A community-wide blood drive to follow veteran breakfast with MASH stars on November 11

A packed Veterans Day is in store for the final day of Heroes Homecoming III, hosted by The Army’s Army.   Cast members from the TV show MASH will kick off the day by serving breakfast to nearly 100 Community Living Center veterans at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center (VAMC).  A community-wide blood drive, hosted by the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center will also take place Monday, beginning at 10am and continuing through the afternoon at multiple locations.

The Army’s Army, in partnership with The American Legion Auxiliary will sponsor a special pancake breakfast for the residents of the VAMC’s Community Living Center.  Marking the last stop on their visit to Fayetteville, Loretta Swit (Margaret “Hotlips” Houlihan), Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger), and William Christopher (Father Mulcahy) will prepare and serve pancakes, and then spend time visiting with the veterans while they enjoy their meal.

“We are immensely grateful to Loretta, Jamie, and William for not only joining us at Heroes Homecoming, but for participating in events like this where they can interact at such a deep and meaningful level with the soldiers and veterans of our community,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army.

Helping to encourage local residents and visitors to perform the critical service of donating blood, the first annual Veterans Day community-wide blood drive will kick-off at the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center at 10:00am and run through 3:00pm. Participants can give blood at one of two locations – the Donor Center or the Chick-Fil-A at 1921 Skibo Road. All donors will receive a coupon for a free sandwich at Chick-Fil-A. Donors can also register to win a number of raffle prizes, including $50 gift cards from Renaissance European Day Spa, a $25 gift card for Luigi’s, a 30 day membership for the SPA Fitness & Wellness Center at Bordeaux, and several large insulated tote bags.

“We are thrilled to be taking on a special role in this year’s Heroes Homecoming celebration,” commented Mary Fisher, Special Events Coordinator of the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center. “Blood donation is giving the gift of life, and what better way is there to thank and celebrate those who risk their lives for our freedom every day?”

For more information on Heroes Homecoming III, and for a full event itinerary, visit: www.heroeshomecoming.com

About Heroes Homecoming:
Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County created Heroes Homecoming as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all veterans for their courage, their sacrifice and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. Fayetteville has hosted Heroes Homecoming since 2011, helping it to become the largest commemoration and reunion of its kind. From concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies, all of the events at Heroes Homecoming recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave veterans. For more information, please visit www.hereoshomecoming.com

About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217.

About The Army’s Army: 
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com

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