11."
Ceremony, President George W. Bush
honored the commitment of the Armed Forces Foundation to our military community. The event was organized under the United States Department of Defense
America Supports You
program.
President George W. Bush also made remarks at a separate White House ceremony honoring Corporal Jason Dunham: "I want to support the leaders of organizations which support our military families, I appreciate your tireless work... I want to thank the members of the Armed Forces Foundation, and those who serve in our other Veterans service organizations."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
that began operations in 2001 with the mission of supporting the members of the United States Armed Forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
from all branches of service, both active duty and retired. With such a broad range of goals the Foundation has expanded tremendously and now has annual donations of over $8 million. Through its efforts, the Foundation currently administers 4 programs and a number of projects with the goal of raising funds and awareness to support service members and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation maintains a 94% ratio of every dollar donated from outside contributions back into its programs.
Mission statement
"The Armed Forces Foundation is dedicated to providing comfort and solace to members of the United States Armed Forces Community by providing financial support, career counseling services, homeowners education, recreational therapy programs and funding awareness projects."Programs
The Armed Forces Foundation currently administers 4 core programs, each with a different focus.The Honorable C.W Bill and Beverly Young Financial Assistance Fund
The Honorable C.W Bill and Beverly Young Financial Assistance Fund, named after Congressman Bill YoungBill Young
Charles William "Bill" Young is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1971. He is a member of the Republican Party, and is currently the longest-serving Republican member of Congress...
and his wife Beverly, is the largest program administered by the Armed Forces Foundation and provides direct financial assistance to service members and their families facing financial hardship through injury and other service related situations. With the ability to provide money to service members and their families from all branches of service, the Foundation is able to make a valued impact on the lives of those who serve the United States.
Financial Assistance
The Foundation helps families cover such expenses as:- Airline tickets to visit loved ones recuperating in a hospital
- Utility bills
- Rent or mortgage payments (for civilian housing)
- Car payments
- Childcare during illness, surgery or recovery
- Car insurance or registration payments
Bereavement Support
The AFF Bereavement Program augments the cost of funeral and travel arrangements for families of deceased servicemen and women during their time of mourning. The Bereavement Support Program helps in the following ways:- Providing monetary assistance for loved ones to attend funeral services
- Providing grief counseling services
- Providing investment and estate planning services
- Yellow ribbon scholarship fund for children of deceased servicemen and women
National Impact
The Armed Forces Foundation, a national charity, has helped hundreds of families across the United States. Below is a state by state break down of the Foundation's Direct Financial Assistance from 2006 through second quarter 2010.| State | Number of cases | Total amount of assistance given |
|---|---|---|
 Alabama |
19 | $14663.07 |
 Alaska |
6 | $3,782.00 |
 Arizona |
15 | $13,064.8 |
 Arkansas |
28 | $15,501.7 |
 California |
45 | $41,359.4 |
 Colorado |
12 | $13,788.7 |
 Connecticut |
1 | $1,000.00 |
 Delaware |
5 | $4,346.22 |
 District of Columbia |
3 | $8,142 |
 Florida |
40 | $36,829.2 |
 Georgia |
51 | $38,624.8 |
 Guam |
1 | $1,000.00 |
 Hawaii |
1 | 572.55 |
 Idaho |
1 | 807.13 |
 Illinois |
12 | $11,096.9 |
 Indiana |
17 | $17,648.3 |
 Iowa |
5 | $3,732.41 |
 Kansas |
9 | $9,505 |
 Kentucky |
17 | $14,219 |
 Louisiana |
9 | $9,443.84 |
 Maine |
4 | $2,057.00 |
 Maryland |
23 | $23,216.9 |
 Massachusetts |
6 | $10,741.65 |
 Michigan |
7 | $5,694 |
 Minnesota |
4 | $4,532 |
 Mississippi |
4 | $3,633 |
 Missouri |
11 | $9,435 |
 Montana |
1 | $568.00 |
 Nebraska |
0 | 0 |
 Nevada |
4 | $3,238 |
 New Hampshire |
1 | 450 |
 New Jersey |
12 | $15,758 |
 New Mexico |
2 | $1,710.00 |
 New York |
13 | $11,131 |
 North Carolina |
23 | $20,820.1 |
 North Dakota |
1 | $842.00 |
 Ohio |
16 | $15,930.6 |
 Oklahoma |
4 | $2,404.71 |
 Oregon |
6 | $5,421 |
 Pennsylvania |
17 | $15,400.9 |
 Rhode Island |
2 | $1,700 |
 South Carolina |
10 | $9,019 |
 South Dakota |
2 | $1,234.00 |
 Tennessee |
17 | $15,786.7 |
 Texas |
83 | $74,132.3 |
 Utah |
0 | 0 |
 Vermont |
1 | 800 |
 Virginia |
28 | $22,456.2 |
 Washington |
11 | $8,616.3 |
 West Virginia |
3 | $3,435.24 |
 Wisconsin |
10 | $8846.28 |
 Wyoming |
0 | 0 |
 Totals |
623 | $558,137.24 |
Michael Stevens Memorial Career Counseling Program
- AFF Information Services: Realizing that the application process and paperwork for veterans service programs can be overwhelming, the AFF works to make these things less stressful and complicated for service members and veterans. In dealing with VA benefits, medical review boards, or any other service related benefits, the AFF staff has the knowledge to guide Veterans through this complicated process.
- Mentoring Wounded Warriors: The AFF Michael Stevens Memorial Career Counseling Program provides career counseling and job placement for transitioning servicemen and women. The process starts by addressing immediate hospital or medical needs and ends in the successful transition of a Veteran into civilian employment.
Wounded Warrior Support Services Program
The Wounded Warrior Support Services Program was established to show gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.Troop & Hospital Staff Appreciation Dinners: during hospitalization, simple gestures and warm wishes for wellness play an important role in the injury recovery process. To show its thanks, the AFF organizes appreciation dinners for injured troops and the staff of the:
- Walter Reed Army Hospital
- National Naval Medical CenterNational Naval Medical CenterThe National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA — commonly known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital — was for decades the flagship of the United States Navy's system of medical centers. A federal institution, it conducted medical and dental research as well as providing health care for...
- H.H McGuire Veterans Affairs Hospital
These dinners feed hungry patients and hospital staff and are catered by local businesses.
Lodging Assistance: While recovering from combat injuries, having a family member by one's side is an integral part of the healing process. The AFF makes this possible through hotel, lodging and travel costs. The AFF provides for hotel and lodging costs to help families be with their loved ones at the following places:
- Navy Lodge at the National Naval Medical CenterNational Naval Medical CenterThe National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA — commonly known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital — was for decades the flagship of the United States Navy's system of medical centers. A federal institution, it conducted medical and dental research as well as providing health care for...
- Mologne House at the Walter Reed Army Hospital
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs
In keeping with the AFF mission to support military families in their time of greatest need, the Foundation continually organizes M/W/R events all around the country, allowing service members and their families a chance to escape the stresses of injury recovery and deployment.The Armed Forces Foundation sponsors a wide range of MWR events, including:
- Welcome home ceremonies
- Golf outings
- Concerts
- Family outings
- Christmas parties
- Marathons
Classic Outdoor Sports
The Armed Forces Foundation Classic Outdoor Sports Program fills a vital need of injured servicemen and women and their families - that need being much needed R&R. Through the Classic Outdoor Sports Program, the Armed Forces Foundation along with a number of other supporters plan hunting and fishing trips for injured warriors and their families.
The Classic Outdoor Sports Program has received wide praise from the press for its efforts in providing injured troops and their families with a much needed good time. The program has received recognition from Congressional leaders, ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, ESPN2
ESPN2
ESPN2 is an American sports cable television network owned by ESPN. The channel debuted on October 1, 1993.Originally nicknamed "the deuce," ESPN2 was initially branded as a network for a younger generation of sports fans featuring edgier graphics as well as extreme sports like motocross,...
, Outdoor Channel, The Sportsman Channel
The Sportsman Channel
Sportsman Channel is a television speciality channel dedicated to hunting, shooting and fishing programming. It launched in 2003.-History:Sportsman Channel was started in 2003 by C. Michael Cooley and Todd D. Hansen of Muskego, Wisconsin...
, Pentagon Channel
Pentagon Channel
The Pentagon Channel is a TV channel broadcasting military news and information for the 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is widely available on US Public, educational, and government access cable tv channels, can be viewed FTA in most Central and Western European countries ,...
, and Fox News.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Documentary
The Armed Forces Foundation, along with 522 Productions partnered to create a 60 minute documentary film which aims at raising awareness of the affects of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury in returning service members from active duty combat.According to a recent study administered by the Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
, 1 in 6 service persons returning from combat in Iraq acknowledged symptoms of severe depression and PTSD. Of that number, the study also reported that 60% would be reluctant to seek help from commanding officers or their peers out of fear they would be treated differently. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to severe depression, alcoholism, violence and other unhealthy behavior.
Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts
The book Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts, Stories of American Soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, co-authored by Armed Forces Foundation President Patricia Driscoll Patricia Driscoll (Armed Forces Foundation)Patricia Driscoll (Armed Forces Foundation)
Patricia P. Driscoll, is an American businesswoman and author. A native of El Paso Texas, Driscoll now heads a national charity, the Armed Forces Foundation,and a private security and surveillance company, Frontline Defense Systems, LLC., both based in Washington, D.C.-Personal life:Driscoll was...
gives readers an intimate look into the world of U.S service personnel affected with TBI and PTSD. This awareness project has generated a dialogue between the Foundation, Corporations, and Government in what can be done to better care for service persons returning from combat and living with these unseen injuries.
Operation Caring Classroom
A national education initiative: The Armed Forces Foundation began Operation Caring Classroom, a program recognized in 2007 by Secretary of Education, Margaret SpellingsMargaret Spellings
Margaret Spellings was the Secretary of Education from 2005-2009 under the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush and previously served as White House Domestic Policy Adviser to President George W. Bush....
, honors the bravery of the young children of service members separated from their loved ones by active duty combat. Operation Caring Classroom (OCC) teaches civilian children about the way of life of their peers who grow up in military families. Among the highlights of the program:
- 16,000 children participating each year during the week of Veteran’s Day through letter writing and artwork
- Elementary history lessons and lessons about life in a military family
- Children are taught to show compassion for their peers whom are currently in homes with parental deployment, frequent relocation, and death of a loved one.
- This program affords civilian children the opportunity to say thank you to their military dependent peers for their service to their country.
Kids Serve Too Children's Book
The Kids Serve Too Children's Book is an awareness project currently in the works at the Armed Forces Foundation. The book gives an intimate look into the lives of military children. Written by children at Ft. Belvoir Elementary School in Virginia for children of civilian families, the book shows the special challenges and advantages of growing up with the military.Purple Heart Ride
The Armed Forces Foundation has partnered with the Maryland Blue Knights, Chapter IX Motorcycle Club with the goal of coupling an enthusiastic group of avid motorcycle riders who are just as committed to supporting the troops as they are to their hobby. Past rides have seen nearly 200 riders and drawn their attention to stories of pain and perseverance facing our wounded troops. This project has produced several thousand dollars in financial assistance for the AFF and our troops.Soldier’s Home Investment Project
The Armed Forces Foundation has partnered with the Soldier’s Home Investment Project (SHIP) committee to enact a plan to renovate the Grant Building on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement HomeArmed Forces Retirement Home
The Armed Forces Retirement Home , formerly the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, the U.S. Soldiers' Home, and the U.S. Military Asylum, is an independent establishment in the executive branch of the federal government of the United States...
.
The SHIP committee and the Armed Forces Foundation are committed to renovating the Grant Building and returning it to use by the residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Armed Forces Retirement Home
The Armed Forces Retirement Home , formerly the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, the U.S. Soldiers' Home, and the U.S. Military Asylum, is an independent establishment in the executive branch of the federal government of the United States...
for recreational, residential, and rehabilitation use. To that end, the SHIP committee and the AFF have committed to raise funds and awareness for the project.
Grant Building
Located in the Northernmost corner of the Armed Forces Retirement HomeArmed Forces Retirement Home
The Armed Forces Retirement Home , formerly the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, the U.S. Soldiers' Home, and the U.S. Military Asylum, is an independent establishment in the executive branch of the federal government of the United States...
, the Grant Building is a handsome marble structure, and will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2012.
The Grant Building is a large, rectangular shaped building with a central court from the second to through fourth floors. Plans for its construction were debated as early as the 19th century, but construction did not commence until 1906 and ultimately lasted six years. Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
based Architects Baldwin and Pennington designed the structure as both a residence and mess hall
Celebrity supporters
- Professional cyclist and philanthropist Lance ArmstrongLance ArmstrongLance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support...
- Singer and actress Hilary DuffHilary DuffHilary Erhard Duff is an American actress, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and author. After working in local theater plays and television commercials in her childhood, she achieved fame playing the title role in the Disney Channel television series Lizzie McGuire. She also reprised her role in...
- NASCAR team owner Richard ChildressRichard ChildressRichard Childress is a former NASCAR driver and the current team owner of Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. As a business entrepreneur, Childress became one of the wealthiest men in North Carolina...
- NASCAR driver Jeff BurtonJeff BurtonJeffrey Brian "Jeff" Burton , also referred to as JB or The Mayor, is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver who drives the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet Impala for Richard Childress Racing. Burton is the younger brother of Ward Burton, who is a former Sprint Cup driver...
- NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver David ReutimannDavid ReutimannEmil David Reutimann is the driver the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine/Tums/Best Western Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series... - American television and film producer Mark GordonMark GordonMark Gordon is an American television and film producer.- Background :Gordon was born in Newport News, Virginia on October 10, 1956...
- Comedian Ron WhiteRon WhiteRonald "Ron" White is an American stand up comedian and satirist who has had two Grammy Award-nominations, and is RIAA certified 10x Platinum for CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units...
- Comedian Dave AttellDave AttellDave Attell is an American stand-up comedian and the host of Comedy Central's Insomniac with Dave Attell and The Gong Show with Dave Attell.-Stand-up beginning:...
- Comedian Kathleen MadiganKathleen MadiganKathleen Madigan is an American comedian.-Early life:Kathleen Madigan grew up in the St. Louis suburb of Florissant as one of seven children in a large Irish-American family...
- Comedian Alex ReymundoAlex ReymundoAlex Reymundo is a Mexican-American comedian and actor, who was featured on the 2007 ALMA Awards.He was born and raised in Acapulco, Mexico, until he and his family moved to the United States. He lived in Kentucky for seven years. Alex is currently married and has two children, a boy and a girl...
- Comedian Drew HastingsDrew HastingsDrew Hastings is an American stand-up comedian and mayor-elect of Hillsboro, Ohio. Standing 6' 6" tall, he is often seen performing in his trademark black suit and black horn-rimmed glasses.-Early life:...
- Comedian Pat Dixon
- UFC President Dana WhiteDana WhiteDana White is the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship , a mixed martial arts organization based in the United States.- Biography :...
National attention
Since the inception of the Foundation and with ongoing conflicts in the Middle EastMiddle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, a large media and political emphasis has been devoted on the cause the Armed Forces Foundation supports. In the past, the Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by many high ranked military officials as well as national elected officials.
Congressional resolution
The following statement was made by Congressman Joe Wilson, who represents 2nd Congressional District http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/sc02_109.gif of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
: on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:
"Commending the Service of the Armed Forces Foundation"
(Mr. Wilson of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks)
"Mr. WILSON of South Carolina.
Mr. Speaker, this weekend I had the honor of joining the nonprofit Armed Forces Foundation in Columbia, South Carolina, for Military Appreciation Day. There I met with hundreds of military and family members who gather to enjoy a day of recreation, fishing and appreciation for their service.
Led by President Patricia Driscoll, along with fundraiser Wyatt Smith and founded by Jim Gorab, the Armed [Forces] Foundation works to support the American military community. President Driscoll knows personally the sacrifice these men and women make, as her husband is on active duty in Iraq today, fighting to protect American families in the war on terror.
Along with military appreciation events held throughout the United States, the Armed Forces Foundation coordinated care packages for troops deployed and offers travel assistance for families visiting wounded soldiers. Additionally, they give away thousands of turkeys every year for Thanksgiving and gift certificates for military children at Christmas time.
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Armed Forces Foundation for their service to those who defend freedom.
In conclusion, may God bless our troops and may we never forget September 11."
Presidential recognition
At an Oval OfficeOval Office
The Oval Office, located in the West Wing of the White House, is the official office of the President of the United States.The room features three large south-facing windows behind the president's desk, and a fireplace at the north end...
Ceremony, President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
honored the commitment of the Armed Forces Foundation to our military community. The event was organized under the United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
America Supports You
America Supports You
America Supports You is a United States Department of Defense program that provides opportunities for citizens to show their support for the U.S. armed forces. The program was launched in 2004 in an effort to highlight citizen support for U.S...
program.
President George W. Bush also made remarks at a separate White House ceremony honoring Corporal Jason Dunham: "I want to support the leaders of organizations which support our military families, I appreciate your tireless work... I want to thank the members of the Armed Forces Foundation, and those who serve in our other Veterans service organizations."
Cabinet level recognition
- United States Secretary of DefenseUnited States Secretary of DefenseThe Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
Robert GatesRobert GatesDr. Robert Michael Gates is a retired civil servant and university president who served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011. Prior to this, Gates served for 26 years in the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council, and under President George H. W.... - Former United States Secretary of DefenseUnited States Secretary of DefenseThe Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
Donald RumsfeldDonald RumsfeldDonald Henry Rumsfeld is an American politician and businessman. Rumsfeld served as the 13th Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford, and as the 21st Secretary of Defense from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. He is both the youngest and the oldest person to... - Former United States Secretary of EnergyUnited States Secretary of EnergyThe United States Secretary of Energy is the head of the United States Department of Energy, a member of the President's Cabinet, and fifteenth in the presidential line of succession. The position was formed on October 1, 1977 with the creation of the Department of Energy when President Jimmy...
Samuel Bodman - Former United States Secretary of EducationUnited States Secretary of EducationThe United States Secretary of Education is the head of the Department of Education. The Secretary is a member of the President's Cabinet, and 16th in line of United States presidential line of succession...
Margaret SpellingsMargaret SpellingsMargaret Spellings was the Secretary of Education from 2005-2009 under the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush and previously served as White House Domestic Policy Adviser to President George W. Bush....
Congressional recognition
- Former United States Senator (DE) and current United States Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenJoseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr. is the 47th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama...
- Former United States Senator (NY) and current United States Secretary of StateUnited States Secretary of StateThe United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
Hillary Rodham ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonHillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the... - United States Senator Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamLindsey Olin Graham is the senior U.S. Senator from South Carolina and a member of the Republican Party. Previously he served as the U.S. Representative for .-Early life, education and career:...
(SC) - United States Senator John McCainJohn McCainJohn Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
(AZ) - United States Senator John CornynJohn CornynJohn Cornyn, III is the junior United States Senator for Texas, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was elected Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 111th U.S. Congress....
(TX) - United States Congressman Bill YoungBill YoungCharles William "Bill" Young is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1971. He is a member of the Republican Party, and is currently the longest-serving Republican member of Congress...
(FL-10th) - United States Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-2nd)
- Former United States Congressman Duncan HunterDuncan HunterDuncan Lee Hunter is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the House of Representatives from California's 52nd, 45th and 42nd districts from 1981 to 2009....
(CA-52nd)