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Talking With Heroes
Program Schedule
TWO HOUR LIVE EVENT
FROM COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
AIRED May 29, 2009
WATCH this Program 24/7 on Four Videos at: www.myfbn.com
Channel 4 - Episodes 77, 78, 79 and 80
This Event was Hosted By
Community Partnership for Child Development Building 2330 Robinson Street * Colorado Springs, CO 80904
CLICK HERE To Listen 24/7 to our May 29th Live Broadcast from Colorado Springs. Go to Episode 102
Please help get this info out to everybody you know who are active duty military, their families, all veterans and troop support organizations and volunteers!
Key people in the Community Thanked the thousands of Troops who have recently returned from Iraq and their families for their Sacrifice and Service and for a Job Well Done on their recent 15 month deployment! They also talked about what they do to support our troops and families.
Soldiers From Ft Carson who served in Iraq including in Mosul and other areas in Iraq and in Afghanistan shared their mostly unheard progress stories of the great job they did for 15 months in Iraq.
Go To the end of this page to see some Troop Support Groups who had Info Tables at this event! Some of them introduced themselves on the program at the end.
CLICK HERE to read an article in the The Gazette Newspaper in Colorado Springs
Thank you to the following for making this broadcast possible:
www.mcdonalds.com
All people attending this event received a McDonalds Discount Coupon for a FREE Extra Value Meal. Some of those coupons have been taken over to the WTU at Ft Carson for the wounded soldiers and their families.
Cobblestone Ridge Apartment Homes right by Ft Carson www.CobblestoneRidgeApts.com
Colin Clark - Elizabeth, Colorado
(RET) CW5 Dennis McCormack
John Hill SGM US Army (Ret)
Military Business Development Executive at
REGIS University
www.regis.edu/military
Alan Gray - www.newsblaze.com
Mark Eyberg, Paradigm Impressions based in Colorado Springs www.paradigmimpressions.net
HOST: Bob Calvert
FILMED BY: Anthony Pace www.freedomhunters.org
EVENT PROGRAM BROCHURE: Mark Eyberg www.paradigmimpressions.net
CLICK HERE To View and Print the High Quality Color Tri Fold Event Brochure from http://www.paradigmimpressions.net
Videos Editing and Production: Tiffany Stephens with Colorado Springs The Dream Center and Relevant Word Christian Cultural Center www.relevantword.org
Watch these Videos 24/7 at www.myfbn.com channel 4
GUESTS:
Noreen Landis-Tyson
President and CEO
Community Partnership for Child Development
www.cpcdheadstart.org
Noreen Landis-Tyson is the President and CEO of Community Partnership for Child Development, the grantee agency in El Paso County for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. CPCD is a private non-profit organization providing early childhood and family development services for 1,700 children, ages 0-5, and their families annually. CPCD’s annual cash budget is approximately $14.5 million, and has 270 full time and 40 part time employees. Noreen has been with CPCD since 1991 and has served as the agency’s CEO since August 2001.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Noreen did her undergraduate work at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, earning a BA in History and Political Science. Noreen and her husband relocated to Colorado Springs in 1978 where Noreen joined the staff of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and then the U.S. Field Hockey Association, working in events planning, fund development and public relations for the national governing body for women’s field hockey. Shortly after leaving the USFHA, Noreen joined CPCD and also began work on her Masters degree at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, earning an MBA in Leadership and Human Resource Management in 1996, and was named Graduate Student of the Year in the College of Business.
Noreen has served on Colorado’s Early Childhood State Systems Team representing the Colorado Head Start Association from 2003 to 2006 and is the co-chair the Alliance for Kids, El Paso County’s Early Childhood Council. She also chairs the Board of Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families, a collaborative of CEO’s representing public, private and non-profit agencies in El Paso County who are working toward service and system integration for children and youth 0-21 and their families, and is a member of Partnering for a Healthier Colorado Springs, a YMCA-led group addressing childhood obesity in Colorado Springs. Noreen also recently joined the Memorial Hospital for Children Advisory Council and the Ronald McDonald CARE Mobile Advisory Council.
Noreen is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Colorado Springs; past president of the Junior League of Colorado Springs, a non-profit organization that develops women to serve as volunteer leaders in the community; has served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet; and is a 2006 graduate of the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute. She is also an internationally-ranked bicycle racing official, one of 40 women (400 total officials) world wide who hold that ranking. Noreen is married to Mark Tyson, a small business owner in Colorado Springs; they have a 25 year old daughter, Claire.
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Lionel Rivera
Mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Mr. Rivera was first elected to an at large City Council seat in April 1997 and re-elected again in April 1999. In April 2001 he was elected by his City Council colleagues to serve as Vice Mayor for a two year term. In April 2003, he was elected Mayor. He is the first Hispanic Vice Mayor and Mayor in the history of Colorado Springs.
Mr. Rivera holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from Texas Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville State University. He is Vice President of Investments at UBS Financial Services.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Rivera came to Colorado Springs in 1984 as an Army Captain at Fort Carson. He has served on many community boards including being a founder and past president of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Colorado Springs Greater Chamber of Commerce Board and United Way Board of Trustees and Executive Committee and a co-chair of The Springs Community Action Plan. He is also a mentor in the Big Brothers - Big Sisters school based mentoring program and previously was a Big Brother for a one to one match.
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MAJOR GENERAL MARK GRAHAM
COMMANDING GENERAL
DIVISION WEST, FIRST ARMY AND FORT CARSON
Major General Mark Graham became the commander of Division West and Fort Carson on September 14, 2007. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery on December 22, 1977 at Murray State University. Following the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Major General Graham was assigned to the 1-2nd Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division, Baumholder, Germany. During this assignment, he served as a Fire Support Team Chief, Fire Direction Officer, Battery Executive Officer and Battalion Special Weapons Officer.
Major General Graham has served in command and staff positions throughout the Army in the United Statesand overseas.
His command assignments include: C Battery, Staff and Faculty Battalion, Field Artillery School Brigade, A Battery, 2-18th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; 1-17th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Division Artillery, 40th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Los Angeles, California (MG Graham was the first active duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard Brigade in peacetime); He commanded the 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment – Osan Air Base Korea; and Deputy Commander/Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Major General Graham has served in several operations, plans, and training staff assignments. These assignments include: G1, VII Corps Artillery, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany; S3, 2-29th Field Artillery, Germany; S3, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, Germany; Chief, Field Artillery Proponency Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Chief, Field Artillery Branch, Alexandria, Virginia; Executive Officer to the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea; and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
His most recent position was as the U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) Deputy Commanding General, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. A 1977 graduate from Murray State University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science, Major General Graham also holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Oklahoma City University and a Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defense University. His military schools include the Combined Arms Services Staff School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Two Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Five Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (Four Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Major General Mark Graham
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Carol Graham
Carol Graham is the wife of Major General Mark A. Graham, US Army, Commanding General, Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson.
In the last four and one-half years Carol has tragically lost both of her sons. Her youngest son Kevin, a University of Kentucky senior Army ROTC scholarship cadet, was studying to be an Army doctor when he died by suicide on June 21, 2003. Kevin was being treated for depression but had stopped taking his medication.
Carol’s oldest son Jeffrey was a scholarship student that graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2003 with a degree in civil engineering, and was commissioned a lieutenant in the US Army as an Armor officer. Although the Army offered Jeff a position in a non-deploying unit because of the death of his younger brother, Jeff said he needed to be with soldiers and wanted to serve his country.
Jeff was killed while leading his platoon on a dismounted patrol in Khaldiyah, Iraq on 19 February 2004.Jeff spotted an IED taped to a guardrail and warned his platoon moments before it exploded.
Following the death of Kevin, Carol and her husband, using the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) program, established the Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund at the University of Kentucky to raise awareness to the signs of depression and prevent suicide. When Jeff was killed in Iraq the fund was endowed and renamed the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund.
The Grahams in partnership with UK alumni also established the Second Lieutenant Jeffrey C. Graham Memorial Scholarship Program for engineering students. Soon after their only surviving child, Melanie, enrolled at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma they realized that Cameron did not have a suicide prevention program.
Carol worked along with her husband and university leaders to establish the Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Memorial Endowed Lectureship in Psychology for the study of depression and suicide prevention.
Carol was instrumental in raising awareness for depression and suicide prevention for the families and Soldiers at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Carol received the Governor’s Commendation (State of Oklahoma) for Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness in support of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program in July 2005. Carol speaks at conferences and workshops to help others survive grief and understand depression and suicide.
She routinely visited wounded soldiers and their families at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to her departure Carol received the Texas Governor’s “Yellow Rose of Texas” award.
Carol was appointed to the national board of directors of the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) in March 2006. www.spanusa.org
She also serves on the Colorado Springs, Colorado suicide prevention board.
Mrs Graham was ill and could not be at the event. Our Prayers are with her!
Carol Graham
Kevin Graham
Jeffrey Graham
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Terrance D. McWilliams CSM, USA, Ret.
Director of Military Support El Pomar Foundation
www.elpomar.org
As Director of Military Support for El Pomar Foundation, Terrance D. McWilliams oversees community outreach activities on behalf of the Colorado Springs – based Foundation. El Pomar Foundation is one of the largest Foundations in the Rocky Mountain region, making grants in arts, humanities, education, health services, amateur sports, civic and community initiatives with an emphasis on excellence in nonprofit organizations and development of its own operating programs.
Terrance implements and manages innovative programs designed to provide direct services and support to the Military’s Active, Guard and Reserve, community and charitable organizations. The Foundation’s current outreach efforts are focused on working with the Military, Veterans Affairs Administration and various Veteran organizations to provide assistance and support to our service men and women.
Terrance also serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Pikes Peak Chapter, Southeast YMCA, President - Citizen Soldier Connection, President - Pikes Peak Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, member of the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, and is also an advisor to the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.
Prior to joining the staff of El Pomar Foundation, Terrance was the Command Sergeant Major and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commanding General of Fort Carson. Terrance served on active duty in the Army for over 30 years, cumulating his career as the Division Command Sergeant Major of Division West, First Army and Fort Carson on June 21, 2007.
Terrance has attended numerous military leadership and management schools and holds an Associate of Science degree in Supervisory Leadership from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio. He is married to his High School sweet heart Georgia Marie, and has two sons and three daughters, Johnny, Lachelle, Terrance Jr., Doris, and Georgina, and one grandson and three granddaughters.
(Ret) CSM Terrance D. McWilliams
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Dennis X. McCormack CSO5 U.S. Army (RET)
The Home Front Cares, Inc.
www.thehomefrontcares.org
Bentley Rayburn, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)
President, CEO The Home Front Cares
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Latoya Lucas
Operation Iraqi Freedom Wounded Veteran
First Female elected Officer within the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s Department of Colorado
Author of: “The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a Wounded Warrior about Faith and Perseverance.” www.latoyamotivates.com
Latoya Lucas has proven that a person can persevere with a little encouragement and determination. Whether serving as a soldier in the United States Army, or providing her time and expertise to serve with various non-profit and civic
organizations, Latoya has always recognized that there is pride and honor in helping others.
In 2003, just one month after the initial invasion, Latoya deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was severely wounded carrying out a supply mission in Iraq. The wounds that she suffered earned her the Purple Heart Medal. After
enduring a four-month hospitalization and a subsequent two-year rehabilitation, Latoya emerged even stronger in faith and an even more determined individual.
She was the first female member and the first female elected officer within the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s Department of Colorado. She also became the first female member and elected officer in the Department of North Carolina. The
Military Order of the Purple Heart is the only congressionally chartered organization exclusively for combat-wounded
veteran.
Since her retirement from the U.S. Army, Latoya has made it her duty to travel around the country encouraging individuals who are trying to adjust to life-altering hardships or disabilities, and those who are suffering from chronic illnesses,
through the example of her own story.
She outlines the steps that she followed that ultimately helped her remain positive through her darkest time as a severely wounded service member. With faith and encouragement, Latoya believes that everyone has the capability to persevere when faced with life-changing obstacles.
In 2005, she received the prestigious Soroptimist International “Woman of Distinction” Award. This award is presented only to women who have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business, or volunteer activities.
In 2009, the Colorado State Legislature honored Latoya at the Colorado state capital with a Resolution of Commendation for her service to the United States Army and for her contributions to the citizens of Colorado. Also in 2009, The Denver Urban Spectrum chose Latoya to be honored as one of their “African Americans Who Makes a Difference”, for her contributions to the state.
She is the author of the new book, “The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a Wounded Warrior about Faith and Perseverance.”
Tom Brokaw, journalist and author of the NY Times bestselling book, “The Greatest Generation”, says “The Immeasurable Spirit” is a remarkable story of patriotism, courage, near death, recovery and inspiration.”
www.latoyamotivates.com
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Brian A. Binn
President, Military Affairs and Business Affairs
Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
Brian Binn is the President, Military Affairs Division and President, Business Affairs Division at the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to beginning with the Chamber in January 2006, Brian was the Director, Alumni Programs and Special Projects at the USAF Academy Association of Graduates.
He retired in June 2002 from the Air Force after a 30 year career, with his last assignment being the Vice Superintendent at the Air Force Academy. He is a 1972 graduate of the Air Force Academy, a Command Pilot with over 6,400 hours in numerous airlift and training aircraft, and holds a Masters Degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.
His professional military education includes Air War College, Armed Forces Staff College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officers School.
Brian is married to Barbara and they have three children and four granddaughters.
Brian Binn
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Connie Masotti, Army Wife
Military Ministry Director - Circle Drive Baptist Church
www.cdbc.org Click on Ministries
Connie is Circle Drive Baptist Church’s Military Ministry Director. She has been the proud Army wife of Ed Masotti for seven years and has begun the journey through their 3rd deployment (Iraq, Afganistan and Afghanistan again).
Connie is originally from Auburn, Alabama and has 3 sons; Staley, 28 Cole, 24 and Trac, 19. She also has 4 dogs: Stryker, Liberty, Audie Murphy and Glory.
Connie is an Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Master Trainer, Army 101 Presenter, former FRG leader, Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) facilitator and issue support person at local post, FORCOM and DA levels and Freedom Team Salute Ambassador.
Connie serves on a steering committee of the Faith Community Education Collaborative which offers free training for the faith community on Combat Stress and Trauma. She also represents Circle Drive at the Colorado Injured Military Support (CIMS).
Connie is also active in other organizations that work to benefit Military families and veterans and works with faith organizations to start their own military ministry.
She is sometimes better known as the “Cookie Lady” because of Circle’s Cookie Brigade, which bakes cookies for memorials, homecomings, TAPS, PWOC, etc.
Connie has been awarded a Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service, Ft. Lewis, WA; Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation, Ft. Lewis, WA; Department of the Army Commanders Award for Public Service at both Ft. Lewis, WA and Ft. Carson, CO and the Well being Award from US Army Forces Command. She has been volunteer of the Quarter at both Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Carson, CO.
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Gar Williams
American Legion State Commander
Department of Colorado
Gar Williams entered the US Army in 1967 where he flew helicopters. In 1969 Gar transferred to the Military Police Corps where he served as a Military Police Investigator, (MPI) and an agent for the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
Gar has been a member of the American Legion Department of Colorado for over 27 years, serving as a Sgt at Arms. Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander and four terms as Commander of Post 44 in Steamboat Springs.
Gar has served as a Department Executive Committeeman, a member of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation committee for three years. Gar was the driving force in securing a Community Based Outpatient Clinic for Northwester Colorado.
Gar is Married to Luann , The American legion Department Auxiliary President Elect. Gar has two stepsons.
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Charles Watkins
Chief of Staff
State of Colorado VFW
Born and raised in Las Animas, CO and graduated from Las Animas High School in 1962. Attended Otero Junior College graduating in 1964. Attended one year of college at Colorado State University.
Drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and attended basic training and Air Defense Artillery AIT at Fort Bliss, TX. Served in Germany in the Air Defense Artillery and graduated from the 7th U.S. Army NCO Academy. Attended Warrant Officer Flight Training in 1967 at Fort Wolters, TX and Fort Rucker, AL and graduated in 1968. Married Donna J. Stout in 1968.
Served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam in 1968-1969 as Command and Control Pilot for Colonel George S. Patton. Received a Battle Field Direct Commission out of Vietnam to 1st Lieutenant. Attended Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, KY and was assigned to Germany. Served four (4) years in Germany as a Battalion S-4, Armor Company Commander and Cavalry Troop Commander. Attended Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox, Ky. in 1974. In 1975 attended Western State College and completed my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.
Served as Executive Officer for B Troop 3/5 Air Cavalry Squadron, Squadron S-3 and Assistant G-3 for 9th Infantry Division from 1976-1979. Served as a Dedicated Advisor to 1st Battalion 632nd Armor 1979-1982. Served as a Helicopter Coordinator for the United States Navy for Commander of Amphibious Squadron One from 1982-1985.
Completed the Army Command and General Staff Course by correspondence in 1983 and attended the Air Command and General Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1985. Served as Deputy G-1 for Lieutenant General Norman Schwartzkoff in the 1st United States Corps 1986-1989. Retired from active duty in 1989.
Awards include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 31 oak leaf clusters and V Device, Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters and V Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm and Master Aviator Badge.
Charley and Donna have two children Jason Watkins of Longmont, CO and Micah Benson of Granby, CO.
Joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1999 and served in Post 4265 as Post Senior Vice Commander 1999-2000, Commander Post 4265 from 2000-2003. Served as District 9 Commander 2000-2008. Served as Chief of Staff, Department of Colorado, VFW 2004-2007.
Currently serving as the Chief of Staff, Department of Colorado of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Also serves as the Secretary for “The Blackhorse Association.” Volunteers two (2) days a week at the Soldiers and Families Assistance Center at Fort Carson.
Don Smith
Past State of Colorado
VFW Commander
Greg Wawrytko
VFW Post 101 Commander
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Kathy Dean Regional Captain ID, MT,WY & CO
CO State Coordinator Soldiers Angels
I joined Soldiers’ Angels in 2004, I am currently a Regional Captain for ID, MT, WY & CO and also the CO State Coordinator. Some of my larger projects with Soldiers’ Angels:
I have headed up many WalMart drives to collect donations – sending much needed supplies over to the Wounded & CSH units in Iraq & Afghanistan. I collected 332 Sets of Blankets, Sheets & Pillows from angels all over the US. Packed & bagged each individual set. Deliver to Ft Carson in my husbands Semi and borrowed trailer.
One of my largest Holiday Projects I worked with angels and caring people to make hand made Holiday Stockings. I had several volunteers help me stuff 3332 hand made stockings with socks, cards, snacks & candy. I then packed & shipped 3182 stockings to Iraq & Afghanistan. Then we hand delivered 150 Holiday stockings to the wounded in Laundstul Germany while visiting our son stationed in Germany.
I belong to the special Soldiers’ Angels Alerts Team, the Wounded and CSH team and in my spare moments try to send out a baby shower gift for expecting wives waiting here at home as a part of our Operation Top Knot team. I enjoy
making blankets for the wounded and cool scarves for our troops.
I work as an accountant for an outside company and also my husband & I have our own trucking business. Tom drives over the road and I take care of the books. I am the mother of three Grandmother of seven with one more due to
arrive any day now. I am also a Great Grandmother of one with one more Great Grand Child due at the end of this year.
My Father Served in WW II
My Husband Served In Viet Nam
Our Son Served in Iraq as an Army Medic
Kathy Dean
CO State Coordinator
Soldiers Angels
Until They ALL Come Home
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Operation: Military Kids' (OMK) speakers bureau, "Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) - Linda Fuller www.operationmilitarykids.org
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) speakers bureau, Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) will be participating in the talk show.
SOMK is a youth-led, adult-supported project that generates community awareness about issues faced by youth of military families. SOMK members form speakers bureaus and develop presentations, public service announcements, videos and other materials and actively seek opportunities to share their experiences with others in the community.
SOMK and OMK are supported by 4-H, the Joint Family Support Assistance Program and the CO National Guard Family Programs office.
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John O'Donnell
Chairman 2009 Welcome Home Parade for the Troops
The City of Colorado Springs is reprising the 2004 Welcome Home parade on Saturday August 29th 2009.
The community is planning to host over 5,000 active duty troops and dozens of othe organizations in a Downtown Colorado Springs Parade. The Organizers are planning for a crowd rivaling the 2004 event which numbered over 50,000 parade goers.
John O'Donnell
O'Donnell & O'Donnell
711 South Tejon Street 201
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
jdodonnell@qwestoffice.net
719.635.8803
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Sarah Williams Volf, Director
C.A.M.O. Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities
www.challengeaspen.com
Sarah will announce the Launch of Challenge America at their June 8th Concert featuring Amy Grant, Vince Gill and More www.challengeamerica.com
Sarah Williams Volf a native of Wales with an education in Sports Science and Education joined Challenge Aspen from the English Sports Council in 2001. In addition to her professional career Sarah has dedicated a great amount of time to aid work in areas such as Bosnia and Eastern Bloc countries working with orphans and refugees. Challenge Aspen is a widely respected 501(c)3 organization, offering year-round programs that integrate therapeutic recreational programs with cultural and arts participation to anyone with a physical or cognitive disability.
After serving as the Director of Programs for a number of years, Sarah now spearheads the newest division of Challenge Aspen - the C.A.M.O. (Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities) program. The mission is to raise awareness and educate, honor and empower injured service members and their families through quality recreational and educational experiences.
Sarah Williams Volf
sarah@challengeaspen.com
970.309.7254
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LTC Michael J. Forsyth, Battalion Commander
2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Michael Forsyth is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and has served on active duty for 20 years as a Field Artillery Officer.
He is currently the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and has three combat tours during his service in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.
He has authored two books about Civil War campaigns titled The Red River Campaign of 1864 and the Loss of the Civil War by the Confederacy (McFarland & Co. Publishers, 2002) and The Camden Expedition of 1864 (McFarland & Co. Publishers, 2003).
He holds a M.A. in military history from Louisiana State University and a Master of Military Art and Science from the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS).
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Col John Hort - former Commander of
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Fort Carson
Colonel John H. Hort, the Commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina where he attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and was commissioned into the Infantry as a Second Lieutenant in May 1984. He has served in many command and staff positions including the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado and in the 193rd Light Infantry Brigade, Fort Clayton, Panama.
Colonel Hort commanded A Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment during Operation Just Cause. Following command he was Aide de Camp to the Commander, United States Army South; Aide de Camp to the Commander 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; and the commander of Delta Company, Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD), Fort Riley, Kansas. Following this tour he became a Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) Operations Officer and subsequently attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
LTC Christopher B. Johnson Recently Commanded 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment From Fort Carson for a 15-month deployment in Mosul, Iraq
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Johnson was commissioned in May of 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. After attendance at the Infantry Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry where he served as a rifle platoon leader, company executive officer, and support platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
LTC Johnson next attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1994. Following the advanced course, he was assigned to 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas where he served as the Brigade Assistant S3. He was then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry where he served as the Battalion S3 Air and Commander of D Company.
From 1998-2001, LTC Johnson served as a Company Tactical Officer and Commandant’s Executive Officer at the United States Military Academy.
Following this assignment, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was then assigned as the G3 Training for the 7th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. In 2003, LTC Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division where he served as the Battalion Executive Officer for 1st Battalion 12th Infantry, Brigade Operations Officer, Brigade Executive Officer, and the Deputy Team Leader for the Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team. Most recently, he commanded 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment during which he led the battalion for a 15-month deployment in Mosul, Iraq.
His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy and a Masters of Science Degree in Leader Development/Counseling from Long Island University – C.W. Post.
LTC Johnson’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Johnson
The Following Organizations Had Information Tables at the May 29, 2009 Colorado Springs LIVE Talk Show
Heather Maxey with Project Sanctuary a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide therapeutic, curative, supportive and recreational activities to veterans, active military personnel, their spouses and children in a leisure environment. www.projectsanctuary.us
Katherine Goldstein and other Soldiers Angels Volunteers An international organizations of hundreds of thousands of volunteers sending care packages, letters to our troops, visiting wounded at hospitals and much more.
www.soldiersangels.org
Elaine Dumler Author of "I'm Already Home...Again - Keeping your family close while you're on assignment or deployment" and the new book "The Road Home - Smoothing the transition back from deployment www.imalreadyhome.com
The Home Front Cares an all volunteer, not-for-profit corporation that provides emergency financial assistance, goods and services to families of Active Duty, Activated Reserves and National Guard troops based in Colorado serving in harm's way
www.thehomefrontcares.org
El Pomar Foundation based in Colorado Springs is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in the Rocky Mountain West. El Pomar contributes $25 million annually through direct grants and Community Stewardship Programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities and civic and community initiatives.
www.elpomar.org/
The American Legion chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.
www.legion.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The VFW provides numerous services to military service members and their families. The three main efforts of the VFW Military Services department are: The Military Assistance Program (MAP), Operation Uplink, and Unmet Needs.
www.vfw.org
Denver Options The Mission of Denver Options is to provide children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a choice of services to support their living, working, learning and playing in the community and to help them achieve optimum independence and productivity. We accomplish this through effectively managing service delivery systems and coordinating resources. www.denveroptions.org
Return2Work Our Mission: Back to Work, Back to Life. R2W based out of Boulder provides vocational rehabilitation services to newly enabled Americans, including injured soldiers returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. Loyalty, Integrity, Courage. www.return2work.org
C-I-M-S Colorado Injured Military Support (C-I-M-S) is a community based, multi-disciplinary network of non-profit organizations and individuals who share a commitment to providing support and services to those men and women injured while serving as members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The support available throughout the network assists our injured veterans in meeting and overcoming the unique and often complex challenges which they encounter as they continue their military careers or transition on to civilian life. This statewide network consists of more than fifty military and civilian organizations and individuals who all possess a genuine and unconditional concern for injured military veterans and their families. This system of support is predicated upon service delivery from the closest and most appropriate source based on need, regardless of DoD affiliation.
C-I-M-S meets the 4th Friday of each month at the Armed Services YMCA, located at 2190 Jet Wing Drive, Colorado Springs
Co-facilitators for the network are Nathaniel Nugin from the Ft. Carson Army Community Service and Dennis McCormack from the AW2 (Army Wounded Warrior Program)
Circle Drive Baptist Church Military Ministry Team Circle Drive is a military-focused church in a military city. We welcome military members from our local bases: Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base and the United States Air Force Academy. Our mission is to meet the needs of our military and their families, especially during times of deployments www.cdbc.org
C.A.M.O. Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities Challenge Aspen provides recreational, cultural and competitive experiences for people with disabilities. We encourage family and friends to share in these experiences. Welcoming Home our Heroes & Embracing their future.
Pick up info at their table about their June 8th Concert with Amy Grant, Vince Gill and much more
www.challengeamerica.com
www.challengeaspen.org/
City of Colorado Springs Paralympic Sport Colorado Springs and Therapeutic Recreation Program Recreation Services, a division within Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, enhances the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities by implementing diverse and inclusive programs, facilities and services. If you are an injured military service member and would like more information about Paralympic Military Activities and more contact Dan Schwieder at 719-385-6855 or dschwieder@springsgov.com
LIFELINE for Military Equine Success Systems Christie Lee, LPC, MFT, AAMFT. Brookside Stables Colorado Springs, CO christie80906@msn.com
Military & Family Life Consultant Program The Department of Defense established the Military & Family Life Consultant, or MFLC, Program to provide non-medical, short term, situational, problem solving counseling services. Fort Carson, Colorado 719-440-5341 - 719-338-7216
REGIS University John A Hill SGM, U.S. Army (Ret) Military Business Development Executive, Regis University, College for Professional Studies. www.regis.edu
Anthony Pace with Freedom Hunters Freedom Hunters would like to reflect the outdoor community's appreciation to the troops by taking select active duty and combat veterans on outdoor adventures. With help from conservation groups, outfitters, corporations and land owners, Freedom Hunters will honor individuals from all branches of the Military. It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that Freedom Hunters will carry on the American tradition of hunting and fishing with active military personnel across the United States. www.freedomhunters.org
Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Carson Army Community Service offers a variety of programs and services designed to support Soldiers and Families. Our Mission is to Prepare and empower Military Families to meet the challenges of military life by providing essential programs and services that enhance knowledge, life skills, well-being, and retention; thus supporting commanders' abilities to sustain mission readiness...to fight and win on any battlefield. Army Community meets their mission by offering such programs as Financial Readiness, Soldier and Family Readiness, Employment Readiness, Relocation Readiness, Mobilization and Deployment, Army Family Team Building, Army Volunteer Program, and The Exceptional Family Member Program. We are located at 6303 Wetzel Ave. Building 1526, Fort Carson, Colorado 80913 719-526-4590
Army OneSource Our goal is to provide access to accurate and timely information about a variety of topics to Soldiers & family members. Army OneSource will improve the awareness of and accessibility to programs and services that support Soldiers & Family Members, especially those who are geographically dispersed and do not live close to an installation. Army OneSource is a single portal in which Army Families can visit and find out what they desire to know about almost any topic pertaining to the Army. Articles have been written in language natural to family members versus Army terms, acronyms and program names. Articles selected and posted to the site give the basic understanding of topics that family members often have questions about. Army OneSource allows you to customize your home page with those links or topics that are important to you. It has been enhanced to provide social networking tools to improve the communication with your military friends and family. E. Bassel Nelson Colorado Community Support Coordinator 719-510-1095 Edward.Nelson@serco-na.com
www.serco-na.com
Strategic Financial Partners (SFP) is one of southern Colorado’s largest financial services firms. SFP is particularly known for its expertise in federal and public employees, small business, employment transition, and 401k & 403b rollovers. SFP has a hand-selected team of financial service professionals with the knowledge, expertise and years of experience to help clients achieve their financial goals. SFP draws upon a network of insurance, investments and financial professionals throughout the US to help provide clients with a wide range of solutions to the many complex personal, financial and business issues they face every day. The extensive resources available to us allow us to match nearly any need or concern clients may have with the most appropriate product, service or program.
The five areas in which we specialize include: Protection, Wealth Accumulation, Retirement Strategies, Estate Planning, Business Strategies & Employee Benefits. At SFP, we have created an environment of honesty, integrity and objectivity with everything our clients need in one place to help them meet their financial goals.
Jonathan Dorsey is a financial advisor with SFP and can be contacted at 719.388.0260 or jdorsey@sfp.us. SFP is located at 1755 Telstar Drive, Suite 501, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group
Our military men and women have heroically performed their duties. It is now our duty to provide the care and support they and their families need as they return home.
At Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group, we have created a unique approach - we offer veterans and their families an individual peer navigator who helps them plot a course through the sometimes overwhelming challenges of day-to-day life and the numerous, complex systems available to support them. Veterans and their families often experience difficulty coping with the physical, psychological, and emotional effects of war, and frequently have problems transitioning to the civilian world.
The Peer Navigator translates and coordinates civilian systems to former military personnel and provides a “friendly face” to help guide them, thus giving veterans and their families meaningful pathways to improve their lives.
The Peer Navigator is one of many solutions Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group has created, along with help and hope, for Colorado residents since 1875. We provide a broad range of services to meet individual and family needs in mental health, substance abuse, vocational skills training and employment, education, and restorative justice. We also provide services to other mental health/substance abuse providers in our area. http://www.ppbhg.org/
Operation: Military Kids' (OMK) speakers bureau, www.operationmilitarykids.org
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) speakers bureau, Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) will be participating in the talk show.
SOMK is a youth-led, adult-supported project that generates community awareness about issues faced by youth of military families. SOMK members form speakers bureaus and develop presentations, public service announcements, videos and other materials and actively seek opportunities to share their experiences with others in the community.
SOMK and OMK are supported by 4-H, the Joint Family Support Assistance Program and the CO National Guard Family Programs office.
Paradigm Impressions in Colorado Springs - They made the high quality 8 1/2 X 14 Tri Fold Event Brochure for our May 29th event. This brochure will also be available online for everybody to print.
"Through Print and Promotional Concepts, we can create a targeted and effective advertising message that will help you generate awareness. Creating Impressions is what we do."
For Printing and Promotional ideas, contact Mark Eyberg Paradigm Impressions www.paradigmimpressions.net in Colorado Springs Email: info@paradigmimpressions.net
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