Latest news with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth
Associated Press
6 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Delivering Gratitude: FedEx and Believe With Me Honor Gold Star Families
In a profound expression of community support and recognition, FedEx has partnered with Believe With Me, an organization dedicated to assisting Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in military service. This collaboration focuses on delivering joy and comfort to these families through thoughtful gift deliveries. Throughout the festive holiday season, FedEx undertook the task of delivering over 10,000 gifts to approximately 2,000 Gold Star Kids. These efforts ensured each child felt the warmth and support of their community during Christmas. In February, FedEx and Believe With Me continued their collaboration by delivering more than 1,000 Valentine's Day gifts to widows of war, providing heartfelt tokens of love and appreciation to these courageous women. During the month of May, marking Military Appreciation Month, Believe With Me and FedEx honor dozens of Gold Star parents with special deliveries for Mother's and Father's Day. This initiative underscores Believe With Me's ongoing commitment to supporting military families, acknowledging their sacrifices and resilience throughout the year. Lyette Reback, founder of 'Believe With Me,' emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, 'It means so much to know that we have a partner in the process who cares about these families and their holidays as we do…Every team member we have interacted with is moved to tears with the honor of this work.' FedEx's collaboration with 'Believe With Me' transcends logistical efforts; it represents a heartfelt commitment to delivering hope, love, and a sense of belonging to Gold Star families. Through their joint initiatives, particularly during Military Appreciation Month, they ensure these families feel the gratitude of a nation dedicated to honoring their sacrifices. Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from FedEx
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S. Bank Supports Military Members, Their Families, Through Life-Changing Donations
Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog This May, during Military Appreciation Month, U.S. Bank held several events to honor and recognize military and veteran customers, employees and community members. A New Home U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stuart Fuke was given the keys to a new mortgage-free home May 7 in West Fargo, North Dakota. Fuke, who said he was inspired to join the military by his mother and other dedicated family members, started his service in Great Lakes, Illinois. The Hawaii native, who currently resides in San Diego, California, will continue to pursue a career in culinary arts following his move to the Fargo area. 'This house will actually help me start living life again,' said Fuke. 'It's a good push toward trying to heal again. I'm just honored that Freedom Alliance, U.S. Bank and Thomsen Homes were able to give me that feeling I've never had before.' The life-changing gift is made possible through the bank's Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement (H.O.M.E.) program, in conjunction with Freedom Alliance's Heroes to Homeowners program. Including this donation, U.S. Bank has donated 31 homes valued over $8 million to military families in communities across the country since 2013. Freedom Alliance provides mortgage-free homes to wounded combat veterans through its Heroes to Homeowners program. Delivering care packages Earlier this year, U.S. Bank employees in Minneapolis assembled care packages in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO), a non-profit founded in 1941 to support members of the armed forces and their families, to be delivered to airmen at the Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. The care packages were delivered to the Minot Air Force Base in May to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice these men and women make every day. In addition to the care packages, U.S. Bank supported 50 expecting mothers by donating diapers and wipes during a baby shower event on base. U.S. Bank also supported military spouses by making paracord bracelets, which include a strong, durable cord that can be used for various purposes, that were gifted during a spouse appreciation event. The paracord bracelets were assembled by a group of U.S. Bank employees in Fargo. A Gold Star moment U.S. Bank recently donated new, payment-free vehicles to two Gold Star students at the Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Parker Madden, a Gold Star son, lost his father, U.S. Army Specialist Russell Madden, who was killed in action in Afghanistan from a rocket-propelled grenade attack on his convoy in 2010. Micaela Trimble, a Gold Star daughter, lost her father, U.S. Army Private First Class Chad Trimble, in 2008 also in Afghanistan. Parker Madden is a student at Western Kentucky University and Michaela Trimble is a recent graduate of Belmont University. These donations are part of the Driven to Serve program, an initiative between Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank that pairs available vehicles with military families and service members in need and demonstrates the commitment of each organization to support the nation's heroes. In addition to the vehicles, a group of U.S. Bank employees also partnered with the Freedom Alliance earlier this year to assemble care packages that will be given to other Gold Star students who, like Madden and Trimble, received scholarships from Freedom Alliance because of their parents' sacrifice. The vehicles were donated May 13, which was also national Children of Fallen Patriots Day. 'I really feel like Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank provided for me in a way that my dad wishes he could have provided for me,' said Trimble. A new vehicle U.S. Bank also provided a payment free vehicle to U.S. Army Sergeant John Moore, who grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. While serving in the Army, Moore was an Artillery Forward Observer. Moore was severely injured during his second deployment in Baghdad. After two years of recovery at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Moore now lives in Charlotte, Tennessee, with his wife and children. This is the bank's 91st payment free vehicle donation since 2018 and the 57th in partnership with Freedom Alliance. 'We are honored to support John, a true American hero whose courage and sacrifice inspire us all,' said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. 'This donation is more than a gesture of gratitude—it's a step toward restoring the independence and quality of life John fought to protect. Freedom Alliance is proud to support this remarkable family, and we are grateful to U.S. Bank for helping make this gift possible.' Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from US Bank
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
American Red Cross honors local veterans and active-duty military members
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – May is Military Appreciation Month, and the American Red Cross of Utah is proud to support local veterans and active-duty military members through a variety of services. The mission of the American Red Cross was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton's care for soldiers during the Civil War. Today, The Red Cross continues to care for the humanitarian needs of the U.S military community from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran. The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service, both in the U.S. and abroad. These programs are free, confidential and offered in person or online by mental health professionals with additional Red Cross training. The Red Cross offers several behavioral health programs including Psychological First Aid, Reconnection workshops, Mind-Body workshops, and more. The Red Cross has medical and non-medical volunteers who help provide care, comfort and therapy items at veteran hospitals and military treatment facilities. Red Cross volunteers serve in Veterans Administration and military hospitals and treatment facilities across the nation and around the world. Volunteers, including many veterans and their families, provide vital assistance in the areas of rehabilitation, recreation, administration, and personal services to those who answered their country's call and who are now cared for each day in military and veteran hospitals and treatment centers. Medical volunteers, such as certified doctors and nurses, help support hospital staff, which frees up time for them to focus on priority patients. Non-medical volunteers build morale and help with a variety of programs including manning coffee, snack and book carts; providing art and garden therapy classes; hosting animal visitation programs; and distributing care and comfort items. If you would like to support our military and veteran community, sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer by visiting Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival salute veterans with major perks
Carnival Cruise Line has long been known for its commitment to honoring military members and veterans, but it's not the only cruise line that's serious about supporting service members. While Carnival offers special military deals, recognizes veterans on every sailing, and offers a monthly free cruise sweepstakes for military members who sail on its ships, Norwegian Cruise Line has a noteworthy Military Appreciation Program that's proving quite popular with veterans, Cruise Line's Military Appreciation Program was developed by veterans within the company, including NCL President David Herrera, with a goal of setting the cruise-industry standard for supporting and engaging with military members. Since its launch in November 2022, more than 270,000 service members have registered for the program, and more than 242,000 of those have booked a cruise vacation with the cruise line. And now, Norwegian just revealed a generous new military appreciation offer that's sure to get even more veterans to sign up addition to extending a 10% discount on cruise fares to members of the military, veterans, and their spouses all year long, Norwegian Cruise Line is now offering a bigger discount on select summer cruises through its Military Appreciation Program. Right now, during Military Appreciation Month, members of the program can get 35% off cruise fares for all Alaska and Europe sailings through Sept. 30. Norwegian's military discounts can also be combined with the cruise line's popular More At Sea promotion that includes an unlimited open bar package, free airfare for the second passenger in the stateroom, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line's Military Appreciation Program is open to active U.S. military, Reserves, National Guard, veterans, NOAA Corps, USPHS, and spouses, as well as Canadian active service members, veterans, and dependents. Military members can sign up on the cruise line's website, where they are required to verify their status through honor of Military Appreciation Month, Norwegian Cruise Line is also partnering with the National Hockey League to donate $75,000 during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs to Honor and Remember, an organization dedicated to memorializing fallen military service members. As part of this initiative, the cruise line and Honor and Remember will surprise a Gold Star Family — the family of a service member who died in the line of active-duty military service — with a trip to a 2025 Stanley Cup Final game. This Memorial Day weekend, the cruise line and Coca-Cola will also honor Gold Star Families at the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor members, first responders, and their friends and family are also invited to join Come Cruise With Me and travel agent partner PostCard Travel Planning for a special first responders' cruise on Norwegian Prima March 8 - 15, 2026. The cruise will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. PostCard Travel Planning owner Dennis Post is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard who also has a background in law enforcement. Dennis and his wife, Amy, founded their travel agency in 2015 with the motto, 'We serve those who serve.'PostCard Travel Planning's annual first responders' cruise honors first responders, but you don't have to be one to join the fun, which will include a private cocktail party recognition event, a scavenger hunt, slot pulls, and other activities. Along with special events and activities, the first responders' cruise package includes an unlimited open bar adult drink package, $100 onboard credit per cabin, up to two specialty dining experiences, and more. Special pricing for the first responders' cruise is available until June 25. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Epoch Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
American Music Awards Partners With Easy Day Foundation to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day
The 2025 American Music Awards will honor more than just this year's most influential artists. Airing for the first time on Memorial Day, the fan-voted award show will also pay tribute to some of the nation's greatest heroes— U .S. veterans. The AMAs partnered with the Easy Day Foundation to shine a national spotlight on former military and active-duty personnel while raising funds for the veteran community. Founded in 2023 by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Las Vegas-based grant-making nonprofit helps service members transition to civilian life by providing funding and resources to partner organizations that support veterans. The charity serves as the first official foundation partner of the AMAs, which will air live on May 26 during Military Appreciation Month on CBS and Paramount+. A portion of the award show's ticket sales will benefit the Easy Day Foundation. The program will also feature several in-show fundraising moments for some of the nonprofit's beneficiaries, including the Folded Flag Foundation, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Boot Campaign, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's Military and Veteran Services Center. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Fertitta said the partnership marks an incredible milestone for his foundation. Related Stories 4/24/2025 10/29/2024 'To now be aligned with the American Music Awards, the world's biggest fan-voted music event, is exactly the kind of platform we've envisioned to fulfill our mission,' he explained. Fertitta, an executive at Red Rock Resorts, said the show will allow the Easy Day Foundation to amplify its message on a broader scale and be a guiding light for patriotism by building 'community, visibility, and tangible support' for the brave men and women who have risked their lives for this country. 'Our mission at the AMAs is to turn inspiration into impact, and that starts with awareness,' he said. 'We want to inspire a new generation of philanthropic leaders and hope that viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges Veterans face after service and why continued support is so critical.' According to the Moreover, veterans are at an increased risk of developing a substance or alcohol use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 'That's why our partnership with the AMAs is so important,' Fertitta said. 'It amplifies visibility on Easy Day Foundation's three mission pillars—mental health, job placement, and family support, which directly address the urgent needs of those who have served and sacrificed.' Gyulay noted that his foundation's efforts go far beyond raising awareness for the struggles many veterans face each day. 'It's about action,' he told The Epoch Times. 'Ultimately, real change starts with understanding, and our goal is to shed visibility on the crucial need for support as veterans transition from military to civilian life.' In addition to fundraising opportunities, Gyulay said the 2025 AMAs will also feature special performances tied to themes of service, resilience, and unity. 'What's most important to us is that Veterans aren't just being talked about, they're being included, front and center,' he said. 'This show is for them. And we hope it sparks a wave of compassion and commitment that lasts far beyond the broadcast.' The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by singer Jennifer Lopez, will air on CBS and Paramount+. Courtesy the American Music Awards Veteran television personality Dick Clark launched the AMAs in 1974. This year's show, hosted by singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, will take place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a luxury resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The broadcast will mark the award show's return to television for the first time in almost three years, following the expiration of its previous contract with ABC. Presenters will include actress Cara Delevingne, singer Ciara, and comedians Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, and Wayne Brady. A variety of entertainers are slated to take the stage, including country stars Blake Shelton and Lainey Wilson, rising pop-rock star Benson Boone, and Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan, who will be performing at the AMAs for the first time in more than 30 years. Singer-songwriter Janet Jackson is also expected to perform, marking her first television performance in almost a decade. The 11-time AMA-winner will receive the show's prestigious ICON Award, which is given to artists whose music has had a significant cultural and global influence on the music industry. British singer Rod Stewart will take home the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his nearly six-decade career.
