LaChance Golf Tournament

I just got home from the John La Chance Memorial "heroes" Golf Tournament. This was a amazingly organized golf tournament in King George VA. The LaChance family did a remarkable job. The spirit and energy of those who attend was amazing. I was lucky enough to get on the son and son-in-law's team. Although we didn't win, we had a lot of good laughs (mostly about my golf game.) I had a great time.

It was a great tournament to honor John and his years of service to our great nation and his life as a father, husband and a friend. CSAH is proud to be selected as the friends of the LaChance family.

I would like to once again thank all who attend and most importantly I would like to thank Pat LaChance and her team for her hard work in making the day a huge success.

- B.J. Jackson, National Spokesman and Events Coordinator

Reid Home Update #4

The remodeled bathroom for wounded sailor Pete Reid is coming along nicely. Only a few more weeks and the project will finally be completed. Here are the most recent pictures from the bathroom that is being renovated to accommodate Pete and his wheelchair.

Vets in California, Welcome Home!

From Military.com:
The Department of Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with the State of California Employment Development Department and NASA is planning the first annual, "VA Welcome Home Event 2008". This is event is to welcome home local service members and veterans who have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and let them know about all the services and benefits available to them as they transition back to civilian life.

This special homecoming will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Chase Park, which is located on historic Moffett Field, CA.

For more information, call (888) 482-HERO (4376) or visit the VA website.

NBC Nightly News

Naomi Kraima is one strong warrior and amazing mom. We had the privilege of meeting her and her three beautiful children at the Road to Recovery Conference in Orlando this past December.

This week marks the five year anniversary of the war in Iraq and NBC Nightly News is sharing the stories of those who have fought. In conjunction with a partnership with Camp C.O.P.E., we have been working with NBC to put together this story that aired on last night's newscast. We are so proud of the story but even more so of Naomi and her strong children.

Please take a few minutes to read the article and watch the piece for yourself.

Read the report, "Mommy's Different Now" , from Maria Menounos, NBC News contributing correspondent and watch the online report.

Learn more about Camp C.O.P.E.


Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

Wii and TVs

I love days like today because they remind me how much I love my job! The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes joined forces with other groups and were able to donate Wii's and flat screen TV's to the Micheal E. DeBakey Houston VA. These will be used to help wounded troops in rehab. Here are some pictures from today's event:





































Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director Family Support Network

Reid's Home - Update #3

Done Right Contracting sent in more pictures of their progress to the Reid's home. Looks like they are well on their way to finishing up in early April, as they promised. Here are some shots of the extension, safe room and drywall. The Reid's are very happy that these adaptations are finally being taken care of, thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters.






























Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director Family Support Network

Battlemind

A new program called has been created to help troops prepare for PTSD before they are deployed. "Battlemind" training hopes to aid soldiers and families by preparing them before they leave for war about issues they may endure, as well as problems upon return home after deployment.

Mental health advisory teams have conducted extensive surveys, which are leading to changes in the way mental health services are delivered in combat. Learn more about "Battlemind" at Miltary.com.

Future Entrepreneurs, This Is For You

Last year we were thrilled to send troops from our team to the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans. Today we learned that the program, which started at the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University, was so successful that it has expanded to three other universities: Texas A&M, UCLA and Florida State University.

You can read up on the program here.

Eligible vets can access http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/apply.asp to apply.

Peace & Love,
- Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

The Reid Home Will Finish Up Soon

Great news. Just heard from Done Right Contracting, the construction company working on the Reid home, that the project will be done the first week in April. We are so excited that Pete will soon be able to get around his own house a little easier, thanks to the wonderful folks at Done Right. Read the post "Reid Home Update #1" to catch up on the project. Here are the most pictures from the adaptations:




























Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

The People of Bondurant Rock!

Now that I am completely rested from the craziness of this weekend, I wanted to share the good news with all of you. The good people of Bondurant, IA raised nearly $7,000 for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes on Friday night! We had a great support from the local media, too, as all four TV stations came out to cover the event. Watch stories from WOI (click on the link "banding together" and WHO.

Thank you to all of you who contributed and volunteered. I've found my calling helping folks around the country help my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, so I have issued a challenge to our spokespeople to organize similar events in their hometowns. We'll see who takes me up on that. More on that to come .... ;-)

Until next time,
Donny

- Donny Daughenbaugh, National Spokesman & Event Coordinator